Biology, Medicine, & Natural Product Chemistry  ISSN 2089-6514 (paper) 

Volume 13, Number 1, April 2024 | Pages: 73-82 | DOI: 10.14421/biomedich.2024.131.73-82 ISSN 2540-9328 (online) 
 

 

 

 

Ethnobotanical Study of Medicinal Plants in South Sumatera, Indonesia 

 
Angga Puja Asiandu1,*, Widya Sari2 

1Faculty of Biology; 2Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, 
Jl. Teknika Selatan, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia. 

 

 

Corresponding author* 
angga.puja.asiandu@mail.ugm.ac.id 

 

 
Manuscript received: 13 January, 2024. Revision accepted: 08 May, 2024. Published: 15 May, 2024. 

 

 

Abstract 

 

South Sumatra, a province in Indonesia, is inhabited by several tribes. The geographical landscape surrounded by primary and secondary 

forests is a natural resource for the local communities in dealing with medical problems. They use plants as traditional medicine from 

generation to generation. The used parts include roots, stems, leaves, and sap that are biologically active to treat some diseases from 

moderate to deadly diseases. Based on literature studies, there are 250 plant species from 79 families processed by local communities in 

South Sumatra in some ethnobotanical activities. The dominant plant families are Fabaceae (5.6%), Asteraceae (4.8%), Euphorbiaceae 

(4.4%), Poaceae (4.4%), Myrtaceae (3.6%), Rubiaceae (3.6%), Rutaceae (3.6%), Solanaceae (3.6%), and Piperaceae (3.2%). Among 

many methods, boiling is the most common method in processing medicinal plants as it is considered more effective in extracting the 

bioactive compounds. 

 

Keywords: biodiversity; compound; medicine; ethnobotany; traditional. 

 

 

INTRODUCTION 
 

Historically, humans have adapted to nature to continue 

their life including the use of traditional medicine in 

preventing diseases that passed down from generation to 

generation.  Some local people use traditional medicine 

for several reasons, belief and suggestion, fast healing 

rates, cheap treatment costs, and fear of medical 

treatment (Amisim et al., 2020). Fokunang et al. (2011) 

explained that traditional medicine refers to practical, 

material approaches, insights, and beliefs. Also, 

treatment involving plants, animals, minerals, and 

spiritual therapy. According to Yuan et al. (2016), 

traditional medicine has its uniqueness related to its 

diverse and distinctive chemical structure and biological 

activity. For example, Taxol, a compound isolated from 

T. brevifolia used as an anticancer drug. The most 

traditional medicines from several countries have 

contributed to the development of modern medicine like 

hawthorn and foxglove applied for the treatment of 

hypertension and cardiovascular disorders (WHO, 2023). 

Indonesia is known as a mega biodiversity spot after 

Brazil. In 2017, as many as 31,750 species consisting of 

2,273 types of fungi, 2,722 types of mosses, 512 types of 

lichens, 1,611 types of pteridophytes, and 24,632 types 

of spermatophytes had been identified by National 

Research and Innovation Agency, and this number will 

continue to increase along with the number of 

angiosperm exploration (Retnowati et al., 2019). In 

Indonesia, Java is the place where most groups of fungi, 

moss, lichens, and spermatophytes dominate, while 

Sumatra is the island where the distribution of 

pteridophytes dominates. From the abundance of plants, 

every part such as roots, stems, leaves and sap has been 

used for medicinal purposes. 

South Sumatra, 91,592 km2, is inhabited by many 

tribes, such as the Komering, Palembang, Gumai, 

Semendo, Lintang, Kayu Agung, Lematang, Ogan, 

Besemah, Sekayu, and other tribes. Each tribe has its 

unique method of processing plants to produce traditional 

medicine. The people of Segara Kembang Village in 

Ogan Komering Ulu Regency (OKU) use cassava juice 

(tubers) as a treatment for typhus, bamboo roots as a 

fever reducer, Brotowali leaves as a medicine for 

rheumatism, malaria, and fever (Sitorus et al., 2011). The 

miracle leaf (Bryophyllum calycinum) is used as a 

compress for abscesses and to shrink hemorrhoids by the 

OKU community (Retnaningsih, 2012). The research 

was also carried out in Lawang Agung Village, Mulak 

District, Lahat Regency, which classified 41 types of 

medicinal plants and of this number, there were 9 types 

of ethnic plants for fever medicine, feminine hygiene, 

wart medicine, and wound medicine, namely 

Anthocephalus cadamba M1., Gelosia argentea L., 

Eupatorium inofolium H.B.K., Leea indica Merr., Morus 
multicaulis Loud., Peronema canescens Jack., Schima 

wallichii (DC) Korth., and Stachitarpeta jamaicensis (L.) 

