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Medicinal Plants Used by the Subanen Tribe in Selected Barangays of Sindangan,

Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines

Research · April 2015

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.1.4828.1121

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 Medicinal Plants Used by the Subanen Tribe in Selected Barangays of Sindangan,
Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines
April Rose C. Agua, Prof. Lilybeth M. Olowa, PhD1
1
Department of Biological Sciences
MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology
Andres Bonifacio Avenue, Iligan City, Philippines
E-mail: aprilrose.agua@g.msuiit.edu.ph

ABSTRACT: An ethnomedicinal study was conducted in five (5) barangays of Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte,
Philippines. It is inhabited by the Subanen tribe, one of the indigenous societies in Zamboanga Peninsula, who has a
long tradition of using medicinal plants. Seventy two (75) medicinal plant species were recorded belonging to 44
families identified to treat several ailments such as cough, diarrhea, stomachache, fever and wounds, as cited by 102
informants (ages 30-90). Dominating plant habits were trees and shrubs. Leaves were the most commonly used plant
part and the most popular method of preparation was decoction which was mostly administered orally. It was noted
that the preparation and mode of administration of the medicinal plants vary depending on the kind of disease or
ailment treated. Since medicinal plants are widely used by the Subanens in Sindangan, it is necessary to consider the
management and conservation of this plant species especially those that are rarely seen and difficult to cultivate.
Further examination and laboratory investigation should be employed on those plants that have not yet proven to be
safe clinically.

INTRODUCTION

Ethnobotany comes from the word Ethno
which refers to people, a culture’s collective body of
beliefs, aesthetic, language, knowledge and practice
and Botany which means the study of plants, from the
tiniest fern or blade of grass to the tallest or oldest tree.
Botany includes all the wild plants and the
domesticated species [1]. Medicinal plants have
important contributions in the healthcare system of
local communities as the main source of medicine for
the majority of the rural population. Plants have not
only nutritional value, but also in the eyes of the local
people, they have medicinal and ritual or magical
values [2]. Scientific investigations of medicinal
plants have been initiated in many countries because
of their contribution to healthcare. Herbal medicines
have good values in treating many diseases including
infectious diseases, hypertension, etc. [3].
One of the richest countries in terms of cultural
diversity as well as of biodiversity is the Philippines.
In the country there are 110 indigenous communities
and more than 170 ethno linguistic groups [4]. Among
these are the Subanens of Sindangan, Zamboanga del
Norte which is the subject of the study. They form part
of the Lumad Group of Mindanao. Subanen means
“river people”, which derived from the word “suba” or
river. They originally lived along riverbanks in the
lowlands. However, due to disturbances and
competitions from other settlers, these peace-loving
people are now found residing in the mountainous area
of Zamboanga Peninsula, including Zamboanga del
Sur and Misamis Occidental. The Subanens are mainly
agriculturists who practice different types of
cultivation. For them, medicinal plants and herbs are
called the Bulung. They believe that plants like
humans have spirits that must be respected and valued.
They regard that the knowledge on the use of plants
for medicines are bestowed through a dream and its
effect depends on the plant’s characteristics which
they relate to the disease [5].
Some of the problems that the Subanens are
facing nowadays are the rapid loss of plant
biodiversity and genetic resources and the associated
loss of ethnobotanical knowledge. Few plant experts
remained among the Subanen communities and even
they acknowledge that their knowledge of biodiversity
was much more limited than that of the previous
generation [6]. This study aims to document the
common medicinal plants used in the traditional
healthcare practices of the Subanen in Sindangan,
Zamboanga del Norte. Specifically the study aims to
record medicinal uses of the medicinal plants in the
area the plant part used, methods of preparation and
route of administration. The study provides a wider
perspective on the medicinal plants and herbs
commonly used by the Subanens of the selected
barangay in Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte. This
study provides a key to largely untapped but also
rapidly vanishing biological resources. This also
provides information that may lead to the discovery of
new medicinal remedies. Lastly, this provides the
importance of medicinal plants and herbs that are of
low cost and easy access, especially to the poor
community that cannot afford to buy medicines.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Sindangan lies on the Northwest corridor of
Zamboanga del Norte (Region 9)(Figure 1B), Mindanao,
Philippines (Figure 1A) . It is roughly 86 kilometers from
Dipolog City and 234 kilometers away from Zamboanga
City. Like in most areas of the country; it has a type IV
climate with a mean temperature of 21° C. Sindangan
enjoys relatively mild weather all year long. Its economy
is primarily agriculture and fishery in nature, with some
trading in between. It is situated between Ipil and Dipolog
City in the Southern part of Zamboanga del Norte. Hence,
the municipality is identified as the trading hub of the
province considering, this is a major terminal point for
links to Dipolog City down to Ipil and further down south
to Zamboanga City. It is located 122.8-123.10 East and
8.00-8.25 North. It is bordered by the municipality of Jose
Dalman to North, Leon Postigo to the South, Siayan to the
East and Sulu Sea to the West. Ranging from plain,
slightly rolling, hilly to mountainous terrains, the
Municipality of Sindangan embraces 45,100 hectares of
land. Of its 52 barangays, 22 are situated along the
seacoast, bountifully blessed with marine resources which
gained Sindangan the title “the fishing capital of
Zamboanga del Norte” (Figure 1C). Based on the
Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) survey
2008-2009, the municipality of Sindangan has 89,555
residents with 45,983 males and 43,572 females. The total
household population is 20,222 with an average
household size of 4.5 members. National Statistic Office
2010 survey result of the municipality showed 94,146
population. This shows a population density of 2.08
persons to a hectare. About 24.4% are urban residents and
75.6% are rural residents. Sindangan is populated by tri-
people – the Subanens, Muslims and the Christian
migrants coming from Luzon and Visayan islands.
Community-Based Monitoring System puts the number
of Subanens as 24,640 or 27.5 percent with the greater
number of these indigenous peoples living in the interior
barangays. The Muslims-Maranao and Tausug merchants
live and ply their trades in Poblacion and its adjoining
barangays. It has 56,654 registered voters [7].
Ethnobotanical data was collected between January 3- 6,
2015. A total of 102 randomly selected individuals were
interviewed with ages between 30 to 90 years old
including some local healers (“timuay or timu-ay”), using
a semi-structured questionnaire consisting of the
demographic (age,gender, source of livelihood, and other
information) and ethnobotanical (medicinal plants and its
uses) information in five (5) barangays (Brgy. Benigno
Aquino, Jr., Brgy. Titik, Brgy. Bucana, Brgy. Tinaplan,
and Brgy. Calubian) of Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte
out of its 52 barangays. The interviews were developed as
informal conversations in order to let them speak
spontaneously and not feel pressured. The data acquired
for each plant comprises the plant’s family, common
(English and Tagalog) and local names (Subanen names),
the part of the plant used, the mode of preparation and
administration, and its medicinal uses. Photographs were
taken on each plant right in their natural habitat during
short field walks with some of the respondents and an
initial identification was made. Some of the medicinal
plants were identified with the help of an expert botanist.
A Dictionary of Philippine Plant Names (Volume 1) of
Madulid (2001) is used as a references in determining the
scientific names of the medicinal plants. Then the
scientific names were checked through online resources
(www.phytoimages.siu.edu, www.philippineplants.org,
and http://www.stuartxchange.com/).
The total number of medicinal plants, number
of botanical families, most reported medicinal uses,
and the most commonly mentioned method of
preparation and mode of application were analyzed.
The most commonly used plant part for herbal
preparations was determined in order to assess if the
survival and continuity of the medicinal plants in the
area are maintained and protected by the locals to
ensure sustainability in the utilization of these plants.
The Relative Frequency of Citation (RF) was
computed in order to detect the most cited medicinal
plant using the formula:
RFC= FC/N (0< RFC <1)
Where FC = number of informants mentioning the use
of the species
N = total number of informants participating
the survey
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The use of plants in modern medicine has considerably
increased. On the other hand traditional knowledge is
gradually decreasing due to rapid urbanization and
ndependence of man on modern health care system,
but this folk system still prevails in the rural
communities [8].
Table.1 Medicinal Plant Species Used by the Subanens
FAMILY/ ENGLISH/ HABIT OF TAGALOG SUBANEN PLANT PREPARATION MEDICINAL RFC
SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON GROWTH NAME NAME PART AND MODE OF USES
NAME USED APPLICATION
Amaryllidaceae
Allium cepa (L.) var Onion Herb Sibuyas Sibuyas Bulb Pound and applied Treats Tetanus 0.02
ascalonicum (L.) tagalog (with “sili” plant) to
Backer the affected area

