Ethnobotanical Documentation of Medicinal Plants Used by Indigenous People

in San Toribio, Esperanza, Agusan Del Sur

A Mixed Method Research

presented to the Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Bayugan National Comprehensive High School
Division of Bayugan City

in partial fulfillment of the requirements in

Inquiries, Investigation, and Immersion

Diploma, Hannah
Lamoste, Mardenan
Layno, Cycris Anne
Marquez, Marc Efriel
Obrial, Clark
Quimpan, Woame
Santiago, Maria Bianca

Grade 12- Kepler

Crystelle Anne Montera

Research Adviser
 CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Throughout history, humanity has depended on plant life for

fundamental needs and sustained existence. In Ethiopia, a recent study by

Mekonnen et al. (2022) revealed that eighty percent (80%) of the human

population in the study depends on traditional medicine, mostly herbal

remedies, for healthcare, and ninety percent (90%) of livestock rely on

traditional medicines. Additionally, most medicinal plants are sourced from

endangered wild habitats. Understanding the function of plants in past and

present societies is necessary to examine human life on Earth. Even today,

plants and their vital pollinators support our existence and survival. This

critical situation and a significant detail require prompt attention and action

from all researchers to explore Indigenous communities' traditional

medicinal plant knowledge.

According to Alexiades (2018), ethnobotany is the study of human-

plant interactions, encompassing how plants are perceived, labeled, and

classified, along with the symbolic and practical aspects of their cultivation,

gathering, handling, and utilization. Several studies highlight the

significance of documenting the plant species as medicinal plants for the

preservation of cultural heritage (Asiimwe et al., 2021), and scientific

validation and drug development (Hernández et al., 2022). According to a

study funded by Asiimwe et al. (2021), in the communities around Mabira

and Mpanga Central Forest, Uganda, the ethnobotanical survey of medicinal

plants used in cancer management in Uganda not only highlights the

medicinal potential of the plants but also plays a crucial role in preserving

cultural heritage. By identifying one hundred twenty-one (121) plant species

and the methods of preparation of traditional medicine practitioners, the

study reinforces the importance of cultural heritage in health and medicine,

ensuring that the wisdom of past generations continues to inform

contemporary practices. Moreover, Hernández et al. (2020) conclude that

scientific validation through pharmacological studies is essential for

establishing the efficacy and safety of herbal medicines, supporting their

traditional uses in modern healthcare. The study emphasizes the integration

of ethnomedicine with contemporary scientific methodologies and the

importance of rigorous experimental approaches to demonstrate these

products' mechanisms of action and safety. Additionally, scientific

validation of ethnomedicinal knowledge is essential for transforming

traditional plant uses into effective modern therapies (Pirintsos et al., 2022).

Globally, this field has gained significant attention due to its

implications for biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and

cultural heritage preservation (Pei et al., 2020). Several studies conducted

worldwide provide significant evidence to support this statement.

Specifically, a study conducted by Rao et al. (2022), in tribal communities

of Pushprajgarh block of Anuppur District, Madhya Pradesh, Central India,

revealed ninety-eight (98) plant species are widely used in traditional

medicine and hold significant cultural importance. It also highlights that this

knowledge is crucial for preserving traditional practices and biodiversity in

the region. Preserving traditional knowledge is essential for maintaining

cultural identity and heritage, as Indigenous languages and practices are

deeply woven into the community's sense of belonging and identity

(Victoria, 2022). In addition, a survey of ethnobotanical and ethnomedicine

was conducted in the Mt. Stara Planina region of South-eastern Serbia,

Western Balkans, the researchers identified one hundred thirty-six (136)

medicinal plant taxa and one lichen species highlighting the rich Phyto-

diversity and traditional knowledge of the local population regarding the

plants. It emphasizes the importance of documenting and preserving

traditional ecological knowledge of these plants, as it plays an important

role in sustaining local biodiversity and cultural heritage (Jarić et al., 2024).