Vahl (Harmida et al., 2011). The large number of tribes 

https://doi.org/10.14421/biomedich.2024.131.73-82


 

 
 

74 Biology, Medicine, & Natural Product Chemistry 13 (1), 2024: 73-82 

 

 

and the abundance of plants, especially ethnic plants, 

need to be studied more deeply in terms of their 

medicinal uses in encouraging and assisting modern 

medicine. Thus, this article will emphasize the potential 

of plants in traditional medicine, especially treatment 

carried out by the people of South Sumatra, which can be 

a reference for the development of medicine and 

biological conservation. 
 
 

METHODS 
 

The research method focuses on the research process of 

collecting information and data through several methods 

such as observation and reviewing literature. Through a 

qualitative approach, researchers will review secondary 

data literature and draw conclusions. Secondary data will 

be analyzed descriptively. This data analysis will include 

data reduction, data presentation and discussion, and 

conclusions. Data reduction is part of extracting main 

information from the data so that it can be concluded 

more clearly. In this research, qualitative research 

methods were used to collect information regarding the 

essence of plants used as traditional medicine by the 

people of South Sumatra. 
 
 

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 
 

Based on our review, 79 plant families, as listed in Table 

1., are used in ethnobotanical activities in some tribes in 

South Sumatra Indonesia for some purposes such as 

traditional medicines. Of these 79 families, there are 250 

species of medicinal plants. The dominant plant families 

are Fabaceae (5.6%), Lamiaceae (5.2%), Asteraceae 

(4.8%), Euphorbiaceae (4.4%), Poaceae (4.4%), 

Myrtaceae (3.6%), Rubiaceae (3.6 %), Rutaceae (3.6%), 

Solanaceae (3.6%), to Piperaceae (3.2%). 

The use of plants as a source of medicine is a 

tradition that has been passed down from generation to 

generation in Indonesia, including South Sumatra. This is 

because certain plants naturally produce various kinds of 

chemical compounds pivotal in treating various diseases. 

The knowledge acquired from generation to generation is 

still preserved today, especially in rural communities. In 

rural areas, health facilities are inadequate. Thus, people 

are very dependent on these medicinal plants to treat 

various symptoms of disease (Sarina et al., 2023).  

Not only used as traditional medicines, plants are also 

used as cosmetics, building materials, and crafts. As 

traditional cosmetics, they are processed as deodorants, 

anti-acne, facial skin care, dental care, anti-dandruff, 

skincare, hair care, and so on. Meanwhile, the diseases 

that are treated using plants traditionally include malaria, 

high blood pressure, anemia, blood sugar, cholesterol, 

toothache, stomachache, and even deadly diseases such 

as cancer and tumors. 

 

 

 

 

Table 1. Ethnobotanical Data of South Sumatera, Indonesia. 

 

No. Families Plant Species Diseases / Uses References 

1. Acanthaceae Acanthus ilicifolius Boil (Sarno et al., 2013) 

Andrographis paniculata  Cancer, fever (Rizal et al., 2021) 

Avicennia alba  Stomach ache (Sarno et al., 2013) 

Graptophyllum pictum  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Ruellia simplex  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Strobilanthes crispus  Back pain (Sarina et al., 2023) 

2.  Acoraceae Acorus calamus  Baby skin care (Tanzerina et al., 2017). 

3. Aizoaceae Sesuvium portulacastrum Typhus (Sarno et al., 2013) 

4. Amaranthaceae Achyranthes aspera Heart disease (Saputri et al., 2022).  

Amaranthus hybrids Blood booster (Rizal et al., 2021). 

5. Amaryllidaceae Allium ascalanicum  Fever (Rizal et al., 2021) 

Allium cepa Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Amaryllis belladonna  Ethnomedicine (Dahlianah et al., 2021) 

6.  Ancistroladaceae Anchistrocladus tectorius  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

7. Annonaceae Anonna muricata Cholesterol (Rizal et al., 2021). 

Cananga odorata  Anti odor (Tanzerina et al., 2019) 

8. Apocynaceae  Alstonia scholaris  Tooth ache (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Catharanthus roseus  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

9. Araceae Alocasia longiloba Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Alocasia plumbea Ethnomedicine (Hastiana, Novitasari, et al., 2023) 

Colocasia esculenta  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Typonium flageliformae Hipertiroid  (Saputri et al., 2022). 

10. Araliaceae Nothopanax scutellarium  Hair care (Tanzerina et al., 2017) 

 



 

 
 

 Asiandu & Sari – Study of Medicinal Plants in South Sumatera  75 

 
 

Table 1. Cont. 