Anacardiaceae
Mangifera indica Mango Tree Manga Mangga Bark, Boil with water, Treats 0.11
Linn. Leaves drink thrice a day Diarrhea,
Vomiting
Boil with water, Cures Cough
drink thrice a day
Roots Pound, apply or rub Cures
the extract directly Stomachache
to the stomach

Annonaceae
Annona muricata L. Soursop Tree Guyabana Labana / Leaves Apply directly to Treats 0.28
Guyabano the stomach, use 17 Stomachache
leaves, twice a day

Boil with water, Treats U.T.I

drink often and Cancer,
(alternative to and cough
water) “hinubig”

Wash, Boil with Diarrhea,

water, drink thrice a Vomiting
day

Wash 40 leaves, Lowers High

boil until blood, treats
approximately 1 Ulcer, and
cup of glass vertigo
remains, drink
thrice a day
Wash and spread Treats
(7 leaves) on belly Constipation
wrapped with a
piece of cloth every
night

Apocynaceae
Plumeria acuminata Kachuchi/ Tree Kalatsutsi Calachuchi Bark Scrape then pound, Flatulence 0.01
W. T. Ait. Temple puti apply the extract to
Flower the stomach or to
the affected areas.

Araceae
Colocasia esculenta Taro Herb Gabi Gabi Leaves, Scrape then Wounds 0.03
(L.) Schott & Endl. Rhizome squeeze, apply
directly to the
affected area
Heat then apply to
the affected area
Arecaceae
Calamus sp. Rattan Palm Uway Roots Wash properly, boil Cures Muscle 0.01
with water, drink pain “bughat”
often (alternative to in women
water)
Cocos nucifera L. Coconut Palm NIyog Lubi Roots Wash properly, boil Cures Diarrhea 0.04
with water, drink
often (alternative to
water)
Bark Wash properly, boil Treats
with water, drink Stomachache
often (alternative to
water)
 Boil (with the Diarrhea
leaves of bayabas,
and bark of dol-dol)
with water, drink
twice a day
Asteraceae
Artemisia vulgaris L. Maiden wort Herb Damong Hilbas Leaves Infuse with hot Treats vertigo, 0.14
maria water, drink thrice a and cough
day

