Page 144 - GHR_NursingCMU2024_Final.indd

Botanical Identification and Present Utilization of Medicinal Plants in Selected
Households in a Barangay in Magalang, Pampanga

1
1
1
1
A. Ingal, M. Castro, C. Feliciano, G. Luna, M. Manalastas, L. Manuel,
1
1
1
1
J. Mueden, C. Quizon, C. Reyes, C. Monieno, and M. Cabanayan 1
1
1
1
College of Nursing, Angeles University Foundation, Philippines
Background: Philippines is a recognized developing nation that embraces traditional medicine alongside
modern healthcare. Its enduring herbal practices are deeply woven into the culture, especially in rural areas.
Objective: This study aimed to display the botanical identification and present utilization of medicinal
plants by the selected households in a barangay in Magalang, Pampanga, Philippines, emphasizing
preservation of traditional knowledge and safeguarding of local biodiversity.

Methods: Upon approval of the Ethics Review Committee, the study utilized a mixed-methodology. Snowball
and purposive sampling methods were employed, with 12 informants participating in the study. Quantitative data
were collected using PictureThis for pre-identification, while categorization relied on Co’s Digital Flora of the
Philippines (CDFP), Plants of the World Online (POWO), and StuartXchange. Qualitative data was gathered through
unstructured interviews. Convergent parallel design was used for the mixed-methods section. Descriptive
statistics of Use Value (UV), Relative Frequency Citation (RFC), Relative Importance (RI), and Fidelity Level (FL),
along with Braun and Clarke thematic analysis were used for quantitative and qualitative sections, respectively.

Results: Two hundred five (205) plants were identified, 74 non-medicinal and 131 medicinal. Of these, 74 plants
had established folkloric use in the Philippines. Psidium guajava had the highest UV and RI. Origanum vulgare had
the highest RFC. Highest FLs were Euphorbia hirta, Psidium guajava, Moringa oleifera, Citrus microcarpa, Origanum
vulgare, Zingiber officinale, Mentha arvensis, and Rauvolfia serpentina. Three major themes emerged: Stem of
Oral Presentation Abstracts
Knowledge and Its Application, Pillars of Utilization, and Perceived Capacities.

Conclusion: The results highlight the significant interplay of medicinal plants and contemporary healthcare,
supporting the Department of Health’s endorsement of “Sampung Halamang Gamot” or Ten Herbal Medicines
in treating various health ailments. Knowledge and utilization were derived from intergenerational practices and
digital platforms, considering the plants’ accessibility, economic viability, and extensibility of treatment coverage.
Findings therefore support the integration of medicinal plants into modern medicine.

Keywords: botanical identification, folkloric use, medicinal plants, present utilization, traditional knowledge

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Correspondence: Anneka Geri Ingal, College of Nursing, Angeles University Foundation, Philippines
E-mail: ingal.annekageri@auf.edu.ph

142