 

No. Families Plant Species Diseases / Uses References 

11. Arecaceae  Areca catechu  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Cocus nucifera  Food poisoning (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Daemonorops draco  Fever (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Elais guineensis Ethnomedicine (Dahlianah et al., 2021) 

Nypa fruticans  Ethnomedicine (Dahlianah et al., 2021) 

Salacca wallichiana  Postnatal care (Sarina et al., 2023) 

12. Asparagaceae Cordyline fruticose Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Tabernaemontana divaricate Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Tabernaemontana macrocarpa  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Tylophora villosa  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

13. Asphodelaceae  Aloe vera  Hair fertilizer, burns, lowers 

blood sugar 

(Rizal et al., 2021). 

14. Aspleniaceae Asplenium nidus  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

15. Asteraceae  Ageratum conyzoides  Diarrhea, wounds, 

hypertension, fever 

(Hastiana, Novitasari, et al., 2023) 

Blumea balsamifera  Jaundice and postnatal care (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Clibadium surinamense Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Cosmos caudatus  Skin care, mouth, body odor (Tanzerina et al., 2017) 

Eclipta alba  Hair care and leucorrhea (Tanzerina et al., 2017) 

Elephanthopus scaber  Heartburn (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Emillia sochinfoliia  Eyes and skin care (Tanzerina et al., 2017) 

Euphathorium odoratum Magh/gerd (Saputri et al., 2022) 

Gynura divaricata  Anti acne (Tanzerina et al., 2017) 

Pluchea indica  Leucorrhea (Tanzerina et al., 2017) 

Vernonia amygdalina  Anti acne and lose weight (Tanzerina et al., 2017) 

Zinnia elegans Hepatitis, boils, itching (Hastiana, Novitasari, et al., 2023) 

16. Aviaceae Apium graveolens  Lowers blood pressure (Rizal et al., 2021). 

17. Bacellaceae Amredera cordifolia Strokes (Saputri et al., 2022). 

Andrera cardifolia Acne (Tanzerina et al., 2017) 

18. Bignonaceae  Oroxylum indicun  Postnatal care (Tanzerina et al., 2017). 

19. Blechnaceae Blechnum finlaysonianum  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Stenochlaena palustris  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

20. Bombacaceae  Ceiba petandra  Boil (Sarina et al., 2023) 

21. Bromeliaceae  Ananas comosus  Headache (Sarina et al., 2023) 

22. Cactaceae Hylocereus costaricensis  Lowers blood pressure, 

cancer 

(Rizal et al., 2021). 

Hylocereus polyrhizus  Ethnomedicine (Dahlianah et al., 2021) 

23. Caesalpiniaceae  Tamarindus indica  Flu (Sarina et al., 2023) 

24. Campanulaceae  Hippobroma longiflora  Eyes infection (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Isotoma longiflora  Cataract (Rizal et al., 2021) 

25. Cannabaceae  Trema orientalis  Scabies/itching (Sarina et al., 2023) 

26. Caricaceae  Carica papaya  Back pain (Sarina et al., 2023) 

27. Clusiaceae Garcinia xanthochymus Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

28. Coctaceae Coctus specious Kidney diseases and ulcers (Rizal et al., 2021). 

29. Convolvulaceae Ipomoea aquatica Ethnomedicine (Dahlianah et al., 2021) 

Ipomoea batatas   Ethnomedicine (Dahlianah et al., 2021) 

30. Crassulaceae  Kalanchoe laciniata  Anti malaria  (Margarethy et al., 2019) 

Kalanchoe pinnata  Fever (Sarina et al., 2023) 

31. Cucurbitaceae Cucumis sativus  Ethnomedicine (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Iuffa acutangula  Lowers blood pressure (Rizal et al., 2021) 

Momordica charantia  Fever (Sarina et al., 2023) 

32. Dennstaedtiaceae Lindsaea ensifolia  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

33. Dilleniaceae  Dillenia suffruticosa  Urolitiasis (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Tetracera indica  Urolitiasis (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Tetracera scandens  Ethnomedicine (Sarina et al., 2023) 

 



 

 
 

76 Biology, Medicine, & Natural Product Chemistry 13 (1), 2024: 73-82 

 

 
Table 1. Cont. 

