Taxonomy of Ethnomedicinal Botanicals and Documentation of Ethnomedicinal Practices Traditionally Used by Three Selected Ethnolinguistic Communities in Mindanao, Philippines

Abstract

This study documents orally transmitted but never documented knowledge about ethnomedicinal (EMD) botanicals before they are lost as native healers die out and replaced by modern medical practitioners; the natural habitat lost due to the encroachment of fast-paced modern changes and consequent destruction of virgin forests. EMD practices traditionally used by three (3) ethnoliguistic communities (EC) in Mindanao, Philippines (Manobo, Talaandig and Higaonon) were observed and recorded, the EMD botanicals identified with the aid of their respective EMD practitioners (baylan, datu), photographed in situ, samples collected, herbarium preserved and their taxonomy established. Results showed 108 species of EMD botanicals belonging to 95 genera and 52 families; 11 commonly used by the three EC, three (3) common among the Talaandig and Higaonon, 17 common among the Manobo and Higaonon, 22 used only by the Higaonon, 21 used only by the Manobo, 23 used only by the Talaandig. Emphasizing the importance of “sevens” (shoot, leaves, root, bark, fruit), 40 common ailments were treated through decoction, infusion, maceration, juice extraction and poultice. In conclusion, the three selected EC possess knowledge about EMD botanicals that are potential sources of medicinal therapeutics. Confirmation of their efficacy is being investigated in the light of modern, evidence-based medicine.  Keywords - Ethnomedicine, indigenous knowledge, taxonomy, biodiversity, Manobo, Higaonon, Talaandig, ethnolinguistic communities, Philippines.