ETHNOBOTANICAL KNOWLEDGE OF PLANTS AMONG THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF

LIDLIDDA, ILOCOS SUR

Hannah Michaela F. Reyes | Bret Reall D. Lao | Jean Nicholas D. Morillo
Philippine Science High School- Ilocos Region Campus

Introduction

Objectives of the Study

In general, the study aimed to determine the knowledge and understanding of the locals of Lidlidda,
Ilocos Sur when it comes to herbal medicines, medicinal plants, and other medical methods that they use that
includes plants. It wanted to know the factors that may have an effect on the respondents’ knowledge.
Specifically, it sought to know the plant species that are commonly known and used by the respondents,
and be able to identify which part of the certain plant have they often use. Moreover, it wanted identify the
following diseases that the identified medicinal plants ought to cure, and are there any scientific evidences that
these plant species are effective as to curing those identified certain diseases.
In addition, it wanted to know whether or not, there is a relationship when it come to the age of the
respondents, and their knowledge with herbal medicine. On the other hand, them belonging to an ethnic group
may have an effect on the number of plant species that they have knowledge on to have a cure on certain illnesses.
Their level of education may also play a part when it comes to their knowledge on medicinal plants.

Significance of the Study

The knowledge on herbal medicines is a part of the belief and traditional system of Filipinos
that came and passed on from generation to generation. This knowledge is able to contribute to modern
medicinal practices and medicines that are now present and being used by most people in this period.

The generalization of the study would be a great contribution to the vast knowledge in relation
to the research community, especially in their ethnobotanical knowledge. Vital results of this research
could be highly significant and beneficial especially to the following:

Researchers. They are the ones who will focus mostly on herbal medicine development. Through this
study, unknown plant species will be brought out to the attention of researchers, thus opening a door
for those herbal medicines to be developed.

DOST. In the Vision, Mission, Function of a private sector of Department of Science and Technology,
they encourage researchers to focus on traditional medicines, including herbal medicines, and develop
these medicines for the consumption of the people.

Review of Related Literature

Area description and topography

Political division
In the 2015 census, the population of Lidlidda was 4,647 people, with a density of 140 inhabitants per square
kilometre or 360 inhabitants per square mile. Lidlidda is politically subdivided into 11 barangays:Banucal, Bequi-
Walin, Bugui, Calungbuyan, Carcarabasa, Labut, Poblacion Norte (Namatting), Poblacion Sur (Surong), San
Vicente (Kamatliwan), Suysuyan, and Tay-ac. The barrios of Lidlidda were: Callitong, Patac, Sabangan Pinggan,
Bessang, Balugang, Mapanit, Banucal, Bequi-Walin, Camatlioan (San Vicente), Nalasin (Poblacion Norte),
Kuwangi (Poblacion Sur), Suysuyan, Carcarabasa, Bugui, Calungbuyan, Labut and Tay-ac. The total land area of
the province is 2, 556.2 sq. kilometers.
The Bago People
Issues against Bago tribe from the very start of its organization existed saying that Bagos are just either Ilocanos
or Igorots and not an Indigenous Peoples (IP) or distinct ethnic group because they do not have their own,
territorial domain, language and distinct culture and tradition. Indigenous peopple are supposed to be those whose
ancestors were existed prior to colonization and were called the non-hristians.
In the just concluded Bago Tribal Congress, the above issues and questions were given answers and clarifications.
According to them, Bagos are the hilltribe dwellers and original inhabitants in the border regions between Ilocos
and Cordillera mountains different from their neighboring tribes and other adjacent ethnic groups whose ancestors
are early inhabitants of the country prior to colonization.
Bago communities existed in the country before the arrival of the Spaniards. According to its history, during the
process of Christianization by the Spanish Catholic missionaries, they were dubbed as “Bagong Kristyano” by
those who preceded them and the name calling stuck and are called Bagos to the present day.
Certificate of Ancestral Domain and Land Titles were awarded to the Bago tribe in Bakun, Benguet, Alilem and
Sugpon, Ilocos Sur. On the process are Pugo, La Union; San Emilio and Cervantes, Ilocos Sur. This proves that
Bago ancestors are inhabitants in their areas since time immemorial.
The Bagos have their own language, examples are: sinoy naicasta (why, what happened), tapey (rice wine),
mannapo (native priest), sapo (prayer), am-in (all), sumaa (to arrive), napupuka (awake), minpintas (beautiful),
ambit (baby girl), amboy (baby boy), eng-nga / unga (baby/child), minlam-ek (cold), minsipnget (dark), minngina
(expensive), nakinguab / kinbaba (lower portion), tumayaw (to fly), minlaba (to wash clothes). Some Bago jargons
are: ayaket or yaw’, this is said when dismayed/disappointed or amazed, kasos and Aye’, these are also said when
dismayed or disappointed, ni’-in’, this is said when one happens to commit mistake.
Generally, the Bagos speak the dialect akin to the Kankanaey, Tingiuans and Ibalois; however, to this day; most
of them speak the Iluko dialect with distinct intonation.
The Bagos have their own culture which has persisted to this time despite the inroads of western influence and
the so-called modernization. This culture was preserved despite of the influence of lowland brothers. However,
the Bago rituals, practices, customs, systems and beliefs are also common to the Kankanaeys, Tingiuans and
Ibalois; though with little difference in terms of procedures of performing these rituals.

