Ethnomedicine of the Batak Community in Gelam Sei Serimah Village, Serdang Bedagai District, North Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract

Indonesia is recognized as one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, where many plant species have long been utilized in traditional medicine. Ethnomedicine represents an important component of local knowledge systems that are transmitted orally across generations. However, documentation of medicinal plant use among the Batak community in Gelam Sei Serimah Village, Serdang Bedagai District, North Sumatra, remains limited. This study aimed to (1) identify medicinal plant species utilized by the Batak community and document their modes of preparation and use, and (2) evaluate their relative cultural importance using quantitative ethnobotanical indices, namely Use Value (UV) and Index of Cultural Significance (ICS). Field research was conducted through semi-structured interviews and participatory observation involving 20 respondents, including key informants and general community members. Plant specimens were collected and taxonomically verified. Data were analyzed descriptively and quantitatively. A total of 41 medicinal plant species belonging to 39 genera and 26 families were recorded, used to treat 27 types of ailments. The families with the highest number of species were Zingiberaceae, Asteraceae, and Lamiaceae. Commonly treated ailments included stomachache, fever, wounds, and skin itching. UV values ranged from 0.27 to 3.62, while ICS values ranged from 4 to 90, indicating varying levels of cultural importance among species. Several species show high potential for further pharmacological investigation and possible commercial development. Comprehensive studies on their secondary metabolites and bioactivity are recommended to support conservation and sustainable utilization strategies.