Medicinal plants traditionally used to treat human ailments in Ethiopia: A systematic review

Introduction: Traditional healers in Ethiopia use medicinal plants to manage human ailments. The aim of this review was to compile a comprehensive document on medicinal plants so far studied by ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological surveys in Ethiopia. Methods: Literatures published from 2010 to 2022 specifically on ethnobotanical use were assessed for eligibility based on defined criteria. The data on scientific and local name, habit, plant parts used, preparation methods, route of administration, and ailments were extracted and summarized. Results: A total of 525 medicinal plants were distributed to 113 families and 333 genera were recorded from the 59 eligible studies. Fabaceae (49 species), Asteraceae (43 species), Lamiaceae (34 species), and Euphorbiaceae (22 species) were the most dominant plant families. Aloe (16 species), Acacia (12 species), Euphorbia (11 species), and Solanum (11 species) were the utmost represented plant genera. Foeniculum vulgare was the most common plant species used to treat numerous types of ailments in five different regions. The highest number of species was from Southern nations and nationalities (140), Amhara (121), and Oromia (117). Herbs (207), and shrubs (156) shared the top accounted growth form while leaves (227) and roots (116) were the utmost common plant part used. Most of the plant materials were prepared by crushing and decoction and administered orally. Foeniculum vulgare, Acokanthera shimper, Allium sativum, and Carissa spinarum were the most used to treat various types of ailments. Many medicinal plants were used to treat wounds, malaria, stomachache, and diarrhea. Conclusion: This review publicized certain highlights very important medicinal plants throughout the regions of Ethiopia, based on ethnobotanical uses in the healthcare system that needed validation for their phytochemical contents and pharmacological properties.