Methodology
Study Area
Lidlidda, officially the Municipality of Lidlidda, is a 5th class municipality in the province of Ilocos
Sur, Philippines. It is located 7°16′N 120°31′E with a total land area of 3380 hectares. It is bounded on
the north by the Municipality of Abra, on the west by the upland territory of Mountain Province , and
on the south by the Benguet. Santol is politically subdivided into 11 barangays
Fig. 1. Map of Ilocos Sur showing the location of Lidlidda
There are nine barangays in the municipality inhabited by indigenous peoples namely: Banucal, Bequi-
Walin, Bugui, Calungbuyan, Carcarabasa, Labut, Poblacion Norte (Namatting), Poblacion Sur
(Surong), San Vicente (Kamatliwan), Suysuyan, and Tay-ac. The ethnic group present in the town is
predominantly Bago. Not all residents have accessed to safe drinking water as their main source of
water is an underground pump.
Data Collection
Before the conduct of the study, the approval of of the National Commission on Indigenous
Peoples (NCIP)-ROI was sought. Ethnobotanical knowledge were gathered through handing out survey
questionnaires, surveys, and quick interviews with the residents of Lidlidda. 55 individuals (12-74 years
old) were interviewed, including the Indigenous People Mandatory Representative of Lidlidda. The
respondents were surveyed regarding their knowledge on the plants they know or use to combat disease,
parts of the plant used, and modes of preparation, and details concerning how each plant are
administered to patients, how such knowledge is obtained and transmitted and frequency of use.
Data Analysis
Use Categories
The medicinal plants were identified based on the information obtained from the respondents
in the study area, and the reported applicable ailments were classified into 19 categories based on the
International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) by the World Health Organization. The categories are
diseases of the ear and mastoid process, diseases of the respiratory system, diseases of the eye and
adnexa, diseases of the circulatory system, injury and poisons of external causes, diseases of the
genitourinary system, diseases during the postpartum period, infectious and parasitic diseases, diseases
of the digestive system, endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases, diseases of the musculoskeletal
system and connective tissue, neoplasm, diseases of the blood-forming organs and certain disorders
involving the immune system, Congenital malformations, deformation and chromosomal abnormalities,
and symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified, mental
and behavioral disorders, diseases of the nervous system, diseases of the subcutaneous tissue, certain
conditions originating in the perinatal period, mental and behavioral disorders, diseases of the nervous
system, diseases of the subcutaneous tissue, and certain conditions originating in the perinatal period.
Every time a plant was mentioned as being used to any extent, it will be considered to be one use-report.
If one informant used a plant to treat more than one ailment in the same category, it was considered a
single use-report (Amiguet et al., 2005). However, a multiple use-report was considered when at least
two interviewees mentioned the same plant for the same ailments.

Informant Consensus Factor

To determine the agreement between informants over which plants should be used for each category
of ailments, the Informant Consensus Factors (ICF) was calculated (Trotter and Logan, 1986) using the
formula: ICF= (Nur–Nt)/(Nur –1), where Nur refers to the number of use-reports in each category and
Nt refers to the number of taxa used for a particular category by all informants. The ICF provided a
range of 0–1, where high values (approaching 1) are obtained when there is a well-defined selection
criterion in the community and/or if information is exchanged between informants, and values are low
(near 0) when plants are chosen randomly or if there is no exchange of information about their use
among informants.

Use Value
 The use values for plants (Philips et al., 1994) were calculated to provide a quantitative measure for
the relative importance of species known locally: UV= (∑Ui)/n, where Ui is the number of use-reports
cited by each informant for a given species and n refers the total number of informants. Use values are
high when there are many use-reports for a plant, implying that the plant is important, and low (approach
to 0) when there are few reports related to its use. The use value however, does not distinguish whether
a plant is used for single or multiple purposes.

Fidelity Level

Because many plant species are utilized in the same use category, the most preferred species used for
the treatment of a particular ailment must be determined by calculating fidelity levels (FL) (Friedman
et al.,1986): FL= Np/N, where Np is the number of use reports cited for a given species for a particular
ailment, and N is the total number of use-reports cited for any given species. High FL values (near
100%) are obtained for plants for which almost all use-reports refer to the same method of use (that is,
the plants were considered the most preferred species for a particular ailment category), whereas low
FLs are obtained for plants that are used for many different purposes.

Statistical Analysis

Descriptive statistical method was employed to analyze and summarize the ethnomedicinal data on the
reported medicinal plants and associated knowledge.

