The contribution of herbal medicine to the welfare of local communities

Abstract

Most local people in developing countries depend largely on medicinal plants to treat common diseases compared to modern medical services. To assess the contribution of medicinal plants to the welfare of local communities surrounding Dur~aitemba in Babati district, we carried out a study using PRA and household surveys in forty-five randomly selected households. It was found that local people use medicinal plants directly to cure common diseases, and indirectly as symbols to settle psychological and moral sicknesses. In both cases, it was found out that roots were the dominant plant part used. The frequency with which the various parts of the plant are used for medicine ranges from 37% for roots, ~% for leaves, 2()% for barls, 5% for exudates, 5% for fruits, and 1% for flowers, spines and wood. The excessive use of roots for medication may threaten the ecosystem since plants are often destroyed completely. The study found that seven species are threatened and/or are very rare in this woodaand as a result of over~exploitation for medicinal uses. These include Achyranti"s aspera, Zanthaxylurn chalybeu~n, Euphorbia tir"calh; Coininiphora africai~, Cordia afficana, Mimosa pudica and Tenninaha serio'a