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American Journal of  
Life Science and Innovation (AJLSI)

Ethnobotanical Assessment of  Medicinal Plants Used by the Higaonon Tribe in Baran-
gay Langag, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur

Jean Rose Altrecha Abejo1*, Meljian T. Demetillo2

Volume 4 Issue 2, Year 2024
ISSN: 2833-1397 (Online)

DOI: https://doi.org/10.54536/ajlsi.v4i2.6217
https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajlsi

Article Information ABSTRACT

Received: September 25, 2025

Accepted: October 30, 2025

Published: December 02, 2025

Indigenous medicinal plants are harnessed by the Higaonon tribe, enriching their cultural 
heritage and advocating sustainable healthcare practices through the utilization of  their 
therapeutic properties. This study aims to document and explore the traditional medicinal 
plant knowledge and practices of  the Higaonon Tribe in the northeastern part of  Mindanao, 
Philippines. The study was conducted in Barangay Langag, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, 
among elderly villagers, traditional healers, and herbalists. A total of  13 plant species 
belonging to 11 families were identified and documented, along with their local names, plant 
parts used, methods of  preparation and administration, and medicinal uses. The most used 
plant parts were leaves, followed by bark, roots, and rhizomes. The plants were used to treat 
various ailments such as fever, stomachache, cough, diarrhea, hypertension, wounds, and 
others. The Lamiaceae family provided the highest number of  medicinal plant species in the 
study. This research contributes to the documentation of  traditional medicinal knowledge, 
supports future pharmacological research, and aids in the conservation and sustainable use 
of  medicinal plants.

Keywords

Ethnobotanical, Herbalists, 
Medicinal plants, Traditional 
Healers

INTRODUCTION
Plants have been utilized as medicines for ages, primarily 
as traditional preparations. It is estimated that around 
85% of  traditional medicines used for basic healthcare 
globally are plant-based (Niazi & Monib, 2024). Despite 
the availability of  conventional or mainstream medicine, a 
significant number of  individuals, especially those residing 
in rural areas, still opt for traditional medicine as their 
preferred approach to treat various ailments (“Prevalence 
and Socio-demographic Variations in Traditional Medicine 
Use: A Study from East Nile Locality, Sudan,” 2024). The 
World Health Organization has estimated that around 
80% of  the population in developing countries relies on 
traditional medicine. Tribal communities, for instance, 
prefer medicinal herbs because they are more affordable 
than expensive pharmaceuticals. These communities have 
inherited the ancestral knowledge of  indigenous healthcare 
practices (Jana et al., 2021). Traditional healers impart their 
indigenous wisdom to patients, sharing knowledge about 
the preparation of  home-based medicinal plant remedies 
like decoctions and poultices, which are vital for essential 
healthcare (WHO 2002). Additionally, local inhabitants 
assert that medicinal plants possess the ability to address 
ailments and expedite wound healing. The significance 
of  medicinal plants lies in their potential to assist in the 
treatment of  wounds and the prevention of  diseases. 
Apart from being cost-effective, traditional medicine is 
also believed to have fewer harmful side effects that could 
potentially be detrimental to one’s well-being (“Herbal 
and Traditional Medicines Pharmacovigilance for Holistic 
Treatment,” 2023).
The transmission of  this traditional knowledge occurs 

orally within kinship networks, but its preservation is at 
risk due to waning interest among younger generations. 
Additionally, the gradual integration of  Western medicine 
and the process of  modernization further exacerbate the 
threat of  this knowledge becoming extinct (Aziz et al., 
2018). The documentation of  medicinal plants utilized 
in traditional and complementary medicine holds great 
significance, as it serves not only to safeguard cultural 
practices but also to facilitate the exchange of  knowledge 
among communities and countries, thereby forming 
a network of  shared wisdom (Miguéis et al. 2019). 
However, the documentation of  medicinal plants remains 
incomplete in many countries. Indigenous peoples 
and rural communities possess traditional knowledge 
about the uses of  these plants, but their existence is 
endangered by various cultural, social, and economic 
factors. Unfortunately, only a fraction of  this valuable 
information has been thoroughly and systematically 
recorded (WHO, 1993). 
Various regions across the globe have seen the undertaking 
of  ethnobotanical studies aimed at documenting the 
traditional knowledge held by indigenous communities 
regarding medicinal plants. Furthermore, ethnobotanical 
studies yield valuable information that serves as 
a foundation for subsequent phytochemical and 
pharmacological research. In the Philippines, several 
research studies have been carried out to evaluate the 
ethobotanical knowledge of  diverse ethnic groups. These 
studies include investigations among the Tagabawa Tribe 
in Davao del Sur (Waay-Juico et al., 2018), the Mamanwa 
tribe of  Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Norte (Nuneza 
et al., 2021), and the Manobo tribe in Davao Occidental 