Table 1. Categories of Ailments

Category Diseases IC No. % of No. of % of ICF Most FL (%
or D- of all specie all frequently in this
ailments 10 used used s specie used species cate
repo repor s gory)
rts ts
Diseases of Earache I 3 0.730 2 1.818 0.5 Squash/Kala
the ear and Deafness % % basa
mastoid (Cucurbita
process maxima
Duchesne)
Tamarind/Sal
amagi
(Taramindus
indica Linn.)
Diseases of Sore II 106 25.79 14 12.72 0.87 Ginger/Luya
the Throat 1% 7% 6 (Zingiber
respiratory Cough officinale
system Colds Roscoe)
 Lagundi
(Vitex
negundo
Linn.)
Oregano
(Plectranthus
ambionicus
(Lour))
Diseases of Sty III 7 1.703 3 2.727 0.66 Bayating
the eye and Sore % % 7 (Tinomiscium
adnexa Eyes philippinense
Diels)
Painted
Nettle/Darad
a/Mayana
(Plectranthus
scutellariode
s (L.) R.Br.)
Diseases of High IV 9 2.190 2 1.818 0.87 Deadly
the Blood % % 5 Nightshade/L
circulatory Pressure ubi-lubi
system Anemia (Solanum
nigrum
Linn.)
Garlic/Bawa
ng (Allium
sativum L.)
Injury and Wounds V 73 17.76 13 11.81 0.83 Chinese
poisons of Circumci 2% 8% 3 chives/Kutsa
external sion/Disi y (Allium
causes nfectant odorum Linn)
Snake Guava/Bayab
Bite as (Psidium
Insect/D guajava)
og Bites Ivy
Bumps rue/Kasabang
Sprain (Zanthoxylu
m rhetsa
(Roxb.) DC.)
Banana
bush/Kuribut
-but
(Tabernaemo
ntana
pandacoqui
Pior)
Diseases of Urinary VI 26 6.326 10 9.091 0.64 Queen’s
the Tract % % flower/Banab
genitourin Infection a
ary system Kidney (Lagerstromi
 Stones a speciose
Gonorrh (L.) Pers.)
ea Nut
grass/Barsan
ga (Cyper
rotundus
Linn)
Shy
plant/Makahi
ya (Mimosa
pudica Linn)
Blumea
Camphor/Sa
mbong
(Blumea
balsamifera
(Linn.) DC.)
Melom
tree/Papaya
(Carica
papaya Linn)
Diseases Dysmen VII 6 1.460 4 3.636 0.4 Painted
during the orrhea % % nettle/Darada
postpartu Polycysti /Mayana
m period c (Plectranthus
Abortion scutellariode
s (l.) R.Br)
Nut
grass/Barsan
ga (Cyper
rotundus
Linn.)
Coral
vine/Kadena
de amor
(Antigononon
leptopus
Hook. & Arn)
Infectious Fungi VII 22 5.353 3 2.727 0.90 Candle
and Chicken I % % 5 bush/Andada
parasitic Pox si (Cassica
diseases Measles alata Linn)
Guava/Bayab
as (Psidium
guajava)
Sweet
basil/Biday
(Ocimum
tenuiflorum
L.)
Diseases of Diarrhea IX 32 7.786 15 13.63 0.54 Guava/Bayab
the Stomach % 6% 8 as (Psidium
digestive ache guajava)
system Toothach Mahogany
e (Swietenia
Appendi mahogany
citis (L.) Jacq.)
LBM Bayating
Gastritis (Tinomiscium
Ulcer philippinense
Parasites Diels)
Bacterial Sweet
Infection flag/Dalaw
(Acorus
calamus L.)
Ginseng
(Panax
ginseng)
Chines
honeysuckle/
Niog-niogan
(Quiqualis
indica Linn.)
Ornamental
pepper
plant/Sili-sili
(Capsicum
annuum
Linn)
Endocrine, Diabetes X 40 9.732 11 10% 0.74 Bitter
nutritional Goiter % 4 gourd/Ampal
and aya
metabolic (Momordica
diseases charantia L.)
Love
grass/Amorse
ko
(Andropogon
aciculatus
Retz)
Diseases of Back XI 11 2.676 7 6.364 0.4 Guava/Bayab
the Pain, % % as (Psidium
musculosk Arthritis guajava)
eletal Rheumat Fennel/Anis
system and ism (Foeniculum
connective Restorati vulgare)
tissue on of Screw
Hymen pine/Pandan
Tightnes (Pandanus
s tectorius)
 Lemon
grass/Barani
w
(Cymbopogo
n citratus
(DC.) Stapf)
Breadfruit/K
uba
(Artocarpus
cummunis)
Neoplasm Cancer XII 20 4.866 4 3.636 0.84 Guyabano/G
Breast % % 2 uyabano
Tumor (Annona
muricate L.)
Chinese
cabbage/Petc
hay (Brassica
chinensis(L.)
)
Diseases of Dengue XII 11 2.676 3 2.727 0.8 Melon
the blood- Allergies I % % tree/Papaya
forming (Carica
organs and papaya Linn)
certain Bell
disorders orchid/Tawa-
involving tawa
the (Euphorbia
immune hirta Linn)
system Wild
tea/Tsaang
gubat
(Carmona
retusa (Vahl))
Congenital Congenit XI 0 0% 0 0% 0 n/a
malformati al (at V
ons, birth)
deformatio anomalie
n and s
chromoso
mal
abnormalit
ies
Symptoms, Fever X 21 5.109 9 8.182 0.6 Lagundi
signs and Headach V % % (Vitex
abnormal e negundo
clinical Body Linn)
and Pain Chico
laboratory (Achras
findings, zapota Linn)
not Corn
elsewhere mint/Yerba
classified Buena
(Mentha
aryensis
Linn)
Mental Snakes X 1 0.243 1 0.909 0 Cayenne/Siling
and (Fear of) VI % % labuyo
(Capsicum
behavioura frutescens)
l disorders
Diseases of Inflamm X 0 0% 0 0% 0 n/a
the atory VII
nervous diseases
system of the
central
nervous
system,
nerve,
nerve
root, and
plexus
disorders
Diseases of Skin X 23 5.596 9 8.182 0.63 Guava/Bayab
the Baldness VII % % 6 as (Psidium
subcutaneo Boils I guajava)
us tissue Body Aloe vera
Odor (Aloe
Rashes barbadensis
Ringwor Mill)
m China
rose/Gumam
ela (Annona
muricate L)
Chinese
orange/Kala
mansi (Citru
x microcarpa
Bunge)
Coconut/Niy
og (Cocos
nucifera
Linn.)
Lima
bean/Patani
(Phaseolus
lunatus Linn)
Certain Fetus and X 0 0% 0 0% 0 n/a
conditions newborn VI
originating affected X
in the by
perinatal maternal
period factors
and by
scomplic
ations of
pregnanc
y, labour
and
delivery

