Ethnobotanical Study on the Utilization of Traditional Medicinal Plants by the Community of Nagari Empat Koto Pulau Punjung, Dharmasraya Regency, West Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract

This study aimed to document the diversity of medicinal plants utilized by the community of Nagari Empat Koto Pulau Punjung, Dharmasraya Regency, West Sumatra, Indonesia, including the plant parts used, preparation methods, and acquisition sources. The research employed a qualitative descriptive approach using purposive and snowball sampling methods involving 20 respondents, consisting of traditional healers and local community members. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, direct observation, and documentation. A total of 20 medicinal plant species belonging to 16 families were identified. The most frequently utilized plant family was Zingiberaceae, while herbaceous plants represented the dominant growth habit category. Leaves were the most commonly used plant part, accounting for 55% of total utilization. Medicinal plants were predominantly obtained from home gardens (45%), followed by wild plants (35%) and purchased plants (20%). Decoction was identified as the primary preparation method practiced by the local community. Several documented plant species, including Psidium guajava, Orthosiphon aristatus, and Phyllanthus niruri, have been scientifically reported to possess pharmacological activities supporting their traditional medicinal uses. The findings indicate that traditional ethnobotanical knowledge remains actively preserved and continues to play an important role in community healthcare practices. This study highlights the importance of documenting traditional medicinal knowledge to support biodiversity conservation and future pharmacological research on medicinal plants.