 

34. Dioscoreaceae Dioscorea pyrifolia Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

35. Euphorbiaceae Claoxylon indicum  Anti malaria (Margarethy et al., 2019) 

Euphorbia hirta Lung disease (Saputri et al., 2022) 

Euphorbia tirucalli Warts and tootache (Hastiana, Novitasari, et al., 2023) 

Homalanthus populifolius Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Jatropha curcas  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Macaranga trichocarpa Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Mallotus japonicus Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Manihot esculenta  Ethnomedicine (Dahlianah et al., 2021) 

Phyllanthus disthicus Kidney disease (Saputri et al., 2022) 

Phyllanthus niruri Hearth and lung disease (Saputri et al., 2022) 

Sauropus androgynus  Hair care and breastfeeding (Tanzerina et al., 2017) 

36. Fabaceae  Bauhinia semibifida  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Calopogonium mucunoides  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Cassia alata  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Erythrina fusca  Jaundice (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Erytrina viriegata Lowers fever (Saputri et al., 2022) 

Flemingia strobilifera  Body aches and increases 

appetite 

(Sarina et al., 2023) 

Mimosa pudica  Body aches and increases 

appetite 

(Sarina et al., 2023) 

Parkia speciosa  Bloating (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Pithecellobium jiringa  Nervous disease (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Senna alata  Constipation (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Spatholobus ferrugineus  Postnatal care (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Uraria crinite  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Vigna cylindrica  Ethnomedicine (Dahlianah et al., 2021) 

Vigna radiata Magh (Saputri et al., 2022) 

37. Hypericaceae Cratoxylum formosum  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

38. Hypoxidaceae Curculigo latifolia  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

39. Lamiaceae  Clerodendrum calamitosum  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Coleus amboinicus  Breastfeeding (Tanzerina et al., 2017) 

Mentha arvensis Skin care (Tanzerina et al., 2017) 

Ocimum citrodorum Lowers blood pressure  (Rizal et al., 2021) 

Ocimum Americanum Deodorant and halitosis (Tanzerina et al., 2017) 

Ocimum basilicum Deodorant (Tanzerina et al., 2017) 

Ocimum citriodorum  Anti odor (Tanzerina et al., 2019) 

Ocimum sanctum Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Ocimum tenuiflorum  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Orthosiphon aristatus  Back pain (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Orthosiphon aristatus Lowers blood glucose level (Rizal et al., 2021) 

Plecanranthus amboinicus Breastfeeding  (Tanzerina et al., 2017) 

Pogostemon cablin Deodorant  (Tanzerina et al., 2017) 

40. Lauraceae Cinnamomum tamala  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Lindera benzoin  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Persea americana  Lowers blood pressure (Sarina et al., 2023) 

41. Phyllanthaceae  Arcangelisia flava Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Baccaurea macrocarpa  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Fibraurea tinctoria  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Phyllanthus niruri  Muscle stiffnes (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Sauropus androgynous Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Tinospora crispa  Immune booster (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Tinospora sinensis Fertility (Saputri et al., 2022) 

42. Liliaceae  Allium sativum Flu and burns (Sarina et al., 2023) 

43. Limnocharitaceae Limnocharis flava Ethnomedicine (Hastiana, Novitasari, et al., 2023) 

 

 



 

 
 

 Asiandu & Sari – Study of Medicinal Plants in South Sumatera  77 

 
 

Table 1. Cont. 

 

44. Loranthaceae Scurrula artopurpurea Cancer, tumor, cyst (Saputri et al., 2022) 

Scurrula ferruginea  Lowers blood pressure (Sarina et al., 2023) 

45. Lythaceae Lawosonnia innermis Nail dan hair care (Tanzerina et al., 2017) 

46. Magnoliaceae Magnoolia alba  Odor and leucorrhoea (Tanzerina et al., 2017). 

47. Malvaceae Ceiba pentandra Eyes irritations (Saputri et al., 2022) 

Hibiscus cannabinus Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Hibiscus sabdariffa  Cancer (Rizal et al., 2021) 

Hisbiscus rosasinensis  Hair care (Tanzerina et al., 2017) 

48. Marattiaceae Ptisana salicina  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

49. Melastomaceae  Melastoma candidum  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Melastoma malabathricum  Maag (Sarina et al., 2023) 

50. Meliaceae  Azadirachta indica Anti malaria (Margarethy et al., 2019) 

Lansium domesticum  Bloating (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Lansium parasiticum Anti malaria (Margarethy et al., 2019) 

Swietenia macrophylla  Anti malaria (Margarethy et al., 2019) 

Xylocarpus granatum  Itchy (Sarno et al., 2013) 

51. Moraceae Artocarpus altilis  Lowers blood pressure (Rizal et al., 2021) 

Artocarpus heterophyllus  Baby care (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Ficus curtipes  diarrhea (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Ficus hirta  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

52. Muntingiaceae Muntingia calabura  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

53. Musaceae  Musa acuminate  Postnatal care (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Musa babisiana Hemorrhoids (Saputri et al., 2022) 

Musa paradisiaca  Feverish (Sarina et al., 2023) 

54. Myrtaceae  

 

Eucalyptus calophylla  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Eugenia polyantha  Pain (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Malaleuca leucadendra  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Psidium guajava  Diarrhea (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Rhodamnia cinerea  Constipation  (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Rhodomyrtus tomentosa Lowers blood pressure (Salni et al., 2022) 

Syzygium aqueum Ethnomedicine (Dahlianah et al., 2021) 

Syzygium cumini Stomach ache (Hastiana, Novitasari, et al., 2023) 

Syzygium polyanthum  Diabetic (Rizal et al., 2021). 