Table 2. Medicinal plants used by indigenous people of Lidlidda and Use Value (UV).
Plan English/ Scientific Family Local No. of Use Diseases Parts Preparation and
t Commo Name Name Used Value or Ailments Used Administration
No. n Name Report s
E Pinch the
succulent part
and retrieve the
gel-like
Aloe Aloe
1 4 Baldness Sap substance.
vera vera
Apply directly
Aloe on harline. Let
barbadensi it stay for 5
s Mill. Liliaceae 1.03 mins and rinse.
E Apply
3 Fungi Leaf crushed or
Momordica
Bitter Cucurbitac Ampal pounded leaves
2 charantia
gourd eae aya I Drink
L.
17 Diabetes Leaf infusion of
5.15 leaves
Pound enough
leaves; express
(squeeze out)
the juice and
Fungal
apply on the
infections
affected skin
Candle Andad (ringwor
3 15 Leaf morning and
bush asi m,scabies,
evening.
eczema,it
Improvement
ches)
should be
noticed after 2
Cassia - 3 weeks of
alata Linn. Fabaceae 3.87 treatment
E Extract oil
Back and apply
4 Fennel Anis 1 Pain/ Seed topically and
Foeniculu Arthritis massage into
m vulgare Apiaceae 0.26 affected area
I Drink
Stomacha
Leaf infusion of
che
leaves
I Drink
Beach
Morinda Cough Leaf infusion of
mulber Apatot
5 citrifolia Rubiaceae 2 leaves
ry/Non /Noni
Linn. E Apply
i
pounded
Wounds Leaf extract of
leaves on
0.52 affected area
 Sore
Fruit I Eat raw fruit
Throat
I Drink juice of
Diabetes Fruit
over-riped fruit
Nerium E Apply
Oleand
6 oleander Apocynace Adelfa 1 Wounds Leaf crushed or
er
Mill. ae 0.26 pounded leaves
Biva I Drink
Lipstic Atsuet
7 orellana 2 Fever Leaf infusion of
k plant e
Linn. Bixaceae 0.52 leaves
E Eat unripe
Diarrhea Fruit
Annona fruit
Sugar Annonacea
8 squamosa Atis 2 I Apply
apple e Wounds/
Linn Leaf crushed or
Skin
0.52 pounded leaves
Queen' Lagerstrom I Drink
Banab
9 s ia speciosa Lythraceae 6 UTI Leaf infusion of
a
flower (L.) Pers. 1.55 leaves
I Drink
Kidney
2 Leaf infusion of
Stones
leaves
Who
I Drink
Cyper 1 UTI le
Nut Barsan Decoction
10 rotundus Cyperaceae Plant
grass ga
Linn. I Drink
Dysmenor
1 Leaf infusion of
rhea
leaves
I Drink
1 Polycystic Leaf
1.29 decoction
Bulb
High
Bawan (Oth E Eat fresh
11 Garlic 8 Blood
Alium g er bulb
Pressure
sativum L. Liliaceae 2.06 Part)
Wounds/
E Wash the
Skin
affected area
20 (Circumci Leaf
with boiled
sion/Disin
leaves
fectant)
I Boil 10
leaves with 2
3 Diarrhea Leaf cups of water,
drink
decoction
I Boil 10
leaves with 2
Stomacha
Psidium Bayab 2 Leaf cups of water,
12 Guava Myrtaceae che
guajava as drink
decoction
E Boil a cup of
freshly
pounded leaves
5 Toothache Leaf
in 2 cups
water, gargle
after eating
E Apply
Chicken
1 Leaf crushed leaves
Pox
on the wounds
10.0 E Apply the
3 Back Pain Leaf
5 leaves heated
 with oil on the
affected areas
and massage
I Drink
5 Fever Leaf infusion of
leaves
E Dilute the
white milky
2 Sty on eye Sap sap with water
Tinomisciu and use as
Bayati m Menisperm Bayati eyewash
13
ng philippinen aceae ng Who
Appendici I Drink
se Diels 1 le
tis Decoction
Plant
I Drink
1 LBM Root
1.03 decoction
E Chop fresh
leaves and boil
Sweet in 3 glasses of
14 Biday 2 Measles Leaf
basil Ocimum water. Use
tenuiflorum decoction as
L. Lamiaceae 0.52 sponge bath
E Apply
Cathed
crushed or
ral Abisra
15 Bryophyllu 1 Wounds Leaf pounded leaves
bells/A na
m Crassulacea on affected
ir plant
pinnatum e 0.26 area
I Boil about
10-15 leaves in
Achras Headache Leaf 3 cups of
16 Chico zapota Sapotaceae Chico 1 water, drink
Linn decoction
I Drink
Fever Bark
0.26 decoction
Leaf
/ I Boil about 5-
Rhiz 10 leaves in 1
Gastritis ome( glass of water,
Othe drink 2 times a
r day
Part)
Sweet Acorus
17 Araceae Dalaw 1 I Chew the
flag calamus L.
rhizome for
about 2-3
Rhiz minutes, or
Toothache
ome gargle
decoction
made from
0.26 rhizomes
I Boil about 8-
10 leaves and
Plectranthu
18 3 Sore Eyes Leaf use as an
Painte s Darada
eyedrop 2
d scutellario Lamiaceae ra/May
times a day
nettle des (L.) ana
I Drink
R.Br Dysmenor
2 Leaf infusion of
rhea
1.29 leaves
Ginsen Panax Ginsen I Drink
19 Araliaceae 1 Ulcer Root
g ginseng g 0.26 decoction
 I Drink
Diabetes Root
decoction
I Apply
pounded
China Guma Flow
20 Hibiscus 7 Boils flower extract
rose mela er
rosasinensi on the affected
s Linn. Hibisceae 1.8 area
I Boil about 20
leaves in 5
10 Diabetes Leaf
cups of water,
Guyab Annona Guyab drink infusion
21 Anonaceae
ano muricata L. ano I Drink
4 UTI Leaf infusion of 10-
15 leaves
17 7.99 Cancer Fruit I Eat raw fruit
Abortion Leaf A
I Drink
Diabetes Leaf infusion of
Antigonono
Kaden leaves
Coral n leptopus Polygonace
22 a de 1 E Apply
vine Hook. & ae
amor crushed leaves
