Harnessing nature: Ethno-botanical insights on plant-based remedies for viral respiratory diseases in Ethiopia

Abstract

Viral diseases pose significant global health challenges mainly affecting the respiratory system, exemplified by Influenza and COVID-19 pandemic, which have strained healthcare systems worldwide that contribute to global morbidity and mortality. This study aims to explore the ethnobotanical knowledge of medicinal plants traditionally used to treat various viral diseases affecting the respiratory system, as practiced by traditional healers and the people of the South Wollo Zone, Ethiopia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 herbalists and 900 informants to gather information on socio-demographic characteristics, local species names, and traditional remedies in use. Additionally, qualitative data were collected through case studies to assess methods for treating respiratory issues. The data were analyzed using the ordinal logistic regression model and chi-square tests. The study identified 17 plant species from 17 genera and 14 families frequently used by herbalists in the South Wollo Zone for preventing and treating viral diseases that predominantly affect the respiratory system. The most commonly mentioned plant was Artemisia afra , followed by Justicia schimperiana, Foeniculum vulgare, Dodonaea angustifolia, Ocimum lamiifolium , and Verbascum sinaiticum . The primary plant parts utilized for herbal preparations were leaves (80.3%) and seeds/fruits (41.25%), with most remedies prepared through infusion. Ethiopian traditional knowledge incorporates numerous medicinal plants for treating various viral infections. Integrating this traditional knowledge with modern healthcare practices could enhance treatment accessibility and effectiveness, highlighting the need for further research into the pharmacological properties of these plants to support their therapeutic use against respiratory diseases.