1 City College of  Bayugan, Bayugan City Agusan del Sur, 8503, Philippines
2 Biology Department, Caraga State University, Philippines
* Corresponding author’s e-mail: philippinesjeanrose.abejo@deped.gov.ph



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(Cabugatan et al., 2022). Through these studies, numerous 
plant species with promising medicinal properties have 
been identified, opening avenues for further exploration 
of  their pharmacological activities. However, only 
few studies have been published (Olowa et al., 2012; 
Buenavista et al., 2022) on the medicinal plants used by 
Higaonon Tribe in Mindanao and there are still no studies 
recorded in Agusan del Sur.
The Higaonon tribe, one of  the 110 Indigenous Peoples 
in the Philippines recognized by the National Commission 
on Indigenous Peoples. They are predominantly found 
in the northeastern part of  Mindanao, particularly in 
the provinces of  Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, 
Bukidnon, and Misamis Oriental. Like many other 
indigenous communities, the Higaonon have their own 
unique culture and traditions, including their use of  
traditional medicine. The use of  traditional medicine has 
been an integral part of  their culture for thousands of  
years. Also, traditional medicine remains their primary 
form of  healthcare. However, no extensive research of  
local Higaonon tribe’s medical knowledge and practices 
has been done in the area. 
Thus, the goal of  this research was to uncover and 
document traditional medicinal plant knowledge and 
practices of  Higaonon tribe in the area. The obtained 
data were utilized to direct subsequent pharmacological 
investigations and to safeguard the conservation of  
medicinal plants and indigenous knowledge. Moreover, 
the documentation of  these indigenous plants and 
associated ethnobotanical knowledge can be used as basis 
for developing management plant for conservation and 
sustainable use. 

Objectives of  The Study
This study tries to investigate the medicinal uses of  
indigenous plants to human and to document native 
medicinal plants available at Brgy. Langag, Esperanza, 
Agusan del Sur. Specifically, the study sought to shed light 
on the following research objectives:

1. Identify and classify the medicinal plants used by 
Higaonon tribe in Langag, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur

2. Determine the plant sources, plant habit, and plant 
part used;

3. Determine the mode of  preparation and application 
of  each medicinal plants; and

4. Determine the common ailments, diseases treated of  
each identified medicinal plan.

Expected Output of  the Study
1. A comprehensive documentation of  the medicinal 

plants used by the Higaonon Tribe in Brgy Langag, 
Esperanza Agusan del Sur.

2. A list of  the identified plants.

3. A report that can be used to validate the 
ethnomedicinal practices of  the Higaonon Tribe and 
promote their conservation.

Significance of  the Study
This study will contribute to the preservation of  
traditional knowledge of  medicinal plants and promote 
their use in primary healthcare. The documentation of  
the traditional medicinal practices of  the Higaonon Tribe 
will also enhance the understanding of  the importance of  
biodiversity conservation in the Philippines.
Benefitting the study are the various sectors as follows:

Medical Practitioners
This study benefits health professionals as it provides 
valuable insights into traditional medicinal practices 
and the potential of  medicinal plants. The findings 
can contribute to the development of  new drugs, 
herbal remedies, and alternative treatments. Healthcare 
professionals can incorporate this knowledge into their 
practice and improve patient care.

Local Community
The study can contribute to improving the health and 
well-being of  the local community by validating and 
preserving their traditional medicinal practices. It can 
help community members access alternative and locally 
available healthcare options.

Educators
The study can be used by educators to promote cultural 
diversity and appreciation among students, fostering an 
understanding of  indigenous knowledge systems and 
traditional healing practices.