Arn. Wound
Leaf on affected
Closure
area until it
0.26 stops bleeding
Cut about 1.2
inch long stem
Earache Stem
Cucurbita and plug this
Cucurbitac Kalaba
23 Squash maxima 1 inside ear
eae sa
Duchesne I Drink
Fever Leaf infusion of
0.26 leaves
E Apply
squeezed juice
Body of fruit on
6 Fruit
Odor areas inflicted
by body odor
Chines Citrus x
Kalam (armpit)
24 e microcarpa Rutaceae
ansi I Drink the
orange Bunge
diluted extract
of fruit juice
15 Cough Fruit
with water, add
sugar if too
5.41 sour
E pound and
Lycopersic apply as
Tomat om Kamati Diarrhea Leaf poultice on
25 Solanaceae 1
o esculentum s affected
Mill. abdomen
0.26 Ulcer Fruit E Eat raw fruit
E Eat raw fruit
Cough
Fruit or drink diluted
Bilimb Kamia fruit extract
26 1
i tree s E Eat raw fruit
Averrhoa Oxalidacea Colds Fruit or drink diluted
bilimbi L. e 0.26 fruit extract
Zanthoxylu E Chew the
m rhetsa Kasaba Snake leaf and apply
27 Ivy rue 1 Leaf
(Roxb.) ng Bite to snake bite
DC. Rutaceae 0.26 with pressure
 Bryophyllu
m I Drink
Miracl Kataka Dysmenor
28 pinnatum 1 Leaf infusion of
e plant -taka rhea
(Lam.) Crassulacea leaves
Oken e 0.26
Tabernaem Insect
Leaf B, A
Banan ontana Kuribu Bites
29 1
a bush pandacaqui Apocynace t-but
Dog Bites Leaf
Poir. ae 0.26
E Apply
extracted juice
from fresh
leaves.
3 Bumps Leaf
Fastened
heated leaves
with coconut
Chines Allium
oil.
30 e odorum Liliaceae Kutsay
E Apply
chives Linn.
extracted juice
from fresh
leaves.
20 Wounds Leaf
Fastened
heated leaves
with coconut
5.93 oil.
I Drink
crushed leaves
6 Fever Leaf
Vitex diluted with
Lagun Verbenacea Lagun
31 negundo water
di e di
Linn. I Drink
31 Cough Leaf infusion of
9.54 leaves
Zingiber I Boil the root
Sore
32 Ginger officinale Zingiberace Luya 14 Root and drink
Throat
Roscoe ae 3.61 decoction
I Finely grind
the seeds into
Fruit
powdered form
3 Diabetes /See
and boil it in
d
water, drink
Swietenia
Mahog Mahog decoction
33 mahogani Meliaceae
any any I Finely grind
(L.) Jacq.
the seeds into
Stomacha powdered form
3 Seed
che and boil it in
water, drink
1.55 decoction
I Drink
Kidney
2 Root decoction of
Stones
roots
Mimosasoi
Mimosa I Drink
Shy deae/ Makah
34 pudica 2 UTI Root decoction of
plant Mimosacea iya
Linn roots
e
I Drink
1 Body Pain Root decoction of
1.29 roots
Moringa E Boil
Morin Moringacea Malun
35 oleifera 9 Wounds Leaf malunggay
ga e ggay
Lam. 3.61 leaves and use
 infusion to
wash the
affected area, 2
times a day
I Drink
Sore
5 Leaf infusion of
Throat
leaves
E Boil fresh
leaves or
pounded dried
Heave leaves in 2
Makab
36 nly 2 Wounds Leaf cups of water
uhay
Elixir and wash
Tinospora affected area
cordifolia Menisperm with infusion
Linn. aceae 0.52 of leaves
I Boil leaves
and use
Rosew
37 Pterocarpu Narra 1 Toothache Leaf infusion to
ood
s indicus gargle,2 times
Willd Fabaceae 0.26 a day
I Drink
1 Cough Fruit
coconut juice
Cocos
Cocon (Oth
38 nucifera Aracaceae Niyog E Apply
ut er
Linn. 1 Rashes coconut oil on
Parts
affected area
0.52 )
I Dry the seeds
and ingest
Intestinal orally, 4-7
Seed
worms seeds
(children),8-10
Chines
Quisqualis seeds (adult)
e Combretac Niog-
39 indica 1 I Chew the
honeys eae niogan
Linn. fruit for about
uckle Toothache Fruit
2-3 minutes
and spit
I Drink
Rheumati
Root decoction of
sm
0.26 roots
I Soak cut-up
Abelmosch okra in water
Lady us overnight and
40 Okra 1 Diabetes Fruit
finger esculentus drink okra
(Linn.) water twice a
Moench Malvaceae 0.26 day
I Drink
14 Cough Leaf
infusion
Plectranthu I Drink
14 Colds Leaf
s infusion
Oregan Oregan
41 ambionicus Lamiaceae E extract the
o o
(Lour.) oil from
Ringwor
Spreng. 2 Leaf oregano leaves
m
and apply on
7.73 affected area
I Get a bunch
Pandanus
of pandan
Screw tectorius
42 Pandanceae Pandan 1 UTI Leaf leaves and tie
pine Parkinson
in a bunch, boil
ex Du Roi
0.52 in water for 25
 minutes and
drink twice a
day
I Get a bunch
of pandan
leaves and tie
in a bunch, boil
1 Back Pain Leaf
in water for 25
minutes and
drink twice a
day
I Get a bunch
of pandan
leaves and tie
in a bunch, boil
1 Arthritis Leaf
in water for 25
minutes and
drink twice a
day
I Drink
1 Fever, Leaf infusion of
leaves
I Drink
1 Cough Leaf infusion of
leaves
I Drink
1 Cancer Leaf infusion of
Carica
Melon leaves
43 papaya Caricaceae Papaya
tree I Drink
Linn. Gonorrhe
1 Fruit infusion of
a
leaves
I Crush leaves
and boil in
5 Dengue Leaf water, drink
infusion twice
a day
2 2.84 UTI Fruit I Eat raw fruit
I Drink
Eleusine 1 Cancer Leaf infusion of
Wire indica Poaceae/Gr leaves
44 Paragis
grass (Linn.) aminaceae I Drink
