Ethnomedical Practices and Medicinal Plant Use in Tanjung and Seponjen Villages, Jambi, Indonesia

Abstract

Communities living in and around forest areas have local wisdom regarding the use of plants, particularly for medicinal purposes. They possess important knowledge about this, including the habitat, growth form, identification of plant species, parts used, methods of preparation, and their medicinal efficacy. This study was conducted from September to November 2021 and aims to analyze the diversity of medicinal plants and their utility values through field surveys and community interviews. This study was conducted in Tanjung Village and Seponjen Village, Kumpeh District, surrounding Orang Kayo Hitam (OKH) Forest Park, which is located on the border of Muaro Jambi Regency and East Tanjung Jabung, Jambi Province. The study found 66 medicinal plants from 42 families, among which turmeric has the highest utility value of 0.37. Several types of medicinal plants that are dominant come from the Zingiberaceae, Fabaceae, and Piperaceae families, with extensive benefits for treating common diseases such as digestive disorders, inflammation, and skin infections. Such knowledge and habits are passed down from generation to generation. The use of these medicinal plants reflects the community's dependence on the local ecosystem as a provider of natural resources that are important for health. This research serves as a foundation for the protection and sustainable utilization of medicinal plants.