EC Pharmacology and Toxicology

A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2018 to June 2019 in the central highlands of Ethiopia to assess the plants used to treat rabies-infected humans by traditional healers in the West and North Shoa zones. Eight woredas were purposefully chosen from each zone based on ethnobotanical potential. From each woreda, two potential kebeles were included. Each kebele's animal health and/or animal science practitioners chose all traditional healers and farmers who were knowledgeable about plants having anti-rabies. Accordingly, 170 farmers and 11 traditional healers were selected. A total of 17 species belonging to 15 families and 23 unidentified traditional plants having anti-rabies effects were assessed in this study. Regarding the preparation of medicinal plants for rabies treatment, various combinations of different traditional plants were utilized. They give it to both victims orally, whether they show clinical signs or not. The remedies are taken with water, skimmed milk, areki, enjera, meat, and the shell of a snail. Most of the cases of rabies were cured by traditional healers. In conclusion, potential traditional plants used by traditional healers to treat rabies must be assessed in different parts of the country and selected plants must be evaluated in vitro and in vivo.

Keywords: Human; Rabies; Traditional Healers; Traditional Plant

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