A remote location in Leyte, Philippines is known for its traditional healing practices amid the availability of modern treatment methods. However, owing to an almost absent knowledge transfer and aging traditional healers, this knowledge could soon be permanently forgotten. Using focus group discussions, this study sought to document plants used in traditional healing and to look into local attitudes towards the conservation of medicinal plants in Jaro, Leyte. Among the 77 plant species documented in this study are the following: Allium sativum, Andropogon citratus, and Peperomia pellucida for hypertension; Peperomia pellucida, Cocos nucifera, Lagerstroemia speciosa, and Cynodon dactylon for kidney and bladder problems; Annona muricata, Momordica charantia, and Moringa oleifera for diabetes and anemia; Moringa oleifera as a galactagogue; Jatropha curcas, Justicia gendarussa, and Curcuma domestica for bone-related and abdominal problems; Carica papaya, Chrysanthemum indicum, and Chrysophyllum cainito for stomach illnesses; Ananas comosus as an anthelmintic; Jatropha curcas and Piper betle for flatulence; Persea americana and Psidium guajava for diarrhea; Citrus x microcarpa, Plectranthus amboinicus, Premna odorata, Vitex negundo, and Zingiber officinale for cough, colds, and sore throat; Euphorbia hirta and Carica papaya for dengue fever; Hibiscus rosasinensis, Plectranthus scutellarioides, and Senna alata for skin-related problems; and Musa x paradisiaca, Ageratum conyzoides, and Psidium guajava for cuts and wounds. The lack of ownership and accountability for these resources should be addressed prior to initiating conservation efforts. Moreover, nationwide ethnobotanical documentation is warranted to respond to the aging population of traditional healers and dwindling knowledge transfer to the younger generation.

An Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants and Perceptions on Plant Biodiversity Conservation in Leyte, Philippines

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