Ethnomedicinal plants of the Aeta of sitio Target, Barangay Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines

Abstract

Ethnomedicinal studies focus on the history, uses, and modification of natural resources, mostly plants, that are traditionally used as medicine by natives. The Aeta are a group of indigenous people in the Philippines who are known to use plants for their medicinal properties. This study aimed to identify and document the medicinal plants utilized by the Aeta residing in Barangay Sapang Bato, Angeles City, Pampanga. Qualitative data were obtained from a focus group discussion among key informants. House-to-house interviews were employed with the aid of a demographics questionnaire and a semi-structured interview guide. A 50% + 1 households rule was applied for sampling size. Plant specimens that were initially unidentified and uncommon were collected and herbarium vouchers were prepared for taxonomic purposes. Ethnobotanical indices such as use value (UV), informant consensus factor (ICF), and fidelity level (FL) were determined and analyzed. The study yielded a list of 104 plant species that are most used by and most important to the Aeta in traditional medicine. Finally, a booklet presenting the results and important information about the plant species was published to preserve and promote the ethnomedicinal practices of the community.