Stem Broil, mix with Stomachache,

water, drink thrice a
day

Leaves Cataplasm, apply

every night

Leaves Wash properly, Fever, Nausea,

Infuse to water, Flatulence
Leaves drink often
(alternative to
water)
Heat over flame, Headache
pound, apply the
extract directly to
forehead
Blumea balsamifera Blumea Shrub Sambong Gabon Leaves/ Wash, soak in Cough, Colds, 0.47
(Linn.) DC camphor Leaf buds water, squeeze, Famished,
drink the extract Severe
thrice a day Flatulence,
Stomachache,
Flu
Heat then apply Arthritis
directly, replace
when the leaves
when it dries
Heat then rub onto Body pain
the skin

Wash properly, boil Fever,

with water, drink Diarrhea,
thrice a day U.T.I.

Chromolaena odorata Devil weed Shrub Hagonoy Hagunoy Leaves Pound then apply Wounds 0.10
(L.) King & H.E. the extract directly
Robins. to the affected area

Emilia sonchifolia Emilia herb Herb Tagulinaw Pisaw-pisaw Leaves Wash, boil with Cough, 0.21
(L.) DC. Ex Wight water, drink thrice a Beriberi,
day(mix with Colds, Fever
sinaw-sinaw plant
to cure cough)

Pound, mix the Treats Fever,

extract with Honey Relieves pain
(“Dugos”) and prevents
sickness in
teething infants
Pound, take Treats canker
internally the sore infection
extract 1 Tbsp. a along the
day mouth or “lu-
as”
Pseudelephantopus Dog’s tongue Herb Dilang-aso Dila-dila sa Leaves Heat, extract the relieves 0.06
spicatus (B. Juss. Ex iro juice, apply directly stomachache
Aubl.) C.F. Baker to the stomach,
apply until it’s gone

Wash properly, boil Cures vertigo

(with koko and over
banog,gatas- fatigue or
gatas,and bila-bila muscle pain
plant) with water, (“bughat”),
drink thrice a day lowers Fever
 Roots Boil (with palad- Relieves pain
palad plant) with and prevents
water, drink once a sickness in
day teething infants

Balsaminaceae
Impatiens balsamina Balsam Herb Kamantigi Kalamantigi Leaves Pound leaves, apply Swelling 0.01
L. directly to the wounds
affected area, twice
a day

Bixaceae
Bixa Orellana L. Lipstick plant Tree Achwete Aswitis Roots/ Boil with water, Cures severe 0.01
Fruit drink once a day flatulence

Bombaceae
Ceiba pentandra (L.) Cottonwood Tree Buboi Dol-dol Bark Wash properly then Cures Hepa 0.01
Gaertn. boil (with dap-dap,
and balite plant)
with water, drink
thrice a day or
make as alternative
to water “hinubig”

Boil (with the Diarrhea

leaves of bayabas,
and bark of lubi)
with water, drink
twice a day

Boraginaceae
Cordia dichotoma Soap berry Tree Anong Anonang Bark Boil with 3 cups of Fever, Cough, 0.04
Forst. F. water, drink thrice a Colds, Over
day fatigue,
Relapse

Brassicaceae
Raphanus sativus L. Radish Herb Labanos Labanos Leaves Wash properly, boil Colic 0.03
with water, drink
thrice a day

Cannaceae
Canna indica L. Canna lily Herb Tikis-tikis Saging- Leaves Wash properly, boil Treats redness 0.01
saging and stem with water, drink in skin, fever
thrice a day and swelling
wounds

Caricaceae
Carica papaya L. Melon tree Herb Papaya Kapayas Leaves Pound the leaf then Dengue, Fever 0.05
(male) boil & drink the
extract, 1glass
thrice a day

Boil with water, Diarrhea,

drink thrice a day Cough

Fruit Cut into desired Cures rabies

pieces, Apply
directly to the
affected area

Roots Wash properly, boil Cures Ulcer

with water, drink
thrice a day

Crassulaceae
Kalancho pinnata Miracle plant Herb Katakataka Handelika Leaves Wash, pound then Toothache 0.04
(Lam.) Pers. apply directly
Cataplasm, apply Lumps
until the lumps fade

Cucurbitaceae
Cucurbita maxima Squash Vine Kalabasa Kalabasa Leaves Steam, once a day Famish 0.01
Duchesne
Cyperaceae
Cyperus kyllingia Nut grass Grass Anuang Busikad Whole Wash properly, boil Treats Fever, 0.08
Endl. Plant with water, drink Relieves pain
when it’s warm and prevents
(alternate to water) sickness in
teething infants

Euphorbiaceae

Euphorbia hirta L. Asthma plant Herb Tawa-tawa Gatas-gatas/ Whole Wash, boil with Fever, relief 0.25
Tawa-tawa/ plant water repeatedly for sickness felt
Manggaw three times, drink after missing a
the third glass, meal or
thrice a day “pasmo”

Boil with water, Dengue

make it as an
alternative to water

Wash properly, boil Fever, Chills

with water, drink
one (1) cup thrice a
day

Gmelina arborea Headache Tree Alagau-gubat Gemelena Leaves Apply directly the Flatulence 0.02
Roxb. tree leaves to the
affected area

Jatropha curcas L. Bubble bush Shrub Tubang- Tuba-tuba Leaves Heat 7 leaves then Treats 0.07
bakod apply directly, Flatulence
thrice a day