Kidney
Gaertn. 1 Leaf infusion of
Stones
0.52 leaves
Phaseolus
Lima Ringwor
45 lunatus Leguminos Patani 3 Fruit B
bean m
Linn. ae 0.77
E Apply
extract of
Madre Kawka pounded or
46 1 Eczema Leaf
cacao wate crushed leaves
Gliricidia on affected
sepium L. Fabaceae 0.26 area
I Boil chopped
Musa leaves and
Saba paradisiac drink infusion
47 Musaceae Saba 1 Fever Leaf
banana a L. twice a day (or
until fever
0.52 subsides)
 E Eat 3-5 raw
1 Diarrhea Fruit
fruit a day
E Extract the
fruit juice and
Tamari Salama boil, put a few
48 2 Earache Fruit
nd Tamarindu gi drops of warm
s indica fruit juice into
Linn. Fabaceae 0.52 the ear affected
I Boil 12
Kidney leaves and
2 Leaf
Stones drink infusion
thrice a day
Blume Blumea I Boil 12
a balsamifer Compositea Sambo leaves and
49 1 Cough Leaf
camph a(Linn.) e ng drink infusion
or DC. thrice a day
I Boil 12
Rheumati leaves and
1
sm drink infusion
1.03 Leaf thrice a day
I Boil 10-15
San leaves and
Periwi
50 Catharanth Vicent 2 Toothache Leaf gargle infusion
nkle
us roseus Apocynace e for 3 minutes,
(L.) G.Don. ae 0.52 then spit
Caesalpini
Sappan Sapang Bacterial I Drink
51 a sappan 1 Bark
tree Tree Infection decoction
Linn. Fabaceae 0.26
Orna E Apply
menta crushed or
52 l Capsicum Sili-sili 2 Wounds Leaf pounded leaves
peppe annuum on affected
r plant Linn. Solanaceae 0.52 area
E Heat the
leaves with oil
Purgin
Tagum and massage
53 g nut 6 Sprain Bark
Jatropha bau and apply
tree
curcas pressure to
Linn. Iridaceae 1.55 affected area
Seed- Phyllanthu
Taltali I Drink
54 under- s niruri Euphorbiac 1 Diarrhea
kod infusion
leaf Linn. eae 0.26 Leaf
I Boil 100
grams of fresh
Who
whole plant in
le
500 mL of
5 Dengue Plant
water for 15
or
minutes. Drink
root
infusion until
Bell Euphorbia Euphorbiac Tawa- fever subsides
55
orchid hirta Linn. eae tawa E Dilute the
white milky
1
Sore Eyes Sap sap with water
and use as
eyewash
E Dilute the
1 Sty Sap white milky
1.55 sap with water
 and use as
eyewash
I Boil 8 tbsp of
chopped leaves
in 2 glasses of
water for 25
1 Allergies Leaf
minutes, strain
and cool.
Carmona
Wild Boraginace Tsaang Drink infusion
56 retusa
tea ae Gubat of leaves.
(Vahl.)
I Chop 20-25
fresh leaves,
add 100 mL of
2 Diabetes Leaf
water, and
drink twice
0.77 daily.
Andropogo
I Drink
Love n Amors
57 1 Goiter roots decoction three
grass aciculatus eko
times a day
Retz. Gramineae 0.26
I Drink
Sore
Leaf infusion of
Throat
Turme Curcuma Zingiberace Turme leaves
58 1
ric longa ae ric I Drink
Cough Leaf infusion of
0.26 leaves
E Pound and
Wild Wound apply the roots
59 Yam 1
Yam Dioscorea Dioscoreac (Pus) as poultice on
villosa eae 0.26 Root affected area
E Airdry the
Restoratio Bala
bark of the tree
n of t ng
60 Breadf 1 and use the
Kuba Hymen Kah
ruit fiber to line the
Tightness oy
Artocarpus underwear
cummunis Moraceae 1 0.52 Diabetes Fruit I Eat raw fruit
Bala
Siling E The stem of
Cayen Snake t ng
61 Labuy 1 the plant repels
ne Capsicum repellant Kah
o snakes
frutescens Solanaceae 0.26 oy
Abrus I Drink
Prayer Bugay
62 precatorius 1 Colds Leaf infusion of
beads ong
L. Fabaceae 0.26 leaves
I Drink
decoction or
Deadly
Lubi- use leaves as
63 Nights 1 Anemia Leaf
Solanum lubi seasoning for
hade
nigrum food (saute like
Linn. Solanaceae 0.26 onions)
I Drink
Sprain Leaf infusion of
Lemon Barani leaves
64 1
grass Cymbopog w I Drink
on citratus Arthritis Leaf infusion of
(DC.) Stapf Gramineae 0.26 leaves
Ceiba Kapas I Drink
White Kidney
65 pentandra sangla 1 Leaf infusion of
silk Stones
(L) Gaertn Bombaceae y 0.26 leaves
 Cotton I Powderize
tree the dried bark
of the tree and
Bark
boil with
water, drink
decoction
You I Boil leaves in
Lantan Lantan ng 4 cups of
66 1 Cough
a Lantana Verbenacea a leav water, drink
camara L. e 0.26 es decoction
Cut fresh vine
Parasites
Chines Salacia Matan and remove
(e.g. Vine
67 e prinoides g- 1 sap, boil, and
tapeworm s
salacia (Willd.) Hippocrate ulang drink as
)
D.C aceae 0.26 decoction
Indian
I Boil enough
snaker Rauvolfia
Serpen leaves and
68 oot/ serpentina 2 Diabetes Leaf
tina drink as
devil (L.) Benth. Apocynace
decoction
pepper Ex Kurz ae 0.52
E Apply
crushed leaves
Corn Yerba
69 Mentha 2 Body Pain Leaf on the temple,
mint Buena
arvensis nape, back,
Linn. Labioateae 0.52 arms, and legs.
Nephelium
Rambo Rambu Kidney
70 lappaceum Sapindacea 1 Fruit E Eat ripe fruit
utanier tan Stones
Linn. e 0.26
Chines
Cancer E. Boil roots
e Brassica Brassicacea Petcha
71 1 (Breast roots and drink as
cabbag chinensis e/Crucifara y
Tumor) decoction
e (L.) e 0.26

