Philippine E-Journals

Conservation Database on Medicinal Plants of the Malaueg Community in Rizal, Cagayan, Northern Philippines

Ramelo Jr B Ramirez | Julius T. Capili

Discipline: Ecology

 

Abstract:

The researchers aimed to document the medicinal plants of the indigenous people group in Rizal, Cagayan, Philippines, the Malaueg community. Specifically, the study aimed to: (1) conduct an inventory of the medicinal plants used by the indigenous people group to include their local names, folkloric medicinal use, plant part used, and process of preparation; (2) collect plants for initial identification by taxonomists; (3) document the plants through photographs; and (4) establish a conservation database on medicinal plants utilized by the indigenous people group. The inventory was done through interviews with the community leaders and members including the “medicine men.” Collection of specimen was conducted for taxonomic classification by the National Museum, and photographs of the plants were taken. Results of the study showed that out of the 77 plant species identified by the indigenous people group in the three survey areas, the plant families Fabaceae and Poaceae had the most number of representatives. Of the total of 45 folkloric uses, the most common ailments treated are hypertension, stomachache, wounds, fever, arthritis, urinary tract infection and cough. Almost 80 percent of the plants surveyed used their leaves as sources of traditional medicine. Most of them were prepared by plant decoction and plant extraction.