Bark Wrap with its

leaves, heat over
flame then apply to
the body or to the
affected area
Jatropha podagrica Gout plant Ginseng Rhizome Infuse with Cures vertigo 0.01
Hook. “Kulafu” for one and over
week, drink once a fatigue or
day after dinner muscle pain
(“bughat”) in
women
Macaranga tanarius Elephant’s Tree Binonga Tula-tula Flower Pound then apply Treats severe 0.01
(Linn.) ear directly to the Flatulence
stomach

Roots Wash properly, boil

with water, drink
thrice a day

Manihot esculenta Cassava Herb Kamoteng Balanghoy Leaves Heat then apply the U.T.I. 0.01
Crantz kahoy extract to the loins
Bark Scrape then apply Abdominal
to the affected area pain, Fever

Fabaceae
Caesalpinia sappan Sappan wood Tree Sapang Sebukaw Bark Scrape then mix Defecating 0.04
Linn. with water, drink blood, Muscle
often(alternative to pain (“bughat”)
water)
Cassia alata L. Candle bush Tree Akapulko Sunting Leaves, Pound then mixed Ringworm, 0.01
Bark with kerosene then Fungal
applies directly to Infection
the affected area. (white spots)
Put on as necessary.

Erythrina variegata L. Tiger claw Tree Dap-dap Bark Wash properly then Cures Hepa 0.01
boil (with dol-
dol,and belite plant)
with water, drink
thrice a day or
make as alternative
to water “hinubig”
 Pterocarpus indicus Rosewood Tree Narra Narra Bark With 2 cups of Cyst 0.03
Willd. water boil the bark
until one glass is
left, drink once a
day
Tamarindus indica L. Tamarind Tree Sampalok Sampalok Bark, Boil with water, Colds, Fever 0.01
Leaves drink 1 cup 6 times
a day

Lamiaceae
Coleus blumei Benth. Butterfly Herb Malaina Mayana Leaves Wash, boil with Cough, Fever, 0.41
coleus water, drink thrice a Colds
day

Take 7 leaf buds,

wash, mash then
extract the juice,
drink directly, once
a day
Heat then apply to Wounds
the wounds
Wash, mash 7 Inflammation
leaves then apply
the extract to the
affected area
Pound then extract, Stomachache
drink the extract
one a day

Pound then extract, Measles

apply the extract
directly to the pulse

Ocimum basilicum L. Sweet basil Herb Albanaka Bawing/ Leaves Apply directly on Headache 0.03
Sangig the forehead, use
leaves as desired

Wash properly, Relapses

soak into hot water
(7 leaves), drink
thrice a day

Coleus amboinicus Oregano Herb Suganda Kalabo Leaves Wash, Boil with Cough 0.10
Benth water, drink twice a
day

Wash, boil with Stomachache

water, drink thrice a
day
Orthosiphon aristatus Cat’s whisker Shrub Balbas-pusa Balbas-pusa Leaves, Boil with water, U.T.I., Kidney 0.04
(Blume) Miq. Flower drink thrice a day
Lauraceae
Persea Americana Avocado Tree Abukado Abokado Bark, Boil with water, Vomiting, 0.22
Mill. Leaves drink thrice a day Diarrhea,
Stomachache,
cough, U.T.I.

Liliaceae
Allium sativum L. Garlic Herb Bawang Ahos Bulb Chew/ heat over High blood
flame, infuse to
water, drink once a
day

Aloe Vera Linn. Aloe vera Shrub Sabila Aloe Vera Whole Wash properly, boil Cough, Asthma 0.01
plant water, and drink
thrice a day

Malvaceae
Hibiscus rosasinensis China Rose Shrub Gomamela Gumamela Flower Crash then apply Mumps 0.01
L. directly to the
affected area
 Sida rhombifolia L. Teaweed Shrub Eskobang- Eskoba Roots Wash properly, boil Relapses 0.04
haba with water, drink
often (alternate to
water)
Wash properly, Cures insomnia
infuse to warm
water, drink thrice a
day
Melastomataceae

Melastoma sp. Malabar Shrub Malatungaw Hantutungaw Flowers Pound then apply Lumps 0.02
melastome directly to the
affected area until
its healed

Leaf buds Boil with water, Cough

drink everytime the
cough starts

Meliaceae
Lansium domesticum Langsat Tree Lansones Lanzones Roots Wash properly, boil Diarrhea 0.01
Corr. Serr. with 3 cups of
water, drink twice a
day for three
consecutive days

Sandoricum koetjape Lolly fruit Tree Santol Santol Bark Boil with water, Diarrhea 0.03
Merr. drink thrice a day

Swietenia Broad leaved Tree Mahogany Mahogany Bark, Wash properly, Stomachache, 0.02
macrophylla (L.) mahogany Leaves, Boil with water, Vomiting
Jacq. Roots drink once a day

Bark Boil with water, Diarrhea

(inner drink thrice a day
part) after meal for three
consecutive days

Menispermaceae
Tinospora rumphii Heavenly Vine Makabuhay Panyawan Vine Wash, soak in Stomachache, 0.15
Boerl elixir water, drink thrice a Diarrhea
day