54. Nyctaginaceae Mirabilis jalapa  Skin care (Tanzerina et al., 2017). 

55. Oleaceae Jasminum officinalle  Facial care, hair care, weight 

loss and body odor removal 

(Tanzerina et al., 2017). 

Olea europaea  Postnatal care (Tanzerina et al., 2017). 

56. Onagraceae Ludwigia octovalvis Anti malaria (Margarethy et al., 2019) 

57. Oxalidaceae Averrhoa bilimbi Blood pressure and cough (Rizal et al., 2021). 

Averrhoa carambola Lowers blood pressure  (Rizal et al., 2021). 

58. Pandanaceae Benstonea affinis Craft  material (Tanzerina et al., 2022). 

Benstonea atrocarpa Craft materials (Tanzerina et al., 2022). 

Pandanus amaryllfolius Medicine, cosmetics, 

foodstuffs, indigenous 

material 

(Tanzerina et al., 2022). 

Pandanus helicopus Building material (Tanzerina et al., 2022). 

Pandanus lais Medicine, cosmetic, building 

material 

(Tanzerina et al., 2022). 

Pandanus tectorius Perawatan rambut (Tanzerina et al., 2017) 

59.  Passifloraceae  Passiflora foetida  Feverish (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Passiflora suberosa Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

60. Phyllanthaceae  Arcangelisia flava Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Baccaurea macrocarpa  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Fibraurea tinctoria  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Phyllanthus niruri  Pain (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Sauropus androgynous Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Tinospora crispa  Immune booster (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Tinospora sinensis Fertility (Saputri et al., 2022) 



 

 
 

78 Biology, Medicine, & Natural Product Chemistry 13 (1), 2024: 73-82 

 

 
Table 1. Cont. 

 

61. Piperaceae Peperomia pellucida  Fever  (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Piper acutilimbum Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Piper aduncum  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Piper betle  Eyes irritation / infections (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Piper crocatum Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Piper ornatum Strokes  (Saputri et al., 2022) 

Piper porphyrophyllum  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Piper pubela Fertility (Saputri et al., 2022) 

62. Poaceae Andropogon nardus Ethnomedicine (Saputri et al., 2022) 

Bambusa vulgaris Cough (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Cymbopogon atratus Gout  (Rizal et al., 2021). 

Cymbopogon nardus  Postnatal care (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Eleusine indica  Hair care (Tanzerina et al., 2017) 

Gigantochloa verticillata  Anti malaria (Margarethy et al., 2019) 

Imperata cylindrica  Feverish (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Lophatherum gracile  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Oryza sativa  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Saccharum officinarum  Eyes irritation/infection (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Zea mays Ethnomedicine (Dahlianah et al., 2021) 

63. Polypodiaceae Drynaria quercifolia Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Pyrrosia adnascens  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

64. Portulaceae Portulaca gandifolia Fever (Saputri et al., 2022) 

Portulaca oleraceae  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

65. Pteridaceae Acrostichum aureum Eyes infections/irritations (Sarno et al., 2013) 

66. Rhamnaceae Ziziphus mauritiana Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

67. Rhizophoraceae Rhizophora sp. Ethnomedicine (Dahlianah et al., 2021) 

68. Rosaceae Rosa sp. Body care (Tanzerina et al., 2017). 

69. 

