Ethnomedicinal study of medicinal plants used for treatment of urinary tract infections in Mara region, Tanzania

Background: Medicinal plants (MPs) are a valuable inheritance for humanity, especially in most rural communities that rely on them their primary healthcare needs. This study aims to document MPs used by Kuria Traditional Healers (KTH) managing Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) Mara region, Tanzania. Methods: was conducted Tarime and Serengeti districts Region, Ethnobotanical information were collected using semi-structured interviews field walks with 20 KTH from July 2021 February 2022. The focused MPs' names, parts used, preparation, administration of remedies. Descriptive statistics inferential indices performed analyze the data, conservation statuses recorded retrieved IUCN RedList online database. Results: A total twenty belonging 8 families documented. higher number Asteraceae (31.6%), followed Lamiaceae (26.3%) Fabaceae (15.8%). Most shrubs (53%) herbs (37%). Leaves roots (29%) preferred remedy formulation. Decoction (55%) oral route (100%) cited preparation application remedies, respectively. Among MPs, 35% fall within least concern category Gender, age, education level, experience significantly (p < 0.05) affected traditional medicinal knowledge. Conclusion: discloses KTHs have rich knowledge treat UTIs. Their expertise should be validated phytochemical pharmacological studies, practices must conserved future generations. Keywords: Ethnomedicine, indigenous healers, infectious diseases, medicines, UTIs