THE ETHNOMEDICINE OF THE MEDICINAL PLANTS USED BY SUB-ETHNIC BATAK TOBA

• Main Author: Simamora, Leimena
• Format: Theses
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/54550
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

The high diversity of plants and diverse ethnic groups in Indonesia provides great opportunities for ethnomedicin research and the development of new drugs in the future. Batak is the third largest ethnic group in Indonesia which is known for the complexity of traditional medicine in utilizing various species of medicinal plants. One of the sub-ethnicity of Batak is Batak Toba. As part of the Batak ethnic group with the highest population, Batak Toba has a rich knowledge of the use of medicinal plants and is still being maintained from generation to generation. However, with the entry of modern medicine, expansion of agricultural land, and the lack of interest of the younger generation in maintaining the traditional use of traditional medicine, these are the main threats to the existence of medicinal plants. This is unfortunate because lack of knowledge about the use of medicinal herbs will hinder efforts to find new drugs. Based on this background, this study aims to document the medicinal plant species used by the local Batak Toba community, document local knowledge in utilizing medicinal plants, and identify medicinal plant species ethnomedically potential as materials for developing new medicines. The data collection method was carried out through semi-structured interviews, participatory observation and field walks. A total of 51 informants were selected by purposive sampling method. The research data was collected in Sipagabu Village, North Sumatra in January 2019. The data were analyzed qualitatively using descriptive and quantitative analysis using Factor Informant Consensus (Fic) and Fidelity Level (FL). This study found 111 species of medicinal plants from 100 genera and 49 families, mostly from Asteraceae (9 species), Fabaceae (8 species), and Zingiberaceae (8 species). Medicinal plants are used for 48 types of medicinal uses, the highest use being for tawar minyak (38 species) and for the treatment of stomach aches (19 species). The use of medicinal plants is classified in 15 out of a total of 26 disease categories based on the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). The main disease category with the highest Fic value is the diseases of the visual system category, followed by the diseases of the digestive system category, the diseases of the circulatory system category, and the injury, poisoning or certain other consequences of external causes category. The plant species that had the highest FL value was Cyrtandra sp. for diseases of the visual system category, Andrographis paniculata, Curcuma xanthorrhiza, Eurycoma longifolia, Musa acuminata, Sticherus truncates, Styrax sumatrana, Vaccinium sp., and Zingiber zerumbet for diseases of the digestive system category, and Axonopus compressus, Eurya acuminata, Clibadium surinamense, Manihot utilissima, Lasianthus sp., Crinum asiaticum, Setaria italiaca, and Vigna marina for the injury, poisoning or certain other consequences of external causes category. Potential medicinal plant species recommended for further phytochemical and pharmacological research for the development of new drugs in the future, namely Cyrtandra sp. for eye irritation, Axonopus compressus for cuts, and Crinum asiaticum for sprains.