Ethnobotanical study and uses of medicinal plants in communal areas of Khao Luang forest park, Nakhonsawan and Uthaithani provinces

Abstract

An ethnobotanical survey was carried out to identify and record the indigenous knowledge and significance of medicinal plants used by the local people living surround Khao Luang Forest Park. Medicinal Plants have mainly been used in this area not only for primary healthcare but also some types of critical illnesses. Data on the traditional ethnobotanical use of plants was collected from 68 key informants (traditional herbal healer, herbalists, herbal users, and collectors) through the participatory rural appraisal method involving in-depth interview, focus group discussion, and overt participant observation using semi-structured questionnaires. The ethnobotanical knowledge and uses of medicinal plants were recorded. Total 73 medicinal plants species comprising 58 genera and 42 families were reported in this study. Most of surveyed medicinal plants were found to apply for treatment relevant to herbal tonic, musculoskeletal body system (rheumatism, gout, contusions, and sprains), antidote, and fever and pain reliever. The stem and root were the most commonly used plant parts while the most common method of preparation was decoction for oral consumption. Most remedies were prepared from single species, however some were prepared as medicinal plants recipest using mixture of plants, such as traditional herbal beverages for tonic and musculoskeletal disorders. The rural communities surrounding Khao Luang Forest Park is endows with a rich culture of traditional knowledge of medicinal plant usage. The present traditional phytotherapy represents a medicinal alternative to treat major health problems in regard to the cultural and social context of this society.