Table 3. Demographic Profile of the Respondents

Respondent Age Sex Highest Health Practitioner No. of
No. Educational Medicinal
Attainment Practices
known
1 13 M Grade School Sarili, Hilot, Brgy. Health 8
Workers, Doktor
2 12 M Grade School Sarili, Albularyo/Hilot, 8
Brgy Health Workers,
Doktor
3 12 M Grade School Sarili, Albularyo, Brgy 6
Health Workers, Doktor
4 28 M High School Sarili, Albularyo/Hilot, 9
Brgy Health Workers,
Doktor
5 12 F Grade School Sarili, Albularyo/Hilot, 12
Brgy Health Workers,
Doktor
6 54 F College Graduate Sarili, 9
Medikolyo/Herbalists,
Brgy Health Workers,
Nars/Komadrona, Doktor
7 54 M High School Sarili, Doktor 4
8 14 M Grade School Sarili, Albularyo/Hilot, 3
Doktor
9 15 F Grade School Sarili, Albularyo/Hilot, 3
Brgy Health Workers
10 62 M Grade School Sarili, Doktor 3
11 38 M High School Sarili, Albularyo/Hilot, 6
Medikolyo/Herbalists,
Brgy Health Workers,
Nars/Komadrona, Doktor
12 11 M Grade School Sarili, Albularyo, Hilot, 8
Brgy. Health Workers,
Doktor
13 30 M High School Sarili, 8
Medikolyo/Herbalists,
Brgy Health Workers,
Nars/Komadrona, Doktor
14 17 M Grade School Medikolyo/Herbalist, 8
Brgy Health Workers
15 21 M High School Sarili, Albularyo/Hilot, 8
Brgy Health Workers,
Doktor
16 16 M Grade School Sarili, Hilot/Albularyo, 5
Brgy Health Workers
17 34 M High School Sarili, Brgy. Health 3
Workers, Doktor
18 61 M High School Sarili, Albularyo/Hilot, 18
Brgy. Health Workers
19 12 F Grade School Sarili, Albularyo/Hilot, 2
Brgy. Health Workers,
Doktor
20 15 F Grade School Sarili, Albularyo/Hilot, 3
Brgy Health Workers
21 16 M Grade School Sarili, Albularyo/Hilot, 15
Brgy Health Workers
22 30 F College Graduate Sarili, Doktor 5
23 16 M Grade School Sarili, Albularyo/Hilot, 5
Brgy Health Workers
24 16 M Grade School Sarili, Albularyo/Hilot, 16
Brgy Health Workers
25 20 M High School Sarili, Albularyo/Hilot, 8
Brgy Health Wokers
26 15 F Grade School Sarili, Albularyo/Hilot, 3
Brgy Health Workers
27 27 F High School Sarili, 8
Medikolyo/Herbalist,
Brgy Health Workers,
Doktor
28 32 F College Graduate Sarili, Doktor 3
29 30 M College Graduate Sarili, Albularyo/Hilot, 1
Brgy Health Workers,
Doktor
30 55 F High School Sarili, Albularyo/Hilot, 7
Medikilyo/Herbalist, Brgy
 Health Workers,
Nars/Komadrona, Doktor
31 18 F Grade School Sarili, Albularyo/Hilot, 5
Brgy Health Workers,
Doktor
32 19 F Grade School Albularyo/Hilot, 8
Medikilyo/ Herbalists,
Nars/Komadrona, Doktor
33 30 M High School Sarili, Albularyo/Hilot, 8
Brgy Health Workers,
Doktor
34 12 F ---- Sarili, Brgy Health 4
Workers, Doktor
35 13 M ---- Sarili, Doktor 7
36 16 F ---- Sarili, Brgy Health 11
Workers, Doktor
37 23 M High School Sarili, Brgy Health 8
Workers, Doktor
38 22 F College Graduate Sarili, Brgy Health 2
Workers, Doktor
39 34 M High School Sarili 13
40 ---- M College Graduate Sarili, Doktor 5
41 30 M High School Sarili 16
42 32 M Grade School Sarili, Doktor 8
43 16 F ------ Doktor 14
44 12 F ------ Sarili, Brgy Health 3
Workers, Doktor
45 12 F ------ Sarili, Albularyo/Hilot, 4
Doktor
46 31 M High School Sarili 3
47 37 M College Graduate Sarili, Doktor 3
48 16 F ----- Sarili, Doktor 5
49 16 F ----- Sarili, Doktor 4
50 16 F ----- Sarili, Brgy Health 8
Workers, Doktor
51 68 F High School Sarili, Albularyo/Hilot, 12
Brgy Health Workers,
Doktor
52 18 F ---- Sarili, Brgy Health 8
Workers,
Nars/Komadrona, Doktor
53 46 M High School Sarili, Brgy Health 4
Workers, Doktor
54 16 F ---- Sarili, Albularyo/Hilot, 7
Brgy Health Workers,
Nars/Komadrona, Doktor
55 26 F High School Sarili 6

Results and Discussion

Ethnobotanical survey
In the Philippines, ethnomedicinal knowledge is intrinsic among ethnic groups and is inherited from their
great ancestors through oral communication. In the study, the relationship between the indigenous peoples of
Lidlidda and plants are demonstrated. Ethnobotanical survey showed that there is a total of 71 medicinal plants
species, represented by 32 genera and belongs to 24 families that the people are familiar with or are being used
up to treat different kind of ailments. Based on responses on the survey, the common health problems treated are
respiratory and skin diseases.
The profile of the respondents
Number of Medicinal Plants Known
12

10

0
</=12 13-17 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 64-74
Age Group

Average Number of Medicinal Plants Known

Figure 1. Average Number of Medicinal Plants Known per Age Group of Respondents
In this study, documentation of the traditional knowledge about medicinal plants of the people from
Lidlidda,Ilocos Sur was participated in by 55 respondents. The study revealed that most knowledge on herbal
remedies in handled by members of the community between the age range of 55-64 and 50-59, as shown on Fig.
1. This indicated that there is a wide gap of ethnomedicinal knowledge between the elderly and the younger
generation.
Majority of the respondents from the middle aged and elders group stated that their knowledge on
medicinal plants was acquired from their ancestors through oral tradition, however, the number of reported
medicinal plants decreases with decreasing age, with the younger generation relying more on doctors (commercial
drugs) and their selves in taking care of their health. Doctors are frequently consulted (75%) by the majority of
the people surveyed than traditional herbal healers (albularyo, hilot, medikilyo). This information implies that
there is a threat on the knowledge of Lidlidda about traditional medicinal plants as age decreases. At present,
the traditional medical knowledge transmitted from generation to generation is in danger, because transmission
between old people and younger generation is not always assured ( Weniger, 1991). Cultural changes as a result
of westernization and modernization (Voeks and Leony, 2004) has contributed to making the younger generation
undermine our traditional beliefs (Giday et al., 2003).
As to the interventions made by their local government with regards to the preservation of the knowledge
about traditional medicinal plants and the plants themselves, the respondents stated that the government promotes
herbal gardening per school in their community and allows easy and free access to it.
Knowledge of plants according to sex
Women were noted to have more information and knowledge on medicinal plants more than men. This
trend could be explained by the social construct that women are more attached than men to everything traditional
and there is easiness in transmission of these information between women. This may explain their relative
knowledge in this area (Hamdani, 1984).
Characteristics of Medicinal Plants
The data acquired from the ethnobotanical survey is summarized in Table 2. Both the scientific and
vernacular names for the medicinal plants are given by taxonomic category and family. In this survey, 71 plant
species were recorded for their medicinal use, and these belonged to 24 families and were used to cure ailments
in 19 categories. In terms of the number of species used, of the 33 plant species identified, Lamiaceae with four
species, followed by Fabaceae, Asteraceae, Annonaceae, and Amaryllidaceae with two species, respectively are
dominantly used.
 In the past year, The Department of Health (DOH) has recommended the promotion of the “Sampung
Halamang Gamot” in its maintenance of traditional health programs. The plants were Blumea balsamifera, Cassia
alata, Psidium guajava, Allium sativum, Momordica charantia, Vitex negundo, Mentha sp., Peperomia pellucida,
Quisqualis indica and Carmona retusa. Of these ten medicinal plants recommended by the DOH, six (6) species
mentioned were reported in this survey.
In almost all studies dealing with the inventory of medicinal plants, authors reported only the therapeutic plants
without reporting the toxic plants known by the traditional herbal healer. The recording of these plants can provide
useful information and should be taken into consideration by researchers. Deadly nightshade, a plant listed in the
survey, is considered a toxic plant when not properly prepared. The unripe green fruit is considered toxic and
contains high amounts of toxin solanine. Tribal plant medicines which are not prescription medicines are mostly
used for auto-medication and they are frequently dispensed by ignorant people (Keller, 1991). It is s then necessary
to inform and heighten public awareness about toxic plants in order to keep off, at least, some accidental
intoxication due to ignorance of plants.
Plant part used
Table . Medicinal plant part documented during the survey
Part used Frequency % Occurrence
bark 6 4.92
Root 11 9.02
Leaves 71 58.20
Seeds 4 3.28
Fruit 19 15.57
Flower 1 0.82
Sap 3 2.46
Stem/Vines 2 1.64
Whole plant 2 1.64
Rhizome 2 1.64
Bulb 1 0.82