Future Researchers
The study can contribute to the existing body of  
knowledge in ethnobotany, traditional medicine, and 
indigenous practices. Future researchers can build 
upon this study’s findings, expanding understanding of  
medicinal plants and their traditional uses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Study Site
The study was conducted among elderly villagers, 
traditional healers, and herbalists in Barangay Langag, 
Esperanza Agusan del Sur. Esperanza using geographical 
coordinates of  8°41′N 125°39′E. (Figure 1) A 1st 
class municipality in the province of  Agusan del Sur, 
Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a 
population of  59,353 people  (Esperanza, Agusan Del 
Sur - Wikipedia, 2021). The ethnic group in this area is 
Higaonon and Banwaon speaking.  



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Figure 1: The Study Site – Langag, Esperanza Agusan del Sur

Data Collection and Selection of  Study Participants
Fieldwork for this study will be conducted between April 
and May 2024. Prior to the conduct of  study, approval 
and in accordance with the guidelines provided by the 
Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) 
and the Chieftain of  the Higaonon Tribe was obtained. 
The participants were purposively selected, comprising 
herb sellers, traditional health practitioners, farmers, and 
individuals with indigenous knowledge. Key informants 
of  20 were composed of  11 females and 9 males with 
an age range from 40-65 years old. Each informant 
verbally consented in advance and voluntarily before the 
interviews began. They were given the assurance that the 
information would be used solely for academic reasons 
because knowledge is a natural resource for the local 
population. After explaining the purpose of  our study, 
the researcher took note of  the gender, age, and marital 
status of  every respondent. The respondent’s location, 
degree of  education, and method of  learning about 
medicinal plants, their uses, plant parts used, diseases 
treated, the preparation and administration methods, and 
the conservation status (availability of  the plants) were 
also noted by the researcher. 
Ethnobotanical information was obtained from 
participants using a semi-structured questionnaire. The 

questionnaire was prepared in English. However, to 
facilitate efficient communication, informal discussion 
with herb sellers and traditional health practitioners 
was held in Cebuano, the local language in these local 
government areas. 

Identification of  Medicinal Plants
Preliminary identification of  the specimens was 
documented by taking photographs. Characteristics were 
noted for accurate classification, then referred to the 
website used to identify its common name, scientific name 
through the book “Amazing Healing Plants” by JC Kurian 
and website stuartchange.com and other internet sources.

Data Analysis
With descriptive statistical methods using percentages, 
the study tried to analyze and summarize data on the 
reported medicinal and wild edible plants and associated 
indigenous knowledge.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The study documented the utilization of  13 plant 
species by the Higaonon tribes residing in Brgy. Langag, 
Esperanza Agusan del Sur, which were found to belong 
to 13 genera across 11 families.

Table 1: List of  medicinal plants used for the treatment of  various ailments common among the Higaonon tribe of  
Brgy. Langag, Esperanza Agusan del Sur
Family Scientific 

Name
Common 
Name

Uses Plant parts 
Use

Methods of  preparation and 
administration

Apiaceae Apium graveolens Hilbas Fever, body 
pain. Stomach 

Leaves Poultice, applied to the body to 
relieve soreness and inflammation 
and kept in place with a cloth.

Asteracea Blumeabalsamifera Gabon Body Pain Leaves Poultice, applied to the body to 
relieve soreness and inflammation 
and kept in place with a cloth.



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Caricaceae Carica papaya Kapayas Dengue Leaves Leaves are soaked in hot water and 
the infusion (1 cup) is taken three 
times daily

Lamiaceae Vitex negundo Lagundi Fever, 
Stomachache, 
cough and 
body pains

Leaves Leaves are soaked in hot water and 
the infusion (1 cup) is taken three 
times daily

Lamiaceae Coeusblumei Benth Mayana Cough, fever Leaves Leaves are soaked in hot water and 
the infusion (1 cup) is taken three 
times daily

Lamiaceae Menthaalberti 
sennen

Karabo Cough Leaves Leaves are soaked in hot water and 
the infusion (1 cup) is taken three 
times daily

Moraceae Ficus benjamina 
Linn

Balete Sprain Bark Poultice, applied to the body to 
relieve soreness and inflammation 
and kept in place with a cloth.