Medicinal plants are diverse and abundant in the Philippines, as it is

part of the country’s culture and tradition to use herbs for remedies and

other medical needs rather than buying expensive drugs. Ethnobotanical

studies in the Philippines are essential for preserving the rich cultural

heritage of diverse indigenous communities. The traditional knowledge of

using plants for medicinal purposes is deeply ingrained in Filipino customs

and practices. Several studies conducted in the Philippines show the vibrant

diversity of the country. Madjos and Ramos (2021) conducted a study in

different ethnolinguistic groups in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Mindanao,

Philippines. The researchers found and identified a medicinal plant species

with a total of two hundred eight (208) belonging to seventy-four (74)

families across all groups studied. This study includes Sambong (Blumea

balsamifera), and Guyabano (Annona muricata). Sambong (Blumea

balsamifera) is extensively used as a medicinal plant by all ethnolinguistic

groups in the study, with its use being at 100%, for treating various common

ailments like coughs and colds, stomachaches, postpartum care, urinary tract
infections, dysmenorrhea, and amenorrhea. Also, Guyabano (Annona

muricata) from the Annonaceae family is commonly used to treat diabetes,

hypertension, and cancer. Similarly, documentation of medicinal plants used

by the Ati tribe in Malay, Aklan, Philippines. The investigation found that

the Ati tribe used one hundred six (106) medicinal plant species from forty-

eight (48) families and ninety-five (95) genera to treat sixty-two (62)

diseases belonging to fourteen (14) categories. The family Asteraceae had

the highest representation with ten (10) species. Leaves and roots were the

most frequently used plant parts, and the most common method of

preparation was decoction. From these studies, Indigenous people were

chosen to be the population due to their unique knowledge, the need for

cultural preservation, ethical research practices, implications for health and

well-being, and contributions to sustainable development (Packer et al.,

2019).

The CARAGA region of the Philippines is one of the mainland and

also has the largest population of Indigenous people specifically the

Manobo tribe, particularly in the province of Agusan del Sur known as the

Agusan Manobo (Reyes et al. 2017). A recent study shows that the Manobo

tribe of ADS, Philippines, exhibits a rich ethnomedicinal tradition, utilizing

a diverse array of medicinal plants. It successfully identified one hundred

twenty-two (122) medicinal plant species. The study provides a

comprehensive overview of their uses and cultural significance within ten

(10) barangays of Bayugan City, five (5) barangays in Sibagat, and four (4)

barangays in Esperanza. Notably, Lamiaceae was the most represented

family followed by Asteraceae, Moraceae, and Fabaceae (Dapar, Alejandro,

et al., 2020). On top of that, in a study conducted by Mesa and Pondevida

(2022) in Barangay Mabuhay and Ugnop Landscape, Prosperidad, ADS,

Philippines. Lamiaceae is also the most significant family in the study with

six (6) species. Many Lamiaceae species contain compounds that reduce

inflammation in the respiratory tract, which can alleviate cough symptoms,

what’s more, the essential oils from these plants often possess strong

antimicrobial properties, helping to combat infections that may cause

coughing (Mamadalieva et al., 2017). These studies indicate that the Agusan

Manobo tribe continues to observe traditional knowledge. Additionally,

their preservation of traditional practices plays a vital role in maintaining

their cultural heritage for future generations.

San Toribio, Esperanza, Agusan Del Sur has a population of 276

Indigenous people specifically the Manobo tribe according to their

Indigenous Person Mandatory Representative. The researchers choose that

place to gain a reliable source and answers in the study. Also, this study

focuses on the accessibility, availability, and security of the barangay. The

location has limited healthcare supplies and facilities, especially for remote

locations. As a result, the long-standing use of medicinal plants is still

practiced in the area.

While numerous studies have been conducted on ethnobotanical

research in the municipality, no comprehensive ethnobotanical

documentation has been published in this specific location. The goal of this

research study is to document local medicinal plant use traditions and

encourage the preservation of previously undocumented information for

future generations. Indigenous peoples' traditional knowledge of medicinal

 plants and their uses is not only important for biodiversity conservation and

cultural traditions, but also for communal healthcare and drug development

in the past, present, and future. The need to preserve ethnobotanical

knowledge motivated us to conduct this study using structured and semi-

structured questionnaires and interviews.