Almost all parts of different plant species such as leaves, roots, bark, fruit, rhizomes, and bulbs are being
utilized to treat a wide range of diseases. The most frequently used part is the leaves (58.20%), followed by fruit
(15.57%), rhizomes (10%), roots (9.02%), and bark (4.92%). The results were consistent to the study of Hughes,
D et al. (1993), in which leaves ranked highest in the parts used, followed by fruit and roots. Leaves are the
commonly used plant part primarily because they are easier to harvest and prepare into various concoctions,
decoctions or infusions such as an express juice for administration in treatment, than roots and bark. Extracting
leaves provides a more sustainable use strategy through rapid replacement by re-growth and is a practice acquired
down the generations (Hughes, D. et al, 1993). In addition, the preparation of various extracts from leaves ensures
better preservation of the active ingredients of the medication, that in the case of other parts of the plant (Okello,
S.V. et al.,2009). Also, the collection of the leaves does not entail the death of the main plant, thus, it can still be
used as the main and unending source of alternative medicine.
It was also observed that some of the preparations used roots to treat various ailments such as cough,
stomach-ache, arthritis, goitre and kidney infection. Although roots have many uses, it was revealed in the survey
that utilization of roots (9.02%) is lesser compared to leaves (58.20%). This indicates that many of the residents
in Lidlidda ,Ilocos Sur were careful of their flora and fauna knowing that extraction of the entire plant destructs
to the environment and lowers the regeneration of medicinal plants caused by the trampling of habitat soil.
Preparation and Administration
The most common method of preparation was through infusion (31%), followed by topical application
of crushed parts (21%), and application with oil (20%). Infusion and decoction is the most used method of
preparation for these plants as it is the easiest way to prepare, most especially in curing internal ailments. Similar
results were obtained in another earlier study by Jeruto et al. in South Nandi forest. This appears to be consistent
with the fact that most of them are used to treat diseases related to the digestive, oral tract or respiratory system.
The preparation of herbal treatments depends on the type of disease. Diseases that presents its symptoms
externally such as wounds, boils, and other skin diseases often require topical application of the crushed plant part
or direct washing using the boiled plant part with water. For example, the use of the pounded leaves of Hibiscus
rosa-sinensis L. as topical application on areas affected with boils. Meanwhile, diseases that affects our body
internally such as stomachache, body pain, and fever often requires the plant part to be boiled and formed into an
infusion or a decoction.
Internal and external method of administration were used to cure diseases, with internal administration
having the greater occurrence in the survey. However, the application of these plants externally is generally safer
because its effects are indirect but instantly effecting on the specific area, and it also allows for an easy regulation
of the concentration of the compounds present in the plants.
Use Value
As to citation or frequency, the top ten medicinal plants that are commonly used by the indigenous people
of Lidlidda, Ilocos Sur to treat various ailments include guava (Psidium guajava, 10.05%), ,lagundi (Vitex
negundo, 9.54%), guyabano (Annona muricata,7.99%), oregano ((Plectranthus ambionicus (Lour.) Spreng.
,7.73%), kutsay (Allium odorum Linn. ,5.93%), kalamansi (Citrus x microcarpa Bunge ,5.41%),
ampalaya (Momordica charantia L. ,5.15%), luya (Zingiber officinale Roscoe ,3.61%), and malunggay (Moringa
oleifera Lam., 3.61%).
Informant Consensus Factor
ICFs were calculated using the reports in each of the 19 categories. The results ranged from 0. 29to 1.00
(Table 1). The highest ICF value, 1.00, indicates that people use a particular plant consistently in that category.
However, the number of use-reports (Nur) in these high-ICF categories was extremely low. After excluding
categories with a Nur of less than eight (0.5%), the highest remaining ICF category was for diseases of the
respiratory system (0.86) and endocrine, nutritional and metabolic problems (0.75). These were the most
frequently used plant species for each ailment category: Vitex negundo and Origanum vulgare for diseases of the
respiratory system, Lagerstroemia speciosa for diseases of the genitourinary system, Psidium guajava L. for
diseases of the digestive system and injury of external causes and Annona muricata for endocrine, nutritional and
metabolic diseases.
The inhabitants from the Lidlidda, Ilocos Sur treated many types of ailments ranging from simple health problems
such as skin diseases, stomachache, and toothache to chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension and goitrer.
Such knowledge can provide a basis for further scientific studies on the efficacy and search for bioactive
components found in plants. However, there is still a need to test the active component of these medicinal plants
in terms of its pharmacologic effects.
Conclusion
The conduct of this ethnobotanical study revealed that there is high knowledge and use of medicinal
plants as traditional medicine in Lidlidda, Ilocos Sur. Residents use several plants against conditions such as skin
diseases and respiratory diseases. The information gained from this study can serve as a basis for the discovery of
active biochemical compounds from plants that can be developed to combat diseases. Hence, more detailed
studies, determination and identification of the bioactive components should be encouraged and financially
supported. It is important to not only record such ethno-medical knowledge and conduct further studies but also
to take steps in conserving these medicinal plants before they are lost forever. The usage of plant-based medicines
is highly commended as there is a continuous emergence of diseases, emergence of drug-resistant organisms and
increase in prices of commercial medicines. The study also revealed that knowledge on traditional plant-based
medicine decreases as the age of the respondents decreases. Since traditional medicine remains the most popular
medicine in solving health problems in the developing world, it is important to publicize medicinal plant
knowledge within the young generation to raise awareness of and appreciation for their traditional values and for
the conservation and sustainable use of the plants as well as to keep the traditional medical knowledge left in their
community alive.