Myrtaceae Psidium guajava Bayabas Ulcer, 
Diarrhea, 
Wounds

Leaves Chewed, Also Fresh leaves are 
boiled in water and a cup of  the 
decoction is taken as tea three times 
a day, Fresh leaves are crushed and 
used as woundndressing daily

Piperaceae Piper Betle Buyo Flatulence, 
Stomachache

Leaves Leaves are boiled in water and ½ 
cup of  the decoction is taken three 
times a day

Poaceae Cymbopogon Tanglad Hypertension Leaves Leaves are soaked in hot water and 
the infusion (1 cup) is taken three 
times daily

Rutaceae Citrus maxima Buongon Cold Fever Leaves Infusion or decoction of  leaves (1 
cup) is taken orally as tea three times 
a day

Sapotaceae Chrysophyllum 
cainito

Kaimito Vomiting, 
stomachache, 
cough and 
cold

Leaves Leaves are soaked in hot water and 
the infusion (1 cup) is taken three 
times daily

Zingiberaceae Curcumalonga 
Linn

Dulaw 
(Yellow)

Swelling Rhizome or 
Roots

 crushed and used as wound 
dressing daily

The plants were categorized based on their local names, 
the parts used, preparation methods, and medicinal 
properties. Among the identified families, Lamiaceae 
contained three plant species. In contrast, the remaining 
10 families, namely Poaceae, Myrtaceae, Zingiberaceae, 
Apiaceae, Rutaceae, Asteracea, Caricaceae, Moraceae, 
Sapotaceae, and Piperaceae, each contributed one 
species (refer to Table 1). The indigenous people of  
the Higaonon tribe and traditional healers residing in 
Brgy. Langag, Esperanza Agusan del Sur, employs a 
variety of  plants available in their surroundings, utilizing 
different plant parts such as leaves (84%), roots (8%), 
and bark (8%), which aligns with the practices observed 
in this study. The leaves, including newly sprouted and 
young leaves, were the most utilized plant part, with 11 
species involved. Additionally, roots were used in one 
plant species, and rhizomes/roots in another. Based on 
the responses and observations, the prevalent ailments 
treated with medicinal plants in Brgy. Langag includes 

stomachache, fever, cough, diarrhea, hypertension, and 
wounds. Given limited access to modern healthcare, a 
significant portion of  the population in Brgy. Langag 
continues to rely on traditional healthcare practices, 
although some individuals combine traditional and 
contemporary medicine approaches. 
The Lamiaceae family emerged as a prominent source 
of  medicinal plant species in the present study. This 
botanical family encompasses numerous plants that 
serve as functional food sources, yield oils, and possess 
medicinal properties. It also encompasses a significant 
number of  flowering plants belonging to the mint family. 
Ethnobotanical, pharmacological, and phytochemical 
investigations have revealed that Lamiaceae exhibits 
a wide range of  activities, such as antioxidants, 
antihyperlipidemic, vasorelaxant, and thrombolytic 
effects, both in vitro and in vivo. These mechanisms 
contribute to various aspects of  cardiovascular diseases 
(CVD), including stroke, heart attack, and others, as 



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highlighted in a recent study by Chakrabartty et al. (2022). 
For the Poaceae family, certain plant species within 
it have been found to have therapeutic applications in 
treating hypertension, diabetes, inflammation, parasitic 
infestations, and ulcers, as well as possessing diuretic 
and antioxidant properties, as indicated in a study by 
Fatima et al. (2018). In the case of  the Myrtaceae family, 
several of  its species have been utilized as spices and 
have a longstanding history in folk medicine for treating 
various ailments. Multiple studies have highlighted 
their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant 
activities. As for the Zingiberaceae family, almost every 
part of  these plants is utilized as a source of  food, 
natural dyes, and traditional medicine. Their rhizomes 
are recognized for their medicinal, pharmacological, 
and nutritional properties, as explored in the research by 
Rachkeeree et al. (2018). 

The Apiaceae or Umbelliferae family, which includes 
plants like celery, carrot, and parsley, is primarily known 
for its aromatic nature and characteristic hollow stems. 
Many plants within this family serve as condiments or 
vegetables, while some also possess medicinal properties, 
as noted in the study by Tshikalange et al. (2017). On the 
other hand, the Rutaceae family comprises medicinal plants 
used in the treatment of  pain, dermatitis, rheumatism, 
and other inflammatory conditions, albeit with limited use 
due to potential toxicity. Over centuries, the members of  
the Asteraceae family have been incorporated into both 
dietary and medicinal practices, as explored by Rolnik and 
Olas (2021). The Caricaceae family is globally recognized 
for its therapeutic and nutritional properties, with various 
parts of  the plant being utilized for their therapeutic 
applications since ancient times, as highlighted in the 
research by Singh et al. (2020).

