Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants used by Ayta Communities in Dinalupihan, Bataan, Philippines

Objectives: This study documented the species of medicinal plants used by Ayta communities in Dinalupihan, Bataan. The plant parts used for medicinal purposes, preparations, mode of administration of these medicinal plants were determined. The most important species based on use values and informant consensus factors were also calculated. Methods: A total of 26 informants were interviewed regarding the plants they utilize for medicinal purposes. Free and prior informed consents were obtained from the informants. Taxonomic identification was done in the Botany Division of the National Museum of the Philippines. Informant consensus factor (FIC) and use values (UV) were also calculated. Results: Ayta communities listed a total of 118 plant species classified into 49 families used as herbal medicines. The Family Fabaceae was the most represented plant family with 11 species. Leaves were the most used plant part (43%). Majority of medicinal preparations were taken orally (57%). It was found that Psidium guajava L. and Lunasia amara Blanco were the most commonly used medicinal plants in the three communities with the use value of 0.814. Conclusion: This documentation provides a catalog of useful plants of the Ayta and serves as a physical record of their culture for the education of future Ayta generations.