Ethnopharmacological documentation and molecular authentication of medicinal plants used by the Manobo and Mamanwa tribes of Surigao del Sur, Philippines

Abstract

Abstract. Ilagan VAD, Alejandro GJD, Paraguison DJB, Perolina SMW, Mendoza GR, Bolina AB, Raterta R, Vales MB, Suarez GJD, Blasco FA. 2022. Ethnopharmacological documentation and molecular authentication of medicinal plants used by the Manobo and Mamanwa tribes of Surigao del Sur, Philippines. Biodiversitas 23: 3185-3202. Mindanao Island is renowned for its rich biodiversity and various ethnolinguistic groups with diverse histories and cultures. The Mamanwa and Manobo live in close proximity, resulting in merging beliefs and cultural practices. This study aims to assess the various medicinal plants using ethnopharmacological indices, determine their relationship to their users, and molecularly confirm unidentifiable plants used by the tribes. Ethnomedicinal data were gathered from 127 key informants representing both tribes through semi-structured interviews. Family Importance Value (FIV) and Use Value (UV) were quantified and revealed a total of 48 species utilized by both tribes belonging to 26 families and 42 genera. These plants are used in 32 diseases within 10 categories, and the most utilized family belongs to Apocynaceae (FIV= 20% for both tribes). Respiratory illness has the greatest contribution to the utilization of medicinal plants (ICF= 0.92, 42%). The most utilized plant part is the leaves and mainly prepared by decoction and administered orally. Integrative molecular confirmation led to the identification of the 5 morphologically unidentifiable plants to be Elaeocarpus serratus Benth., Uncaria lanosa Wall., Aglaonema crispum (J.R. Pitcher & Manda) Nicolson, Canthium tetraphyllum Baill., and Timonous timon (Spreng.) Merr..

The Potential of Katmon Fruit (Dellenia philippinensis) Extract as a Natural Food Preservative

“…3. The antimicrobial efficacy of the extract was tested against a range of foodborne pathogens, including bacteria and fungi, under various conditions [27]. These tests were crucial to evaluate the spectrum and strength of the preservative action.…”

“…Recent studies have highlighted the unique properties of the Katmon fruit, emphasizing its high antioxidant levels, which are essential for natural preservation [13]. These antioxidants, including Vitamin C and other phytochemicals, play a crucial role in inhibiting microbial growth [11], a key aspect of food preservation [12].…”

“…Katmon fruit, also known as Dillenia philippinensis, is a wild fruit tree that we commonly see in areas in the Philippines, especially in Mindanao [1]. We can eat Katmon raw, and it is juicy and refreshing.…”

“…It significantly contributes to the prevention of long-term conditions such as cancer and heart disease and can treat additional ailments like fever [10], dysentery, and diarrhea. It is rich in vitamin A for vision and vitamin C for immunity [11]. It supports both systems well [12].…”

Begonia abhak (section Petermannia, Begoniaceae) a new species from Lanuza, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

“…Bujon creek is located in the municipality of Lanuza, Surigao del Sur and bounded by the adjacent municipalities of Cortes and Cantilan (Ilagan et al 2022). During our field work at Bujon creek to document medicinal plants of Surigao del Sur, we discover a new species of Begonia growing abundantly on a shady, moist rocky slopes on both sides of a creek at lower elevation ca.…”