Wash, boil 1 inch

of the plant(vine),
drink thrice a day

Broil, wash, mash Cyst

then get the extract,
put in the glass,
take 1 tablespoon a
day

Drop its juice to the Toothache

tooth that aches

Moraceae
Artocarpus Jackfruit Tree Langka Nangka Leaf buds Wash properly, boil Diarrhea 0.03
heterophylla Lam. with water, drink
often (alternative to
water)

Leaves Boil with water, Treats Ulcer

(dry) drink thrice a day
before meal
 Ficus benjamina Weeping fig Tree Balete Balite Bark Wash properly then Cures Hepa 0.01
Linn. boil (with dap-dap
and dol-dol plant)
with water, drink
thrice a day or
make as alternative
to water “hinubig”

Ficus septica Burm. Septic fig Tree Hauili Lagnub Leaves Cataplasm, thrice a Fever 0.02
F. var. septica day

Leaf buds Wash properly, boil Stomachache

leaf buds (3) with
water, drink once a
day

Moringaceae
Moringa oleifera Ben oil tree Tree Malunggay Kamunggay Leaves Heat, pound then Fever 0.03
Lam. spread on cloth
over the
skin(forehead),
apply thrice a day

Pound then apply Wounds

the extract directly
to the affected area

Muntingiaceae
Muntingia calabura Silk wood Tree Aratiles/ Mansanitas Leaves, Wash properly, boil Stomachache, 0.07
L. Datiles Bark with water (7 Diarrhea
leaves), drink often
(alternative to
water)

Musaceae
Musa sapientum (L) Banana Herb Saging Saging Fruit- Chop, Infuse with Diarrhea 0.07
Var. Lakatan (Blco.) (Tundan) Immature water, drink 1 cup
Tedd. thrice a day

Musa uranoscopos Banana Herb Saging-pula Bulungan Bark Boil with water, Relieves 0.02
(Lodd.) drink 6 times a day muscle pain or
“bughat” in
women
bark and Boil with water, to cure person
roots drink 1 glass every poisoned from
meal (thrice a day) eating spoiled
or due to
ingestion of
poisonous
plant or toxic
chemicals

Myrtaceae
Psidium guajava Guava Shrub Bayabas Bayabas Leaves Wash, mash then Wounds, 0.41
Linn. apply directly to the
affected area

Leaf bud Wash, Boil 5 to 7 Diarrhea

leaf buds with
water, drink twice
or thrice a day (mix
with bark of dol-dol
and lubi plant) or
(mix with
Santol(bark), star
apple/
kaymito(bark) and
mangga(bark)
plant)

Chew leaf buds Cough

 Leaf buds Boil with water Stomachache
/Leaves (7 leaf buds or
leaves), drink once
or twice a day until
recovery (mixed
with Labana(leaf),
Mahogany(bark),
Santol(bark) and
kaymito(leaf) plant)

Syzygium cumini (L.) Black plum Tree Duhat Lumboy Bark, Boil with water, Stomachache, 0.06
Skeels Leaves drink thrice a day Diarrhea, Over
fatigue

Oxalidaceae

Averrhoa bilimbi L. Bilimbi Tree Kamias Eba Fruit Boil with water, Beriberi 0.01
drink small amount
before going to
sleep at night

Phyllanthaceae
Antidesma Currant tree Tree Bignai Inyam Bark Boil with water, Treats muscle 0.01
ghaesembilla (Linn.) drink pain (“bughat”)
Spreng often(alternative to in women
water)
Piperaceae
Peperomia pellucida Clear weed Herb Pansit- Sinaw-sinaw Whole Wash properly, boil Kidney, Chills 0.03
(L.) HBK pansitan plant with water, drink
thrice a day

Poaceae
Cymbopogon citratus Lemon grass Grass Tanglad Tanglad Whole Boil. Drink 1 glass High blood 0.05
(D.C.) Stapf Plant thrice a day 3 to 4
days only.

Roots Broil or “isugba” , relieves

then spread out on flatulence or
the affected area “panuhot”,
with a piece cloth cures slight
(“hampol”) fracture or
“piang”
Roots Slightly burn onto Famish
fire then dress to
the affected area.
Apply until it is
relieved.
Eleusine indica Wire grass Grass Paragis Bila-bila Whole Wash properly then Relieves flu, 0.06
(Linn.) Gaertn. Plant boil (with koko lowers high
banog,dila- fever, treats
dila,gatas-gatas vertigo
plant) with water,
drink thrice a day

Imperata cylindrica L. Cogon grass Grass Kogon Kogon Roots Wash properly, Relieves pain 0.02
infuse with warm and prevents
water, drink thrice a sickness in
day teething infants
Paspalum Carabao Grass Laua-laua karabao grass Seeds Sap obtained from Wounds, 0.01
conjugatum P.J. grass seeds, apply Itchiness
Bergius directly to the
affected area

Rubiaceae
Coffea Arabica L. Coffee Tree Kapi Kape Leaves Boil with water, Stomachache 0.01
drink often
(alternative to
water)
Rutaceae
Citrus microcarpa Kalamansi Shrub Kalamondin Kalamansi Fruit Make a juice from Colds, Cough 0.01
Bunge lime Lime the fruit, drink
often
 Citrus grandis (L.) Tropicos Tree Suha Buungon Leaves Soak the leaves into Cough 0.02
Osb water, drink six (6)
times a day

Sapotaceae
Chrysophyllum Star apple Tree Caimito Kaymito Bark, Boil with water, Diarrhea, 0.25
cainito (Linn.) Leaf buds drink thrice a day Cough

