The Influence of Ethnicity on the Use of Medicinal Plants for Disease Management

Bwensiyo Twebaza H.

Faculty of Science and Technology Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

Ethnicity plays an important role in shaping traditional medical practices, particularly in the use of medicinal plants for disease management. Various ethnic groups have developed unique therapeutic systems, shaped by their cultural beliefs, historical traditions, and environmental factors. This paper examines how ethnicity influences medicinal plant selection, usage, and conservation, emphasizing the intersection between cultural knowledge and healthcare practices. Historical perspectives on ethnopharmacology, ethnobotanical studies, and case studies of different ethnic groups provide insight into the dynamic relationship between medicinal plant use and cultural identity. Additionally, factors such as geography, biodiversity, modernization, and knowledge transmission impact the sustainability of these practices. Understanding the role of ethnicity in medicinal plant usage is essential for promoting culturally inclusive healthcare and preserving traditional medical knowledge.

Keywords: Ethnicity, Medicinal Plants, Traditional Medicine, Ethnopharmacology, Ethnobotany, Cultural Knowledge, Disease Management.

CITE AS: Bwensiyo Twebaza H. (2025). The Influence of Ethnicity on the Use of Medicinal Plants for Disease Management. NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND PHARMACY, 6(1):9-13.  https://doi.org/10.59298/NIJPP/2025/61913