Survey on ethnopharmacology of medicinal plants in Iloilo, Philippines

Abstract

This study aimed to (1) categorize the diversity of medicinal plants in Tigbauan, Iloilo, Philippines based on their taxonomic rank; (2) document the traditional uses, preparations and applications of medicinal plants (ethnopharmacology) by the local community; (3) determine the distribution, morphological forms, habitat and values of indigenous medicinal plant resources in Tigbauan, Iloilo; and lastly identify and enumerate the medicinal uses of each identified indigenous plants. Ethnopharmacological and taxonomic data of indigenous medicinal plants were collected in the study site through semi-structured interview and snowball sampling methods among knowledgeable elders, gardeners, healers, and traders. The taxonomic classification of the indigenous medicinal plants in Tigbauan, Iloilo was based on Cronquist's System of classification. A total of 101 species, grouped within 92 genera, 44 families and 27 orders. The medicinal plants were described according to preparation techniques, mode of application, administration route, growth forms, habitat distribution, abundance and medicinal uses. Results showed a diversity of medicinal plants, traditional and ethnopharmacological knowledge about the uses, preparations and applications present and maintained among the Tigbauenos. This study allowed the identification of many high value and high priority medicinal plant species, indicating high potential for economic development through sustainable collection and trade.