Leaves Boil seven (7) Stomachache

leaves with water,
drink thrice a day

Smilacaceae
Smilax bracteata Sarsaparilla Vine Banag Banag Vines Boil with water, Reliefs muscle 0.01
Presl. vine drink thrice a day pain or over
fatigue or
“bughat” in
women

Solanaceae
Capsicum frutescens Chili Shrub Sili Sili Fruit Pound then spread Tetanus 0.05
L. (with sibuyas”
plant) the affected
area

Leaves Crashed then Headache

spread on the
forehead with a
piece of cloth,
apply until the pain
is gone

Pound then apply Flatulence in

the extract directly children
to the affected area,
every morning after
taking a bath
Solanum melongena Eggplant Herb Talong Talong Roots Wash properly, Cures cough 0.03
L. then infuse to
water, drink thrice a
day

Nicotiana tabacum L. Tobacco Herb Tabako Tabako Leaves, Boil dried leaves Used for 0.02
Roots with water, drink expelling
thrice a day certain
intestinal
worms
Leaves Apply directly to Used to treat
the abdomen colic
(“kabuhi”)

Urticaceae
Pipturus arborescens Luo wei mu Shrub Agdalamai Handalamay Bark Crash then apply Lumps 0.01
(Link) C.B. Rob. directly, change if it
dries
Verbenaceae
Vitex negundo Linn. Chinese Tree Lagundi Lagundi Leaves Wash, boil with Fever, Cough, 0.09
chastetree water, drink thrice a Colds, Muscle
day pain

Branch of Chop into desired U.T.I.

the tree pieces, boil with
water, drink thrice a
day
Zingeberaceae
Curcuma longa L. Turmeric Herb Dilaw/ Dulaw Rhizome Cataplasm, apply Kidney 0.01
Luyang- directly to loins
Dilaw every night
Pound then mix Cures heap or
with “lubi” extract jaundice
or “tuno”, drink
twice a day
Zingiber officinale Ginger Herb Luya Luy-a Rhizome Wash properly, Flatulence, 0.04
Roscoe Boil with water, Stomachache
drink often
(alternative to
water)
Unidentified Species
Andiliban Leaves Infuse with hot Cough
water, drink thrice a
day

Babiti Bark Wash properly, boil Cough, Fever

with water, drink
often (alternative to
water)
Boil with water, Kidney
drink twice a day infection
for 3 consecutive
days
Bulunganon Roots Boil with water, Relapses
drink often
(alternative to
water)
Buyo-buyo Leaves Boil with water, Treats fever
drink thrice a day

Cataplasm Treats
(“hampol”) directly headache
to the forehead
Kobra-bagon Vine Boil with water, Diarrhea
drink often
(alternative to
water)
Dalimbo Leaves Heat over flame, Wounds
extract, apply the
extract twice a day
after washing the
wound
Dugosay Bark Wash properly, boil Relieves
(inner with water, drink muscle pain
part) twice a day (“bughat”) in
women
Gilangka Leaves, Pound then apply Wounds
Flower the extract to the
affected area
Halom-halom Leaves, Wash properly, boil Kidney,
Roots with water, drink Inflammation
often (alternative to
water)

Roots Pound then apply Treats tetanus

directly to the
affected area

Wash properly, boil Ulcer and

with water, drink Nausea or
thrice a day for “Lipong-
three consecutive lipong”
days

Kalingag Bark Clean the bark then Lowers high

apply to forehead fever, relieves
for fever and flatulence or
stomach for “panuhot”
flatulence, apply
generously until it’s
gone

Kulo-kulo Leaves Cataplasm, thrice a Aching of loins

day
Kutsaritas Roots Wash properly, boil Treats person
with water, drink that defecate
twice a day with blood

Kwangayan Roots, Wash properly, boil Treats muscle

stems with water, drink pain or
once a day “bughat” in
women

Lansang- Flower Cut the flower then Toothache

lansang apply to affected
area, thrice a day
Lunga-lunga Roots Wash properly, boil Diarrhea,
with water, drink 6 Vomiting
times a day

Luy-ang Bark Dry the bark under Relieves

kahoy heat of the sun, flatulence or
pound, infuse to “panuhot”
water, drink often
or make as
alternative to water
“hinubig”

Malpa/Malfa Roots Wash properly,boil Treats muscle

with water, drink pain and
once a day “bughat”

Manyabaw Bark Boil with water, Stomachache

drink thrice a day
before meal

Omega Leaves Pound then apply Cures

the extract directly ringworm, and
to the affected area itchiness of
skin

Palad-palad Roots Boil (with dila-dila Relieves pain

plant) with water, and prevents
drink once a day sickness in
teething infants

Palaw-palaw Leaves Cataplasm, repeat Back pain

until it gets better

Pauli Roots Wash properly the Relieves

roots, boil with muscle pain
water, drink twice a (“bughat”) in
day women
Pikat Roots Wash properly, boil Diarrhea,
with water, drink 6 Vomiting
times a day

Salingkapaw Whole Wash properly, boil Fever

plant with water, drink
thrice a day

Sumpat Leaves Cataplasm Cripple

(“Pi-ang)

Tabyos Leaves Wash, boil with U.T.I., Kidney

water, drink often
(alternative to
water)

Tagbak Bark Cataplasm, apply to Defecating

stomach every blood
night

Tangkuluran Roots, Wash properly, boil Relieves

stem with water, drink muscle pain
once a day and prevents
from sickness
after labor in
women

