Taxonomic Studies and Ethnomedicinal uses of Zingiberaceae in the Mountain Ranges of Northern Antique, Philippines

Author: Jade Ann Grace P. Dalisay* , Porferio S. Bangcaya*,** and Mark Arcebal K. Naive***

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Abstract

The gingers are well-known for their medicinal and economic significance and occur chiefly in the tropical regions of the world mainly in the Indo-Malaysian area of Asia. At present, however, Zingiberaceae are one of the least known group in the rapidly expanding recent knowledge of Philippine biodiversity. Thus, this study was conducted to identify the Zingiberaceae species present in the mountain ranges of northern Antique, determine their species richness, diversity and ethnomedicinal uses. Twenty three species in three tribes and eight genera of Zingiberaceae were collected. Among the 23 species collected, 16 species of Zingiberaceae are used traditionally by Antiqueños to alleviate and cure ailments such as the rhizomes of Alpinia elegans (C. Presl) K. Schum and Etlingera cf. philippinensis (Ridl.) R.M. Sm for post-partum relapse, the fruits of Amomum dealbatum Roxb. and Alpinia romblonensis Elmer for loss bowel movement and the leaves of Alpinia gigantifolia(Elmer) R.M. Sm for

Keywords

Zingiberaceae, Ethnomedicinal uses, mountain ranges, Northern Antique

Conclusion

This study concluded that there are 23 species of Zingiberaceae in the mountain ranges of northern Antique and 16 species are used traditionally by Antiqueños to alleviate and cure ailments. Furthermore, Zingiberaceae species could live in varied environment from moist and humid areas such as deep forest and along the streams and riverbank to dry areas such as grassland. But, they are more abundant in damped canopies and along the tributaries because of the presence of rich loam soil, colder temperature and far from human interventions that could inhibit the growth and propagation of the Zingiberaceae. It is highly recommended that the species must be conserve through species and habitat protection, ecological management and wise use of the species. Continuous documentation of ethnomedicinal plant must be done to save the medicinal culture and tradition of Antiqueños since most of these knowledge are transferred orally. Furthermore, molecular analysis is highly recommended to identif

References

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How to cite this article

Jade Ann Grace P. Dalisay, Porferio S. Bangcaya and Mark Arcebal K. Naive (2018). Taxonomic studies and ethnomedicinal uses of Zingiberaceae in the Mountain Ranges of Northern Antique, Philippines. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 10(2): 68-