 

Rubiaceae Coffea canephora Wounds (Rizal et al., 2021) 

Gardenia augusta  Diabetic (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Morinda citrifolia  Maag (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Mussaenda frondosa  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Mussaenda pubescens  Ethnomedicine (Dahlianah et al., 2021) 

Oldenladia lancifolia  Stomach (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Palicourea guianensis Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Psychotria nervosa  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Uncaria gambir Mouth care (Tanzerina et al., 2017) 

70. Rutaceae Aegle mamelos  Hair care (Tanzerina et al., 2019) 

Citrofortunella macrocarpa Ethnomedicine (Hastiana, Novitasari, et al., 2023) 

Citrus aurantifolia  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Citrus aurantiifolia  Cough (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Citrus hystrix  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Citrus limon  Facial care (Tanzerina et al., 2017) 

Citrus x microcarpa  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Euodia lepta  Fever (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Murraya paniculata  Facial care (Tanzerina et al., 2019) 

71. Sapindaceae Nephelium lappaceum  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

72. Schizaeaceae Actinostachys digitata  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

73. Simaroubacae Brucea javanica  Anti malaria (Margarethy et al., 2019) 

74. Solanaceae  Capsicum frustescens Fever (Rizal et al., 2021) 

Datura metel Ethnomedicine (Hastiana, Novitasari, et al., 2023) 

Nicotiana tabacum Anti malaria (Margarethy et al., 2019) 

Physalis angulate Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

Physalis peruviana  Heartburn (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Solanum lycopersicum Ethnomedicine (Hastiana, Novitasari, et al., 2023) 

Solanum lycopersicum Ulcer  (Rizal et al., 2021) 

Solanum melongena  Ethnomedicine (Dahlianah et al., 2021) 

Solanum torvum Eye irritation / infection (Rizal et al., 2021) 



 

 
 

 Asiandu & Sari – Study of Medicinal Plants in South Sumatera  79 

 
 

Table 1. Cont. 

 

75. Theaceae Camellia sinensis  Facial care (Tanzerina et al., 2017). 

76. Thymelaceae  Phaleria macrocarpa  Diabetic (Sarina et al., 2023) 

77. Urticaceae Poikilospermum suaveolens  Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

78. Verbenaceae  Clerodendrum japonicum  Postnatal care (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Lantana camara  Hearthburn  (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Peronema canescens  Musslce care (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Stachyrtapeta jamaicencis  Leucorrhoea (Tanzerina et al., 2017) 

79. Zingiberaceae  

 

Kaempferia galanga  Cold  (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Kamferia rotundus  Skin care (Tanzerina et al., 2017) 

Zingiber montanum  Blood circulation (Hastiana, Nawawi, et al., 2023) 

Zingiber officinale  Jaundice (Sarina et al., 2023) 

Zingiber zerumbet Ethnomedicine (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

 

 

As a mega biodiversity country, Indonesia's nature 

provides a variety of needs that can be utilized by its 

people, such as the need for medicinal plants, especially 

for rural communities, such as in South Sumatra. The 

Besemah tribe, located in Lahat Regency, is an example 

of a community group that utilizes biodiversity. The 

people use natural plants as a source of medicines, 

cosmetics, religious activities, death ceremonies, and so 

on. Pandanaceae is a plant family that is often used as a 

functional plant for this community. Like the Pandanus 

amaryllifolius species which produces a distinctive 

aroma that is often used as food coloring and food 

fragrance for local people (Tanzerina et al., 2022). 

The Ogan people are known to still preserve the local 

heritage of their ancestors. The medicinal plants they 

process can be obtained directly from the forest, planted 

themselves, or purchased from sellers at the market. 

These plants are traditionally used as medicines. The 

medicinal plants used by the Ogan Tribe in Beringin 

Dalam Village can be in the form of trees, bushes, herbs, 

shrubs, or lianas. In this tribe, tree-based medicinal plants 

are the main source of medicine with a usage percentage 

of 35.38% consisting of 23 tree species. The dominance 

of these trees is associated with the area's history which 

was dominated by primary forest vegetation. On the 

other hand, there are as many as 37 species of medicinal 

plants planted themselves by residents. Of the many 

indications of diseases that are treated using medicinal 

plants, aches, appetite enhancers, heartburn, and bath 

additives for women after giving birth are the most 

dominant. Moreover, these plants can be used by boiling, 

kneading, mashing, and burning (Sarina et al., 2023) 

The Besemah tribe who inhabit Lahat Regency, South 

Sumatra, is also surrounded by primary and secondary 

forest areas, rich in plant resources, such as 

Zingiberaceae, Asteraceae, Myrtaceae, Rosaceae, and 

Lamiaceae. Therefore, ethnobotanical studies in this area 

aim to preserve its germplasm Tanzerina et al., 2019). 

The Anak Dalam Tribe, Sungai Jernih Village, Rupit 

District, North Musi Rawas Regency, also uses natural 

plants for various purposes. As a tribe that has lived a 

sedentary life, the tribe still uses plants as a source of 

medicine. There are 93 types of medicinal plants whether 

obtained from nature, close to where they live, or 

cultivated. The medicinal plants consist of 48 families, 

dominated by the Fabaceae, Piperaceae, Apocynaceae, 

and Euphorbiaceae families (Pujihastuti et al., 2020) 

For the people of Pagar Ruyung Village, Kotaagung 

District, Lahat Regency, South Sumatra, leaves are the 

most widely used in the making of traditional medicine. 

