Medicinal Plants of the Higaonon Tribe (Philippines): Ethnobotanical Survey

The Higaonon, an indigenous tribe in Mindanao, Philippines, maintain rich ethnobotanical knowledge. This compilation documents traditionally used species, their local names, scientific identities, and reported applications.

Documented Medicinal Plants

Local Name	Scientific Name	Family	Reported Uses
Alibogbog	Chromolaena odorata	Asteraceae	Diarrhea, dysentery, wound antiseptic, hemostatic
Alikabukab	Ficus septica	Moraceae	Skin diseases (eczema, psoriasis), stomach ailments, diarrhea
Ampalaya	Momordica charantia	Cucurbitaceae	Diabetes, hypertension, skin conditions, antitumor
Banaba	Lagerstroemia speciosa	Lythraceae	Diabetes, blood sugar regulation, diarrhea, dysentery
Bawang	Allium sativum	Amaryllidaceae	Colds, flu, cough, cardiovascular, antimicrobial
Bayabas	Psidium guajava	Myrtaceae	Diarrhea, dysentery, skin infections, dental
Bignay	Antidesma bunius	Phyllanthaceae	Colds, flu, cough, diarrhea, dysentery
Buah Merah	Pandanus conoideus	Pandanaceae	Cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular, antioxidant, immune
Dahon ng Sili	Capsicum frutescens	Solanaceae	Colds, flu, cough, pain, inflammation, circulation
Gumamela	Hibiscus rosa-sinensis	Malvaceae	Colds, flu, cough, skin, UTI, emmenagogue
Lagundi	Vitex negundo	Lamiaceae	Colds, flu, cough, asthma, diarrhea, dysentery
Makahiya	Mimosa pudica	Fabaceae	Colds, flu, cough, diarrhea, dysentery, wound
Manzanilla	Matricaria recutita	Asteraceae	Colds, flu, cough, skin, allergies, calming
Niyog-niyogan	Quisqualis indica	Combretaceae	Colds, flu, cough, diarrhea, dysentery, deworming
Oregano	Origanum vulgare	Lamiaceae	Colds, flu, cough, digestive, skin, antimicrobial
Pandan	Pandanus amaryllifolius	Pandanaceae	Flavoring; colds, flu, cough, diarrhea, dysentery
Pasali	Solanum nigrum	Solanaceae	Colds, flu, cough, diarrhea, dysentery
Sambong	Blumea balsamifera	Asteraceae	Colds, flu, cough, diarrhea, dysentery, diuretic
Tsaang Gubat	Carmona retusa	Boraginaceae	Colds, flu, cough, diarrhea, dysentery, antispasmodic
Ulasimang Bato	Plantago major	Plantaginaceae	Colds, flu, cough, diarrhea, dysentery, wound

Research & Conservation Notes

• Many species have published pharmacological validation (anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic)
• Traditional preparation: decoction, poultice, infusion, steam inhalation
• Intellectual property rights: Nagoya Protocol applies; benefit-sharing with tribe essential
• Habitat loss threatens both biodiversity and knowledge transmission
• Integration with primary healthcare being explored (Philippines Traditional Medicine Act)

This knowledge represents centuries of empirical observation. Rigorous phytochemical and clinical validation continues.