Ethnobotanical Survey and Quantitative Assessment of Medicinal Plants Used by the Banjarsari Community, in Bareng, Jombang, East Java

Abstract

Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) remains a vital component of primary healthcare in rural communities, yet it faces constant pressure from modernization. This study aims to document the diversity, utilization patterns, and cultural significance of medicinal plants used by the community of Banjarsari Hamlet, Jombang. An ethnobotanical survey was conducted using semi-structured interviews with local informants. Data were analyzed using quantitative indices, including Use Value (UV) and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), as well as botanical identification and growth-form classification. A total of 30 medicinal plant species belonging to 19 families and 28 genera were identified. The family Zingiberaceae emerged as the most dominant taxonomic group. Herbaceous plants were the most prevalent growth form (46.7%), with leaves (53.3%) and rhizomes (20.0%) being the most frequently utilized parts. Decoction was the primary mode of preparation, and oral administration was the most common route. Quantitative analysis highlighted Curcuma longa (UV = 1.25; RFC = 0.85) and Zingiber officinale (UV = 1.10; RFC = 0.75) as the most culturally and therapeutically significant species. These plants are primarily employed to treat metabolic disorders (hypertension, diabetes) and gastrointestinal ailments. The community relies heavily on medicinal flora, characterized by sustainable harvesting practices and strong consensus on the efficacy of key taxa. These findings provide a baseline for future pharmacological validation and highlight the importance of preserving biocultural heritage in local healthcare systems.