Medicinal plants for Non-Communicable diseases (NCDs) by Traditional Healers in Selaphume district, Roi Et Province

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the species diversity of medicinal plants used by traditional healers in Selaphume District, Roi Et Province, for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). The study was conducted from October 2021 to August 2022, using semi-structured interviews. Four traditional healers were selected through purposive sampling and the snowball technique. A total of 34 medicinal plant species belonging to 31 genera and 26 families were identified. The family Fabaceae had the highest number of medicinal plant species with 4 (12%), followed by Acanthaceae, Moraceae, Rhamnaceae, Rutaceae and Similaceae, each with 2 species (6%). Decoction was the most common method of preparation, accounting for 28 species (82%), followed by consuming them fresh, with 6 species (17%). Trees were the most common habit for medicinal plants used for NCDs, with 13 species (39%), followed by shrubs, with 9 species (27%). The stem was the most frequently used plant part for preparation, with 13 species (39%), followed by leaves, with 9 species (26%). The highest Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) value was found for Diabetes (ICF=0.09). The most commonly reported medicinal plants used (UV=0.75) were Morinda citrifolia L. Lecomte and Passiflora foetida L. which were used for Diabetes, High blood pressure, and Heart disease.