Ethno-medicinal Plants Used by the Temuan Villagers in Kampung Jeram Kedah, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Abstract

This report is based on information obtained through general conversation with elderly villagers of Kampung Jeram Kedah. A total of 56 species of medicinal plants with various uses was recorded. The plants are used to treat many types of ailments ranging from simple ones such as joint aches and pains to serious ailments such as diabetes, malaria and tumors. The most frequently used plant part in term of percentage of total number of species was the root (51.8%). This was followed by stem (17.9%), leaf (16.1%), whole plant (5.4%), root and leaf (3.6%), fruit (1.8%), inflorescence (1.8%), and rhizome (1.8%). Knowledge and usage of medicinal plants is decreasing due to various factors such as modern medicines are easily available, the younger generation are less interested in folk medicine, changes in habitat causing certain medicinal plants to be unavailable or less available.