1.2 LITERATURE REVIEW

Ethnobotanical Survey on Medicinal Plants used by the Manobo

Tribe of Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental, Philippines

This study highlighted the leaves of the medicinal plants are the

most used parts and are prepared by decoction before administration to the

specific ailments. According to Rachkeeree et al. (2018), leaves store a large

amount of chemical compounds through photosynthesis, such as alkaloids,

coumarin, essential oils, flavonoids, and tannins, which are key elements in

many herbal preparations in significant amounts. Previous ethnobotanical

surveys in the Philippines reported leaves as the most frequently used plant

parts. The utilization of leaves for medicinal usage is common, as reported

by previous ethnobotanical studies of Indigenous tribes (Morilla et al, 2014).

The study shows that 86.07% of the respondents were 46 years old and

older, while the remaining 13.03% were under 45 years old. The researchers

identified forty-one (41) species from twenty-eight (28) families identified

to have medicinal properties Psidium guajava being the most cited and

Moringa oleifera having the highest usage value. According to Dapar and

Victor (2022), it is important to consider the conservation status of these

plant species, as many are threatened or endangered, necessitating urgent

protective measures.

Quantitative ethnobotanical study of medicinal flora used by local

inhabitants in selected Barangay of Malinao, Albay, Philippines

The study on medicinal flora in selected barangays of Malinao,

Albay, Philippines, systematically documents and quantifies the use of local

medicinal plants, offering valuable insights into traditional healing practices.

As urbanization and modernization increasingly influence local

communities, there is a pressing need to record and preserve indigenous

knowledge before it is lost. By analyzing the medicinal plants used by local

inhabitants, the study not only protects cultural heritage but also provides

empirical data that could inform future pharmacological research. This

research highlights the importance of preserving traditional knowledge

while contributing to the broader understanding of medicinal plant use and

its potential applications in contemporary medicine. The work is significant

because it carefully documents and quantifies the medicinal uses of regional

plants, preserving priceless customary knowledge that may be lost if

contemporary methods take precedence. It preserves cultural practices by

recording which plants are used and how often, and it also offers a strong

foundation for future research into developing new treatments.

An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants and traditional therapies

on Batan Island, Philippines

This ethnobotanical study on Batan Island, Philippines, aims to

preserve and document traditional medicinal knowledge that is at risk of

 being lost due to increasing urbanization and the shift toward Western

medicine. By identifying 112 plant species used to treat 13 ailments. The

research highlights the cultural and medical significance of these practices,

which have remained intact through the island’s isolation. The study’s

findings, including the high informant consensus factors (ICF) for ear and

respiratory diseases, and the use of plants like Carica papaya and Hibiscus

rosa-sinensis, not only safeguard valuable indigenous knowledge but also

open avenues for potential pharmacological research, which could benefit

broader healthcare practices. According to Popova et al. (2021), Carica

papaya has a rich nutrient profile, including vitamins and antioxidants,

suggesting potential benefits in enhancing immune function. This

documentation preserves Indigenous knowledge and could lead to new

treatments for global healthcare.

1.3 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This ethnobotanical study seeks to document the medicinal plant

used by the Manobo people of San Toribio, Esperanza, Agusan Del Sur,

specifically, it aims to answer the following questions:

1. What is the demographic profile of the respondents?

1.1 Respondents Age.

2. What are the plants used for traditional medicine in this area?

2.1. Specific parts of the plants used for medical purposes.

2.2 Primary medicinal uses of the plant.

2.3 Botanical family does the plant belong.

3. How do the Manobo people typically prepare the plants for medical use?
 4. What are the modes of application of these medicinal plants?

5. What is the current conservation status of the plants?

1.4 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Input Process Output

1. Profile of the 1. Collection of data
1. Identification of
Manobo people. through interview
plants with medicinal
a. Age questionnaires.
uses.
2. Plants used for 2. Analysis of data using
2. Conservation status
traditional medicine in a statistical method of
of the plant (e.g.,
the area. percentage.
endangered,
a. specific part 3. Identify the scientific
threatened, etc.)
b. Medicinal uses name of the plant used
3. Preservation of
3. Preparation of the for medical purposes
traditional knowledge
plants. using Co’s Digital Flora
for future generations.
4. Mode of application of the Philippines.
5. Conservation status. 4. Identifying the
conservation status of
the plant used using
IUCN and DAO-2017.

