Patterns and Predictors of Medicinal Plant Use among Ethnolinguistic Groups in the 21st Century Philippines

Abstract

Traditional medicinal plants are integral to the diverse ethnolinguistic cultures and biodiversity in the Philippines. In this synthesis, we performed a Philippine-wide analysis of the knowledge, extent, and interactions of traditional plant use among various ethnolinguistic groups. Our synthesis identified 796 plant species from 160 families and 65 orders utilised by 35 ethnolinguistic groups to treat 25 disease types. We found strong connections between linguistically similar groups, indicating that geographical proximity, linguistic background, shared cultural practices, and environmental factors collectively influence the patterns of medicinal plant usage among the different groups. We developed the Species Use Priority Importance (SUPRIM) indicator to assess the priority level of plant species based on their use among ethnolinguistic groups and disease types. Factors such as availability of healthcare facilities, proximity to roads, educational facilities, and tree density were significantly correlated with higher SUPRIM indicator values. We posit that environmental status shaped the values of medicinal plant species within ethnolinguistic communities. Understanding these dynamics is essential to effectively conserve ecosystems and indigenous peoples that rely on them. Continued research efforts and conservation initiatives dedicated to the integration of traditional knowledge into healthcare systems are essential for preserving this invaluable heritage and promoting sustainable healthcare practices in the Philippines.