Ethnobotanical investigation of traditionally used phytomedicines in Jabitehnan district, West Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia.

Ethiopia is renowned for its diverse phytomedicinal resources, with traditional knowledge forming a cornerstone of primary healthcare, particularly in rural areas. In the Jabitehnan district of West Gojjam Zone, communities depend extensively on medicinal plants to manage various health conditions. However, documentation of this knowledge and the associated plant species remains limited, while environmental degradation and modernization continue to threaten their sustainability. This study aims to document the medicinal plant species used in the district, examine knowledge variations across age and gender, and evaluate conservation challenges affecting these resources. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Data were collected from 90 informants through semi-structured interviews, field observations, group discussions, and guided walks. Analytical tools including fidelity level (FL), informant consensus factor (ICF), preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, and Jaccard similarity index were employed to assess the cultural significance and conservation status of the documented species. Statistical analyses (independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and correlation) were performed using R software to explore differences in ethnobotanical knowledge among informant groups. The study identified 95 medicinal plant species belonging to 88 genera and 53 families. Most were used to treat gastrointestinal issues, respiratory infections, skin ailments, and reproductive health problems. Asteraceae and Fabaceae were the most represented families, and shrubs were the predominant growth form. Leaves were the most commonly used plant part, prepared mainly by pounding and squeezing. Oral administration was the primary mode of application. The highest ICF was recorded for skin-related ailments (0.87), and Kalanchoe petitiana A. Rich. showed a high FL (0.92) for wound treatment. Ethnobotanical knowledge varied significantly by informant groups (P < 0.05). Major threats to medicinal plant availability included deforestation, agricultural expansion, and unsustainable harvesting. The findings underscore the vital role of traditional medicine in local healthcare and highlight the urgent need to safeguard both the plant species and the cultural knowledge tied to them. Strengthening intergenerational knowledge transfer, promoting sustainable use, and implementing community-based conservation strategies are essential for the long-term preservation of these resources. Additionally, the study supports further pharmacological and phytochemical research on the identified species to validate and enhance their medicinal applications.