Figure 1. IPO Paradigm

This framework is designed to identify the medicinal plants used by

the Manobo communities where they have rich traditional knowledge,

cultural practices, and the effectiveness of plant-based remedies. These

inputs are processed through methods, including plant identification,

classification, and expert verification. The outputs of this process include a

comprehensive list of medicinal plants, and the conservation status of each

species, contributing to the preservation of Indigenous knowledge and

promoting biodiversity conservation efforts.

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study aims to contribute and preserve the traditional knowledge

of the Indigenous people in San Toribio, Esperanza, Agusan Del Sur,

regarding the medicinal plants they use. It is important as it helps preserve

cultural heritage and can also contribute to the field of medicine by

providing insights into the use of traditional plants for medicinal purposes.

By documenting and understanding the traditional use of these plants, this

study can also help to support the conservation efforts of medicinal plant

species and their habitats.

To the Manobo people, the results may serve as a big contribution

to the community, by preserving and promoting traditional medicine. Also,

it has the potential to ensure that Indigenous voices are not only heard but

also meaningfully addressed in a culturally sensitive manner.

To the pharmaceutical companies, the results may help to develop

new drugs and pharmaceutical products as this identifies potential new

sources of medicinal compounds and gives insights into the traditional use

and efficacy of these plants.

To the community, the results may be of major importance as this

can provide insights that can raise awareness and enhance and drive the

overall quality of life.

To the Researchers, the findings could be useful for further

research as a contribution to the knowledge of the relevant fields, the

foundation for future research, and the identification of areas of further

study.
1.6 SCOPE AND DELIMITATION OF THE STUDY

The study focuses on documenting the Medicinal Plants Used by

Indigenous people in San Toribio. Purposive sampling will be used to gather

the data from the population. The target respondents were only about 30

Indigenous people in San Toribio, Esperanza, Agusan Del Sur, specifically

the Manobo people with the age range of 40 to 60 years old. Further,

Document these medicinal plants' preparation methods and application for

treating various ailments.

The researchers will conduct the data gathering through interview

questionnaires with the use of face-to-face interaction. The focus of the

study is primarily on medicinal plants and does not encompass other aspects

of traditional knowledge. Lastly, it is limited to the Indigenous people

residing in San Toribio, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, and does not extend to

other Indigenous communities outside San Toribio.

1.7 DEFINITION OF TERMS

Ethnobotanical Knowledge. Ethnobotanical knowledge is the

understanding and information Indigenous people have about plants,

including their uses, preparation, and cultural significance. This study

focuses on capturing the ethnobotanical knowledge of the Manobo tribe.

Ethnobotanical Studies. Ethnobotanical studies in this research

examine the relationship between the Manobo tribe in Purok 8, San Toribio,

ADS, and their use of plants. This includes documenting their traditional

knowledge of medicinal plants, cultural beliefs surrounding these practices,

and sustainable methods of plant use for healthcare. The focus is on

understanding and preserving how the Manobo community utilizes local

flora to address medical needs, thereby contributing to cultural heritage and

potential modern therapeutic applications.

Healthcare Needs. Habit of growth refers to the growth form or

structure of a plant, such as whether it is a tree, shrub, herb, or vine. In this

study, it is used to describe the growth forms of the medicinal plants

documented.

Indigenous people. In this study specifically refers to the Manobo

tribe in San Toribio, Esperanza Agusan Del Sur, who possess unique

traditional knowledge and practices related to medicinal plant use.

Medical Plants. Medicinal plants are species of plants used for their

therapeutic properties to treat various ailments. This study focuses on

documenting the medicinal plants used by the Manobo tribe, including their

vernacular, English, and botanical names, as well as their methods of

preparation and administration.

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medicinal plants in the Mt Stara Planina region (south-eastern Serbia,

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 CHAPTER II

Methodology

2.1 Research Design

This study employs a descriptive research design since according to

Singh (2024) descriptive research design involves observing and recording

traits and behaviors without changing factors or looking for cause-and-effect

connections. This is to describe the detailed information on medicinal plants

used by the Manobo people of San Toribio, Esperanza, Agusan Del Sur. The

information from key informants includes the plant species, local names,

modes of application, conservational status, and the ailments they are

traditionally used to treat. The data will be analyzed using descriptive

statistics to quantify the medicinal plant used. The findings will also be

presented in a comprehensive report, including detailed descriptions of the

medicinal plant, its uses, preparation methods, mode of application, and the

conservational status of the plant.