Tapak Leaves Pound the leaves, Wounds

apply the extract
directly to the
affected area after
washing

Tayubo Leaves Roast, mix with Over fatigue

water, drink often
(alternative to
water)
Plants play very important role in Subanens. In their are the most abundant plant part that are easier to
belief system, plants and humans have their own spirit collect and can also be regenerated. Moreover, the
that should be taken good care of and value their consumption of various leaves extract ensures better
presence in the environment. In this study, Subanens preparation of active ingredients for medication [10].
from the study barangays of Sindangan employs a
variety of plants to treat different kinds of ailments. A
total of 75 plant species used were recorded (Table 1). 1% 0% 1%
Corresponding to 44 different families namely: 3%
6%
Amaryllidaceae, Anacardiaceae, Annonaceae,
13%
Apocynaceae, Araceae, Arecaceae, Asteraceae,
Balsaminaceae, Bixaceae, Boraginaceae, 13%
Brassicaceae, Cannaceae, Caricaceae, Crassulaceae, 63%
Cucurbitaceae, Cyperaceae, Euphorbiaceae,
Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Lauraceae, Leguminosae,
Liliaceae, Malvaceae, Melastomataceae, Meliaceae,
Menispermaceae, Moraceae, Moringaceae, Leaves Roots
Muntingiaceae, Musaceae, Myrtaceae, Oxalidaceae, Bark Whole plant
Phyllanthaceae, Piperaceae, Poaceae, Rubiaceae, Fruit Rhizome
Rutaceae, Sapotaceae, Smilacaceae, Solanaceae,
Seeds Flowers
Urticaceae, Verbenaceae and Zingeberaceae. Most of
the species in these families were well known such as Figure 2. Percentage of plant parts used for
B. balsamifera and E. sonchifolia from the family medicinal applications
Asteraceae. Othe species include C. blumei
(Lamiaceae), P. guajava (Myrtaceae), E. hirta In terms of the growth form, the highest
(Euphorbiaceae), A. muricata (Annonaceae), P. number of 29 species (38%) species used were the
Americana (Lauraceae), C. cainito (Sapotaceae) and trees followed by 23 herbs (30%), 13 shrubs (18%), 5
T. rumphii (Menispermaceae). These plants are known grasses (7%), 3 vines (4%) and 2 palms (3%) (Figure
to treat different ailments and are generally available 3). Trees were the common source of their medicinal
from forests, fields, roadsides, gardens and backyards. plants. Since results showed that the leaves is the most
However, there were recorded species that has not commonly used plant part, therefore using trees for
been identified due to the distance of each of the medicinal purposes has no effect on the extinction of
barangays and limited time during field sampling. the species. Conservation of the plant species is still
acquired.
Figure 2 shows the percentage of the plant
parts used for medicinal applications. Results showed
7% 3%
that leaf (298 uses) is highly used for medicinal 4%
purpose. Respondents also indicated the use of stem,
flowers and bark in the treatment. Other plant parts 30%
such as fruit, seed, and rhizome were rarely
38%
mentioned. There were various uses of roots in their 18%
herbal preparations. Mostly the roots of the medicinal
plants were used to treat diarrhea (C. nucifera, L.
domesticum), stomachache (M. indica, S.
macrophylla), ulcer (C. papaya), severe flatulence (B. Herbs Shrubs Tree Vines Grass Palm
orellana, S. rhombifolia, C. citratus), vomiting (S.
macrophylla), relieves pain and prevents sickness in Figure 3. Growth forms of the medicinal plants.
teething infants (P. spicatus, I. cylindrica) and used for
expelling certain intestinal worms or “purga” (N.
tabacum). It is stated that leaves are the site of
It has been observed that the mode of
manufacture and storage of many chemical
administration of the medicinal plants vary depending
compounds through photosynthesis including
on the kind of disease or ailment treated. Moreover, it
alkaloids, tannins, coumarines, flavonoids, essential
was noted that the most mentioned method of
oils and inulins which are active component of most
preparation was through decoction (usually the leaves)
herbal preparation in high concentration [9]. The use
(Figure 4). This preparation includes boiling of the
of the leaves provides conservation for the plants
plant materials for longer period of time to soften the
compare to those remedies that requires roots or whole
harder woody materials and discharge its active
plants in which the plant should be uprooted. Leaves
constituents and taken internally by drinking the juice
thrice a day or more often (alternative to water). This
substantiated previous study among the Kalanguya
tribe in Tinoc, Ifugao, Luzon, Philippines, 2001”, that
decoction was one of the methods commonly used.
Oils, sap and other compounds are extracted from the
plant in this process thus, adding its efficacy. Infusion
was also included to internal administration process.
External administration of the medicinal
plants was also done by spreading out plant part
(mostly leaves) directly or as bandage on any part of
the body or wrapped with a piece of cloth (“hampol”).
The poultice or cataplasm method, either squeezing or
rubbing the sap of roasted and/or pounded plant part
mixed with liniment oil onto the body (skin) was also
carried out. For bleeding cuts or wounds, either the
leaves were crushed or the barks of stems were scraped
and the juice is extracted and administered as poultice
or cataplasm. Extracting the plant part that is a
separation process and chewing the leaves or fruit was
also done.
3% 2% 1%
13%
50%
17%
6%
8%
Decoction Infusion
Applied directly ("Hampol") Pounding/Crashing
Cataplasm Extraction
Figure 4. Percentage of medicinal plant
preparation method.
Figure 5 shows the percentages of the
diseases or ailments treated by the medicinal plants.
The common ailments in most Subanen villages that
are treated using the medicinal plants are cough (M.
