International Journal of Science, Engineering and TechnologyAuthors: Samson L. Mangin, Edna B. Nabua
Abstract: Ethnomedicinal knowledge remains an important component of primary healthcare in many rural communities, yet it is increasingly threatened by modernization and environmental change. This study documents the ethnomedicinal plants used by the community of Sitio Langilanon, Barangay Pugaan, Iligan City, and examines their cultural and therapeutic significance. A mixed-methods research design was employed, integrating structured surveys and semi-structured interviews among selected settlers of Sitio Langilanon. Data collection focused on identifying medicinal plant species, ailments treated, methods of preparation, and associated indigenous health practices. Qualitative data were thematically analyzed, while quantitative data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Twenty-two (22) ethnomedicinal plant species were documented. Common methods of preparation included boiling, pounding, and infusion. These remedies were primarily used to treat ailments such as fever, diarrhea, cough, wounds, and hypertension. Findings revealed a strong community reliance on plant-based medicine and demonstrated the continued intergenerational transmission of indigenous medicinal knowledge. The study highlights the vital role of ethnomedicine in the local healthcare system of Sitio Langilanon. However, traditional medicinal practices face growing threats from cultural shifts and environmental degradation. Systematic documentation, cultural preservation initiatives, and scientific validation are essential to safeguard this knowledge and enhance its contribution to sustainable healthcare and broader scientific research.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20200858
