Use of ethnobotanical criteria for conservation assessment of plants used for respiratory diseases in Lake Victoria region, Tanzania
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Date
2011-10
Authors
Otieno, J. N.
Magadula, J.J.
Kakudidi, E.
Kirimhuzya, C.
Orodho, John Aluko
Okemo, P. O.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Academic Journals
Abstract
The focus of the paper was to use an ethnobotanical approach to identify for conservation, priority
medicinal plants used for respiratory diseases in Lake Victoria region of Tanzania. Recent incidences of
respiratory diseases profoundly affect plant diversity as they lead to selective consumerism of plant
species. Trend of respiratory diseases in Lake Victoria region is alarming due to highest HIV
prevalence. Likewise, a trend in exploitation of medicinal plants for management of respiratory
diseases is alarming. Open ended questionnaires and focus group discussions were used for collecting
ethnobotanical information from 37 traditional health practitioners on the use of herbal remedies
against various respiratory diseases. Guideline by the international union for conservation of nature
(IUCN) medicinal plant specialist group was used to assess qualitative distribution of indicator species
through ethnographic methods. A protocol for conservation assessment management plan was used to
prioritize limited number of species for ex-situ conservation. Ethnobotanical parameters, value – index
and legislation-index were used for scoring in two-dimensional manner. Scoring analysis highly
prioritized non-timber plants including Rubia cordifolia, Crassocephalum manii and Pavetta crassipes
for conservation over timber species. From the findings, it was recommended that conservation
assessment of medicinal plants could be appropriately achieved by considering local uses of plants in
participatory manner.
Description
Available at www.academicjournals.org/ijbc/pdf/.../Otieno%20et%20al.pdf
Keywords
Ethnobotany, conservation assessment, Lake Victoria region, medicinal plants, respiratory diseases, Tanzania
Citation
International Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation Vol. 3(11), pp. 610-617, 19 October, 2011