Medicinal plants used by the community of Lipulalongo Village, Banggai Laut District, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

Plants have been traditionally used for medicinal purposes to cure diseases or maintain body wellness and health. However, the utilization of medicinal plants by a particular community is unique and specific to the context of area, thus it might differ from one community to another. This study aimed to document the diversity of plant species used by the community in Lipulalongo Village, Labobo Sub-district, Banggai Laut District, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, as well as to reveal the method of use of such plants in their medication practices. The research used a cruising survey method, and data collection used interviews, field observation, and identification. The study recorded 21 species of medicinal plants, namely Phaleria macrocarpa Boerl, Andrographis paniculata Burm.f., Orthosiphon stamineus Bent, Coleus scutellarioides (L.) Benth., Averrhoa bilimbi L., Psidium guajava L., Capsicum annum L., Annona squamosa L., Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry, Morinda citrifolia L., Gossypium arboreum L., Sesbania grandiflora (L) Pers., Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf, Curcuma domestica Valeton, Curcuma zedoria (Christm.) Roscoe), Areca catechu L, Alpinia galangal (L.) Willd), Carica papaya L., Theobroma cacao L., Chamaedaphne sp., and Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC. The leaf was the most utilized plant organ rather than fruit, stem, bark, rhizomes, or tubers. Boiling and drinking was the most common method of preparation and mode of application, respectively. Diseases that can be prevented and treated using medicinal plants are fever, diarrhea, colds, coughs, sore teeth, skin diseases (e.g., boils, tinea versicolor, and ringworm), digestive tract diseases in the stomach, and therapy after giving birth.