Traditional medicines from marine resources: Understanding the consumer’s knowledge and perceptions

Abstract

Traditional medicine is an alternative medicine adopted by local communities using natural resources from plants and animals. This study aims to explore consumers’ knowledge and perceptions of the use of marine resources as traditional medicinal properties. The qualitative method of utilizing an in-depth face-to-face interview was used to gather the data from the respondents. The sample comprises communities from the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, including traditional practitioners, fishermen, villagers, and members of the public. Twenty-four marine resources have been identified as being used as traditional medicines, and most of the identified resources are effective in treating illnesses. The highest frequencies mentioned are seahorses that have been used as a traditional medicine to cure asthma. The knowledge and belief in the benefits of using marine resources as traditional medicine have been passed down from generation to generation, especially from older generations and traditional healers. These have contributed to the positive perception towards marine resources as a traditional medicine to cure illnesses, enhancement of sustainable livelihood, good health, and well-being among users. The results of this study are valuable and useful in developing more marine-based alternative medicines by using the scientific investigation to overcome health problems among Malaysians and also expected to help the government in documenting marine resources that can be used to treat illnesses. Since this study is limited only to the coastal areas in the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, future research should focus on other coastal areas of Malaysia for the purpose of discovering other potential marine resources being used as Traditional medicines. Furthermore, future research should also expand into quantitative research that might focus on a larger and wider population of traditional medicine users or potential customers.