Diversity, Abundance and Threats to Medicinal Plants Used In Management of Respiratory Illnesses in Migori County, Kenya
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Date
2024-11
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Globally, respiratory diseases are responsible for about 8 million annual deaths. In
Kenya, they are responsible for 1.7% of fatalities and are the highest disease
burden. In Kenya, plant species are reported to be utilized to cure respiratory
conditions. However, the diversity of medicinal flora has declined, and some
therapeutic species are in jeopardy of extinction. Many medicinal plant species
also remain undocumented, which could result in both loss of conventional
knowledge plus cultural worth to vulnerable plant species. The study determined
the diversity, abundance, and threats to medicinal herbs in managing respiratory
ailments in three sub-Counties (Suna East, Kuria West, and Kuria East) of Migori
County, Kenya. Structured questionnaires were employed to collect information
on the utilization of medicinal herbs from purposively selected herbalists. The
herbalists gave the local name of the medicinal flora and the plant parts utilized.
Data on the diversity and abundance of medicinal herbs was gathered using the
transect-quadrat approach. Sampling of selected medicinal plants was carried out
in plots measuring 10 x 10 m within which were nested quadrats of 5 x 5 m for
shrub and 1 x 1 m for herbaceous plant species. A total of 15 transects were laid
in the study area. 100 quadrats were used in each study area totalling 300 quadrats.
In every quadrat, a comprehensive survey was conducted and the abundance of
species of medicinal value was recorded. Data on diversity was analyzed using the
Shannon diversity index. The abundance of plants was investigated using the
Berger-parker dominance index. Data obtained from the study was presented in
tables, graphs, and pie charts. The most frequently used families were Asteraceae
(16.1%), Lamiaceae (8.9%), and Fabaceae (7.1%). Plant parts predominantly used
were the leaves (60.7%), roots (25%), and bark (14.3%). The most abundant
species in the three sub-counties were Leucas aspera, Justicia flava, and Toddalia
asiatica. Berger-Parker dominance index for the most abundant species was
highest in Suna East and lowest in Kuria West. The diversity of medicinal plants
was highest in Kuria West and least in Suna East. Threats to medicinal plants
identified in the study included; land reclamation, encroachment of natural
habitats, overharvesting, introduction of exotic trees, and anthropogenic activities
like felling of trees for charcoal and timber. Some of the medicinal herbs identified
from this study should be screened for the advancement of new drugs for
respiratory diseases such as COVID-19 as well as future bio-prospecting
endeavors
Description
A Thesis Submitted In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Science (Plant Ecology) in the School of Pure and Applied Sciences of Kenyatta University November, 2024
Supervisor:
1.Jacinter A. Amadi
2. Emily Wabuyele
3. Onyambu Meshack