Not only using the common part of the plants, the sap is 

also used as traditional medicine. Leaves are easy to 

process, and easy to obtain without directly killing the 

organism, and leaf regeneration is relatively rapid. 

Leaves also contain various phytochemical compounds 

such as phenol, chlorophyll, tannin, alkaloids, and 

potassium. They are also thought to be a storage for 

various types of photosynthesis products. Ethnomedicine 

is used to treat a wide range of diseases, from mild-

common illnesses to fatal illnesses such as cancer (Rizal 

et al., 2021). 

Javanese transmigrants who live in East Buay 

Madang District, East OKU Regency, South Sumatra 

also have their ethnobotanical activities. In this 

community, there are 27 plant families used as sources of 

medicines with Zingiberaceae as the dominant family 

and rhizomes as one of the sources used as traditional 

medicines. However, it turns out that the leaves are also 

common (Saputri et al., 2022).  

In the community of Manggaraya village, Tanjung 

Lago subdistrict, Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra, 

there are 21 families used as a source of traditional 

medicines consisting of 38 plant species. Moreover, 

Ethnobotanical plants in these communities are also used 

as food and horticultural crops (Dahlianah et al., 2021).  

People living on the Banyuasin Peninsula are familiar 

with mangrove plants. Mangroves are also used by local 

people as traditional medicines to treat various 

complaints such as typhus, stomach aches, itching, and 

eye pain. The used parts include leaves, sap, fruit, and 

even all parts of the plant. Mangrove plants produce 

secondary metabolite compounds which are produced 

during environmental stress to protect themselves from 

pests and pathogens. The resulting secondary metabolite 



 

 
 

80 Biology, Medicine, & Natural Product Chemistry 13 (1), 2024: 73-82 

 

 

compounds can be used as medicine for the community 

(Sarno et al., 2013).  

Plants are also used to treat malaria, a disease that 

many rural communities suffer from. This disease is 

caused by a vector in the form of the Anopheles 

mosquito which inhabits many forests in South Sumatra. 

Several tribes that use plants as anti-malaria in South 

Sumatra are Teloko, Daya, Pegagan, Meranjat, and 

Lintang (Margarethy et al., 2019). The source of 

knowledge on the use of plants as malaria medicine can 

be obtained from knowledge obtained from their 

ancestors, relatives/friends, family, formal education, 

non-formal education, and even from dreams/inspiration. 

These plants can be made into potions originating from 

one type of plant or a combination of several plants 

(Margarethy et al., 2019).  

In the Teloko tribe, the plants used as anti-malaria 

consist of C. papaya, Nicotiana tabacum, Alstonia 
scholaris, Tinospora crispa, and Lansium parasiticum. 

The Daya tribe uses the plants Tinospora crispa, 

Swietenia macrophylla, Giganthocloa verticillata, 

Kalanchoe laciniata, Ludwigia octovalvis, Claoxylon 

indicum, the Pegagan tribe uses the Luffa acutangula 

plant, the climbing tribe uses Azadirachta indica, Brucea 

javanica, Tinospora crispa, and Crescentia cujete.  

Furthermore, the treatment of malaria in the Lintang tribe 

uses Citrus aurantiifolia, Imperata cylindrica, and 

several other unidentified plants (Margarethy et al., 

2019). 

Plants produce many bioactive compounds stored in 

the form of essential oils that are used to protect 

themselves against various kinds of predators. These 

essential oils can be used as a source of medicine or 

cosmetics for humans (Tanzerina et al., 2019). In the 

Ogan tribe of Beringin Village, leaves are the most 

widely used part of the plant. This is because the leaves 

contain many bioactive compounds which include 

tannins, flavonoids, phenols, and so on. The method of 

using the drug is adjusted. The community believes that 

the boiling medicine technique is more effective because 

the boiling process can release the active compounds 

contained in the plant, and boiling can also reduce the 

bitter taste of the plant and kill pathogens found in 

medicinal plants (Sarina et al., 2023). 

Medicinal plants are equipped with special 

anatomical structures accumulating certain components. 

The leaves and stems of plants in the Lamiaceae family 

have oil cells which can be found in the cortex tissue. In 

certain plants such as this family, glandular trichomes 

can also be found which play an important role in the 

synthesis of plant bioactive compounds. On the leaves, 

these glandulars can be found on the upper and lower 

epidermis. Apart from that, in several Lamiaceae species, 

there are also idioblast cells pivotal in the synthesis of 

bioactive compounds Tanzerina et al., 2017).  