Figure 2: The different parts of  plants used against ailents common among the Higaonon tribe of  Brgy. Langag, 
Esperanza Agusan del Sur

Figure 3: Mode of  Preparation of  remedies used in the treatment of  ailments common among the Higaonon tribe 
of  Brgy. Langag, Esperanza

The Moraceae family encompasses plants whose fruits, 
roots, and leaves are utilized in traditional medicine to 
address a range of  ailments, including gastrointestinal 

issues (such as colic, indigestion, loss of  appetite, and 
diarrhea), respiratory conditions (like sore throats, 
coughs, and bronchial problems), cardiovascular 



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disorders, and as anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic 
remedies, as discussed in the study conducted by 
Mawa et al. (2013). Sapotaceae is valued for its external 
application in treating skin diseases, rheumatism, 
headaches, chronic constipation, piles, hemorrhoids, and 
is sometimes employed as an emetic and galactagogue, as 
outlined by Chakradhari et al. (2019). Piperaceae, found 

in many countries, is utilized for its potential to address 
diverse ailments such as cancer, urinary disorders, fever, 
stomachaches, and to improve appetite, as reported in the 
research by Eyob et al. (2018).

Identified Medicinal Plants Used By Higaonon 
Tribe

Figure 3: Medicinal plants used by higaonon tribe

Based on the findings from the interviews with the 
respondents, it was revealed that leaves were the most 
frequently utilized part of  the plant in their therapeutic 
practices, followed by bark, roots, and rhizomes. 
According to Liu et al. (2023), alkaloids are a class of  
chemical substances that are synthesized and accumulated 
in leaves through the process of  photosynthesis. The 
active ingredients found in most herbal preparations 
include tannins, coumarins, flavonoids, essential oils, and 
inulins. Unlike medications that necessitate the use of  

whole plants, which can lead to uprooting, the utilization 
of  leaves helps conserve the plants, as leaves are 
abundant, easily gathered, and capable of  regeneration. 
The Higaonon tribe in Brgy. Langag, Esperanza Agusan 
del Sur employed various plant parts in the preparation 
of  medicinal plants, such as concoction, decoction, 
extraction, infusion, crushing, and soaking of  leaves. The 
most common method of  preparation reported involved 
infusion (42.9%), decoction (21.4%), poultice (21.4%), 
then crushed and direct eating (7.1%) indicating both 



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internal and external applications.

CONCLUSION
Thirteen medicinal plants have been documented, which 
demonstrate significant efficacy in treating stomachache, 
fever, cough, diarrhea, hypertension, and arthritis. The 
leaves of  these plants are commonly utilized through 
decoction, poultice, crushing, and infusion, with oral 
administration being the preferred method. The Higaonon 
tribe firmly believes in the remarkable effectiveness 
of  these herbal remedies, often witnessing complete 
recovery within two to three days. Notably, there is no 
uniformity in the preparation and dosage practices. These 
traditional medicinal plants play a crucial role in providing 
accessible treatment in the absence of  immediate 
access to hospitals and modern healthcare facilities. In 
conclusion, this study expands our understanding of  the 
medicinal plants utilized by the indigenous Higaonon 
Tribe in Brgy. Langag, Esperanza Agusan Del Sur. The 
findings demonstrate that most of  the documented 
medicinal plants possess multiple therapeutic properties. 
Furthermore, certain plants identified in this study 
exhibit similarities in terms of  their uses and application 
methods. As such, these findings serve as valuable 
baseline data for future research endeavors, including 
pharmacological investigations, as well as the preservation 
of  both medicinal plants and local knowledge to mitigate 
the risk of  extinction. Additionally, this research will 
serve as a valuable resource for other researchers who 
are interested in pursuing further investigations into 
ethnomedicinal plants. The data collected will aid local 
management in formulating policies for conservation, 
reproduction, and advocacy to ensure the sustainability 
of  these plants. Future researchers can utilize this data to 
conduct phytochemical screenings and other laboratory 
tests on selected medicinal and wild edible plants, as well 
as develop strategic plans for conservation. Moreover, 
efforts to strengthen dissemination and information 
campaigns regarding the uses of  these plants will be 
emphasized.

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