Ethiopian Herbal Drugs for Hepatic Disorders

More than 7200 species of plants, 12-19% of they are endemic, are reported in Ethiopia. Nearly 80% of its people used such plants for various health ailments, including hepatic disorders. Hence, this review examined the use patterns of traditional medicinal plants utilized for hepatic disorders in Ethiopia for further studies. Ethnobotanical and related studies were reviewed using online internet and manual search engines. The review showed that 276 plant species belonging to 89 families were used. The commonly utilized families were Asteraceae, Fabaceae, and Euphorbiaceae. Justicia schimperiana, Croton macrostachyus, and Phytolacca dodecandra were among the most utilized plant species. Herbs, shrubs, and trees were their growth forms, while leaves and roots were their commonly utilized parts. Pounding and decoction were the major techniques for their preparations, which were mainly administered orally. Hence, further experimental research is recommended to standardize their quality and phytochemistry and validate their safety and efficacy. Documentation and preservation of indigenous herbal knowledge have also been strengthened.