SURVEY OF MEDICINAL PLANTS FROM PHU KHAO NOI, SINGHANAKHON DISTRICT, SONGKHLA PROVINCE

Authors

  • Thawatchai Srisuwan Faculty of Traditional Thai Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla
  • Natcha Boonmee Faculty of Traditional Thai Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla
  • Phloiphan Chaiyao Faculty of Traditional Thai Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla
  • Patteera Jantaramas Faculty of Traditional Thai Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla
  • Sudaphon Srichan Faculty of Traditional Thai Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla
  • Oratai Neamsuvan Faculty of Traditional Thai Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla

Keywords:

folk medicine, Khao Noi Pagoda, Wat Khao Noi

Abstract

Phu Khao Noi is an important archaeological site in Singhanakhon District, Songkhla Province. Throughout the past, it has served as a source of medicinal plants. Though, more recently, plant cultivation in the area has been nearly decimated, which has brought about community awareness in preserving these local resources. It is important for the community to be aware of the benefits and current condition of these medicinal plants. Therefore, this research studied 1) the diversity of medicinal plants and the wisdom of utilizing herbs from this district and (2) compared plant diversity with neighboring areas. It was conducted by semi-structured interviews with three local traditional healers. The main points of the interviews included the vernacular names, parts of plants used, traditional indication, drug administration and preparation. Plant specimens were collected and botanically identified. Voucher specimens were prepared for future reference. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and compared to related studies.  The results revealed 59 plant species within 51 genera and 34 families. The family Annonaceae was mostly used (5 species, 8.5%). All plants could be prepared for use in 128 medicines (remedies). The plants were mostly used to treat infections/infestations with 29 medicines (22.7%). The plants’ parts, which were predominantly used for drug preparation, were stem, climbing stem, wood and heartwood with 23 species (23.0%). Boiling was the most popular drug preparation method and was used for 70 medicines (77.8%). Drinking was the most preferred route for drug administration with 72 medicines (80.0%). The study site had a Jaccard Similarity Index at 15.57 when compared to Hua Khao Subdistrict, Singhanakhon District. From the literature review, it was found that 28 species (47.5%) with similar plant parts have already been studied as to their use by local healers for their pharmacological activity. Therefore, the pharmacological activity of the remaining plants should be studied to support Thai herbal medicine as being reliable and more widely accepted.

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Published

2023-08-29

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Original Research Articles