indica, A. muricata L.,etc.), diarrhea (C. nucifera L.,
B. balsamifer, etc.), stomachache (T. rumphii Boerl,
etc.), fever (V. negundo, etc.), wound (C.
esculenta,etc.), flatulence (G. arborea, etc.), muscle
pain or over-fatigue (“bughat”) in women (A.
ghaesembilla,etc.), lumps (K. pinnata,etc.), headache
(C. frutescens, O. basilicum,etc.) common colds (C.
microcarpa, T. indica, etc.) highblood (C.
citratus,etc.) and urinary tract infection (P. americana,
O. aristatus,etc.).
Some of the species under the 44 families
were proven to contain various chemical compounds
and metabolites that are known to have medicinal
properties. Many related researches were conducted
regarding the effectiveness of the said families. For
instance is the family Asteraceae, it is one of the
6% 4% 1% 1%
6%
7% 1%
18%
7%
9% 23%
17%
Cough Diarrhea
Stomachache Fever
Wound Flatulence
Muscle pain or Over Fatigue Lumps
Headache Common colds
High Blood U.T.I.
Figure 5. Percentage of the most treated ailments
using medicinal plants.
largest and most diverse of all plant families.
Asteraceae family also provided the large number of
medicinal species in this study. They are considered
edible and safely medicinal, but they often contain
very active ingredients along with their exceptional
supplies of nutrients. Most of the plant species under
Asteraceae contain active alkaloids that are medicinal
[11]. An ethnobotanical investigation on Asteraceae
family in Bangladesh indicated the use of this plant
family by the local people in the treatment of human
ailments as well as diseases of domesticated animals
[12].
Family Euphorbiaceae also shows several
species of medicinal plants next to Asteraceae. It was
observed to have medicinal properties due to the
presence of certain chemical constituents. In an
investigation conducted in India, many of the species
of Euphorbiaceae have been used by the local
population in traditional medicine as remedies against
several diseases [13]. Another important family is
Lamiaceae known as the mint family provided a large
number of medicinal species. This family is important
for flavors, fragrance and medicinal purposes [14]. A
study on ethnobotany, Pharmacology and
phytochemistry of Lamiaceae showed that some
species have been used in folk medicine as a remedies
in the treatment of several disorders [15].
The medicinal plants utilized by the
Subanens has the same modes of preparation used by
the Higaonon tribe in Rogongon (Iligan City). Both
groups has the same medicinal uses on the same
species mentioned in this study. Olowa et al. (2012)
recorded that the Higaonons A. sativum and C. citratus
used to lower hypertension; M. indica, A.
heterophyllus, P. guajava, and C. cainito were used to
treat diarrhea; A. vulgaris, S. mahogany, and T. crispa
were used to cure stomachache; B. balsamifera, E.
sonchifolia, C. microcarpa, V. negundo, and Z.
officinale were used to treat cough and colds; E. hirta
was used to lower high fever and cure dengue fever;
crushed or pounded leaves of C. blumei and M.
oleifera were used to treat wounds; and boiled vines of
S. bracteata for the relief of muscle pain or over
fatigue or “bughat” in women. Moreover, a mixture of
two or more plants were also claimed to more effective
in treating a particular disease or ailment, for example,
the leaves of C. cainito, A. muricata, P. guajava and
bark of S. koetjape and mahogany are boiled together
in treating stomachache. It is also a function of the
traditionally-held belief that the synergistic
combination of several active pronciples in some
herbal preparations is responsible for their beneficial
effects (IARC monographs). In the other hand, a
particular medicinal plant can be used to treat two or
more different disease. Conversely, two or more plants
can treat the same ailment or disease.
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND
RECOMMENDATION
This study contributed to the establishment of
an inventory of plant based medicines used in
Sindangan. A total of 102 informants were
interviewed during the surveys to document the
indigenous knowledge about the uses of medicinal
plants. The paper summarizes a data on 75 plant
species belonging to 44 Families used to treat 58
common ailments. The results of the study revealed
that there is high diversity of medicinal plants and
traditional knowledge about the use, preparation and
application which is still maintained among the
Subanens in Sindangan.
The majority of the plants were employed to
treat diseases such as cough, diarrhea problems,
stomachache, fever, wound and etc. RFC values
ranked Blumea balsamifera, Coleus blumei and
Psidium guajava atop most cited and well known
species in Sindangan. It has been documented that
these plant used with medicinal values are prepared
using fresh plant parts, dried plant material or both and
most common preparation methods for remedies are
decoction, pounding or crashing, and poultice or
cataplasm. They are either applied internally or
externally depending on the plant species. The growth
forms of these plants are trees, herbs, shrubs, grass,
vines and palms.
The preservation of this knowledge appears to be the
result of continued reliance of the local communities
on the medicinal plants. It is still necessary to consider
the management and conservation of the following
plant species especially those that are rarely seen and
difficult to cultivate. Other means of sampling can be
done to further recognize and discover unidentified
medicinal species in the area. A detailed
phytochemical screening of indigenously used
medicinal plants in Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte
is recommended in order to identify bioactive
components with great therapeutic potential.
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