2.2 SAMPLING DESIGN AND PROCEDURE

This study will utilize purposive sampling since it depends on the

researcher’s judgment and knowledge of the key informants. Key

informants from the Manobo community of San Toribio, Esperanza, Agusan

Del Sur. There will be a total of 30 key informants from that community

who will be interviewed about the ethnomedicinal plants used in their

community.
2.3 PARTICIPANTS OF THE STUDY

The participants of this study are the Manobo people of Esperanza,

Agusan Del Sur, this Manobo people are located at San Toribio, Agusan Del

Sur. The key informants should be 40 to 70 years old. This age range is

selected by the researchers as we examined the study conducted by Dapar,

et al. (2020), which revealed that the older key informants most likely had

more knowledge of medicinal plant uses.

2.4 RESEARCH INSTRUMENT

The goal of this ethnobotanical study that will be conducted in San

Toribio, Esperanza, Agusan Del Sur is to record the therapeutic plants that

the locals use, including which portions of the plants are used, how much of

them are conserved, and what botanical families they belong to. The study

will make use of an interview-based questionnaire that inquires about the

names of the medicinal plants that are now in use, the plant parts that are

utilized for therapeutic purposes, and the ailments that they are intended to

treat. To obtain in-depth, qualitative information directly from community

members with traditional knowledge of medicinal plants, interview

questionnaires will be utilized. This technique makes sure that participants

can describe their methods, give plant names from their area, and offer

contextual information that may not be available through surveys or

literature reviews, among other research approaches. The researchers used

an adopted questionnaire from the study conducted by Cabugatan et al.

(2022). Participants will also be asked to provide their knowledge about the
conservation status of these plants, including if they are protected, farmed,

rare, or abundant, as well as whether they are collected from the wild or not.

2.5 DATA GATHERING AND PROCEDURE

To gather data with this ethnobotanical study that will be conducted

in San Toribio, the researchers will first secure the approval and consent of

local authorities and community leaders to ensure the study respects cultural

and ethical considerations. The researchers will then make and develop an

interview questionnaire, focusing on identifying the medicinal plants used

by the community. The questionnaire will include questions about the

specific uses of these plants in treating various illnesses, the parts of the

plant utilized, and the methods of preparation. Additionally, questions will

explore the methods of application, such as whether the plants are ingested,

applied topically, or used in other ways. This data will provide insights into

the ethnobotanical knowledge and practices within the community.

2.6 DATA ANALYSIS AND TREATMENT

The data in the study will be analyzed using a statistical method of

percentage from the information on the family plants that will be mentioned

by the key informants to determine the most used family plant in the

community. Moreover, this statistical method offers a clearer and more

interpretable way of presenting information. The researcher will use the

IUCN and DAO-2017 to check the conservation status of the plant collected

from the informant and Co’s Digital Flora of the Philippines to identify the

plant's scientific name.

2.7 ETHICAL CONSIDERATION

The ethnobotanical documentation of medicinal plants used by

indigenous people at San Toribio, Esperanza, Agusan Del Sur should

address several aspects. Participants must provide informed consent,

understanding the study's purpose, use of their information, and any risks,

with consent obtained in a culturally appropriate manner. The research

should respect and understand the cultural practices and knowledge of the

indigenous people, approaching the community with sensitivity to their

traditions and customs. The intellectual property rights of the Indigenous

people should be acknowledged and respected, ensuring their traditional

knowledge is not exploited without proper credit and compensation. The

community should benefit from the research, which may include sharing

results. Privacy must be protected by anonymizing data and avoiding the

disclosure of sensitive information. The research process should involve

collaboration and participation, ensuring the community has a voice in the

research and its outcomes. Ethical approval must be obtained from relevant

ethics committees or institutional review boards. The long-term impacts of

the research on the community and their environment should be considered,

ensuring the research contributes positively without leading to negative

consequences for the community.

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