Ethnomedicinal Plants in Lanao del Sur
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saripnorfaisalb11Ethnomedicinal Plants in Lanao del Sur
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Powered by AIIn Sitio Tokasan and Sitio Kompanya, a total of thirty-eight plant species were identified, belonging to twenty-six families and thirty-six genera. The Asteraceae family had the most number of species used, including Damong Maria, Wild sunflower, Pisau-pisau, Hagonoi, and Paragis . These plants are significant to local medicinal practices as they are utilized to treat various ailments such as loose bowel movement, cough, fever, arthritis, and others . Six plant species commonly used as primary medicines in both Sitios include Mamaan, Rapa, Abokado, Gumamela, Saging, and Kape .
The diversity of plant growth habits, which includes seven trees, five shrubs, twenty-five herbs, and one palm, contributes significantly to the ethnomedicinal practices by providing a wide array of resources that can be utilized for various treatments. This diversity allows for a range of treatments for different ailments, reflecting adaptation to the local environment and resource availability . Each category might offer different types of medicinal properties due to their varied physical and chemical characteristics, affecting their application and effectiveness in traditional medicine .
The presence of plant species such as Mamaan, Rapa, Abokado, Gumamela, Saging, and Kape in both Sitios suggests they hold significant utilitarian and cultural importance within the community . Their utilization as primary medicines indicates these plants are trusted and effective solutions to common health issues, reflecting deeply rooted cultural practices . Their widespread use also indicates a shared knowledge base and cultural values related to these species' medicinal properties .
The study highlights that ecological factors like habitat availability and plant adaptability influence plant distribution, with twenty-one species in Sitio Kompanya and twenty-four in Sitio Tokasan . Socio-cultural factors, such as traditional uses and community reliance on certain plants, also dictate distribution as practitioners may cultivate or preserve plants of higher socio-cultural importance . Thus, the interplay between ecological potential and cultural importance determines plant presence and prominence in each Sitio .
The conservation status of plant species affects their utilization since critically endangered or endangered plants may be at risk of overharvesting, which could lead to further population decline. For example, Saging (Musa textilis Nee) is classified as Critically Endangered and Kape (Coffea arabica Linn) is Endangered . These statuses imply a need for sustainable harvesting and conservation efforts to ensure continued availability for medicinal use .
Several recommendations were made: 1) Local Government Units and various concerned agencies should assess and verify the effectiveness of existing medicinal plant species . 2) Good practices in ethnobotanical knowledge should be promoted to preserve these traditions for future generations . 3) Further studies should be conducted to discover more plant species with medicinal properties . 4) Documentation of these species should be developed within the community with local leaders' involvement and LGUs' assistance .
Conducting further research on undiscovered medicinal plant species could significantly impact the region by uncovering new treatments and enriching the current understanding of local flora's medicinal potential. It might lead to new economic opportunities through sustainable utilization and cultivation practices . Furthermore, it could strengthen cultural identity and support conservation efforts by highlighting the value of biodiversity and traditional knowledge, encouraging preservation efforts both ecologically and culturally .
The use-value indicator is significant as it quantifies the relative importance and frequency of use of medicinal plant species within a community, reflecting their integral role in traditional medicine . The species with the highest use values in Barangay Sawer were Bayaba, Kapal, Rambayoa, and Kalawag, each with a value of 0.28, indicating their abundance and frequent utilization .
Out of thirty-eight identified plants, twenty-two are cultivated, thirteen are wild, and three are both, indicating a blend of management strategies. Cultivated plants suggest managed and sustainable use with potential for larger scale or controlled harvests. In contrast, wild plants may indicate reliance on natural propagation and foraging practices . This balance suggests a strategic approach to resource management, ensuring availability and conservation of diverse species while potentially preserving wild habitats .
Ethnobotanical knowledge plays a crucial role in preserving cultural practices by acting as a repository of traditional knowledge, which is passed down through generations. The study suggests that promoting these practices helps conserve cultural identity and ensures the ongoing utilization of local plant resources for medicinal purposes . By documenting and formalizing these practices, it reinforces their legitimacy and encourages their continuation in the face of modernization and potential knowledge loss .