Pandanaceae are widely used by the Besemah tribe as 

building materials for crafts, as well as cosmetics and 

medicines. The content of secondary metabolites in this 

family, such as polyphenols, saponins, and terpenoids, 

has certain health benefits. The resulting aroma can be 

used as a healthy natural food fragrance and coloring. 

This group of plants is also used by the community as a 

mixture for bathing the corpses of the dead. Furthermore, 

the leaves of the plant are used as decoration, and can 

even be arranged into the roof of a building (Tanzerina et 

al., 2022). 

The Zingiberaceae family is one of the plant families 

most often used in traditional medicine. This group of 

plants is often used as a cooking spice. In the 

pharmaceuticals, for example, ginger contains bioactive 

compounds that can act as antibacterials, antipyretics, 

fever reducers, and so on (Saputri et al., 2022). 

 

 

 
Figure 1. Plants families used in ethnobotanical purposes of South Sumatera, Indonesia. 

5%

2%
2%4%

6%

5%

3%

4%

2%

3%

3%

4%

4%

4%

4%
2%

2%1%2% 1% 1% 2%2% 1% 2%2%

1%

1%

1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%
1%

16%

27%

Ethnobotanical Plants Used by Some Tribes in South Sumatera, Indonesia

Asteraceae Arecaceae Acanthaceae Euphorbiaceae Fabaceae Lamiaceae Lauraceae

Myrtaceae Pandanaceae Phyllanthaceae Piperaceae Poaceae Rubiaceae Rutaceae

Solanaceae Meliaceae Moraceae Amaryllidaceae Asparagaceae Cucurbitaceae Dilleneaceae

Loranthaceae Malvaceae Musaceae Verbenaceae Zingiberaceae Amaranthaceae Annonaceae

Apocynaceae Bacellaceae Blechnaceae Cactaceae Campanulaceae Convolvulaceae Crassulaceae

Oleaceae Melastomaceae Oxalidaceae Passifloraceae Polypodiaceae Portulaceae Others



 

 
 

 Asiandu & Sari – Study of Medicinal Plants in South Sumatera  81 

 
 

In processing plants as traditional medicine, the plant 

can be processed from certain parts or all parts of the 

plant. The parts of plants used as a source of medicine 

include leaves, roots, stems, flowers, fruit, and sap. 

Based on how traditional medicine is consumed, people 

have their methods, sometimes in different places, the 

methods are different. The most common ways are 

drinking, applying topically, dripping, compressing, 

eating, and bathing (Sarina et al., 2023). However, the 

use of plants as traditional medicine is now starting to be 

abandoned by the younger generation. This is due to the 

increasingly limited number of medicinal plants in 

nature, the process of making or concocting medicines 

which is relatively complicated, and the efficacy of 

medicines is not necessarily effective. Moreover, the 

presence of experts (shamans) who understand medicinal 

plants is also starting to decrease (Sarina et al., 2023). 

Based on the results of this review (Figure 1), it can 

be concluded that ethnobotanical activities in South 

Sumatra are very prospective, so they can be used as a 

reference in the bioindustry or pharmaceutical industry 

(Figure 2). However, from these ethnobotanical 

activities, there is a need for scientific studies regarding 

the efficacy of the drugs. What is more important is to 

conserve these plants as germplasms that must be 

protected as a part of the Indonesian biodiversity. 

 

 

 
 

Figure 2. Review of South Sumatera Ethnobotanical Activities. 

 

 

CONCLUSIONS 
 

South Sumatra has a quite high biodiversity, especially 

plants. These plants are a source of traditional medicines 

by local communities to produce traditional medicines 

and cosmetics. There are 250 plant species from 79 

families used by local people. The dominant plant 

families used in their ethnobotanical activities are 

Fabaceae (5.6%), Lamiaceae (5.2%), Asteraceae (4.8%), 

Euphorbiaceae (4.4%), Poaceae (4.4%), Myrtaceae 

(3.6%), Rubiaceae (3.6 %), Rutaceae (3.6%), Solanaceae 

(3.6%), to Piperaceae (3.2%). Considering the great 

potential of the plants, it is necessary to carry out further 

research activities regarding their pharmacological 

potential along with the need for a good conservation 

strategy to maintain their sustainability. 

 

 

Authors’ Contributions: Angga Puja Asiandu initiated 

this writing idea and Widya Sari participated in finishing 

this manuscript. All authors read and approved the final 

version of the manuscript. 

 

Competing Interests: The authors declare that there are 

no competing interests. 

 

Funding: The authors declare that there is no funding 

which has role in finishing this manuscript. 

 

 

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