Ethnobotanical Study Among the B'laans of Sarangani Province: Basis for a Resource Manual

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

This study primarily aims to collect information from local populations concerning the different medicinal plants used by the B'laans of Sarangani Province for the different treatment of common diseases.

METHODS

It had three phases. The ethnographic phase conducted from September 2011 to January 2012 which involved extensive fieldworks focusing on the usage of plants by the B'laans of Sarangani Province. The laboratory phase which focused on the assessment of the antimicrobial properties of the plants, the toxicity screening and the determination of the secondary metabolites through phytochemical screening. The third phase is on the development of the resource manual based on the series of a survey conducted.

RESULTS

Results show that there were 86 plant species that were identified by the B'laan healers to have medicinal properties. Twenty four were prescribed for respiratory system diseases, 28 for the digestive system, 21 for the integumentary system, 28 for the circulatory system and 14 for the disorders of the nervous system. Most of these plants have already been documented for their medicinal properties by authorities in the study of Philippine MedicinalPlants. They are classified into 45 families of varied taxonomic properties. Families Leguminosae, Euphorbiaceae, Gramineae and Compositae have the most number of representative species. Leaves are commonly used in the process of preparation. A decoction is commonly prepared for the said leaves and is taken internally. Other plant parts like roots and bark are also used by the healers.In terms of distribution, Artemisia vulgaris L., which is intentionally propagated is the densest while Chromolaena odorata (Linn.) King & H. Rob, Euphorbia hirta Linn, and Imperata cylindrica L. Beauv are the most abundant considering their highly invasive characteristics which ensure their reproductive success. More than half of the plants identified are not intentionally propagated; rather they are just allowed to grow within the vicinity. In terms of antimicrobial activity, the three bacterial species specifically Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli and the two fungal species namely Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans show sensitivity to the 10 plants that were subjected to antimicrobial assays. Some plants do not possess antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Toxicity levels in terms of LC50 varied, with Ficus sp. and C. odorata display the highest toxicity. All six secondary metabolites namely saponins, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, leucoanthocyanins, and steroids are present in Ervatamia pandacaqui (Poir.) Pichon, Antidesma ghaesembilla Gaertn. Va. Ghaesembilla and Ficussp.

DISCUSSIONS

The researcher recommends that a similar Ethnobotanical investigation be done to other ethnic groups and that other plants that were identified be subjected to the different assays to establish their antibacterial and antifungal activities, toxicity level and the active secondary metabolites present.