Ethnomedicinal plant knowledge of the Manobo indigenous people in Agusan del Sur, Philippines
Paper Details
Ethnomedicinal plant knowledge of the Manobo indigenous people in Agusan del Sur, Philippines
Abstract
This study aimed to document and analyze the medicinal plant species utilized by local residents in the selected municipalities of Agusan del Sur, specifically Bunawan, Trento, and Loreto. A total of ninety-four (94) key informants with substantial knowledge of traditional healing practices were purposively selected and interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. The survey documented ninety-four (94) medicinal plant species used for various health conditions. Leaves were identified as the most frequently utilized plant part. Decoction was the predominant method of preparation, whereas infusion was rarely practiced. Internal application was more common than external use, with oral ingestion (drinking) representing the primary mode of administration. For external treatments, rubbing or topical application in the form of ointment was most frequently reported. In terms of growth forms, herbs and vines comprised the largest proportion of medicinal plants cited. Most species were described as commonly encountered within the local environment. Overall, the findings demonstrate the continued reliance of communities in Agusan del Sur on accessible plant resources for primary healthcare and emphasize the importance of preserving indigenous ethnomedicinal knowledge for future pharmacological research and conservation efforts.
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Ferdinand A. Dumalagan*, 2026. Ethnomedicinal plant knowledge of the Manobo indigenous people in Agusan del Sur, Philippines. J. Biodiv. Environ. Sci., 28(4), 117-128.
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