Indigenous peoples have a rich history of using medicinal plants for healing purposes, drawing on centuries of traditional knowledge passed down through generations (Gurib-Fakim, 2006). Their deep understanding of local ecosystems and plant biodiversity has enabled their identification and utilisation of a wide array of plant species for various medicinal purposes. Traditional medicine, particularly in areas with limited resources, is often the most cost-effective and accessible form of healthcare in primary care systems (Bodeker and Kronenberg, 2002; Sen et al., 2011; Wardle et al., 2012). The World Health Organisation (WHO, 2019) defined traditional medicine as “diverse health practices, approaches, knowledge and beliefs incorporating plant, animal and/or mineral based medicines, spiritual therapies, manual techniques and exercises applied singularly or in combination to maintain well-being, as well as to treat, diagnose or prevent illness.”
These traditional healing practices are often deeply intertwined with cultural beliefs, rituals, and holistic approaches to health and wellness (Balick and Cox, 2020). Indigenous healers typically possess detailed knowledge of the properties and uses of medicinal plants, including the preparation and administration of effective treatments (Gurib-Fakim, 2006; Halberstein, 2005) for a wide range of ailments, including digestive, respiratory, skin, infections, and spiritual or emotional imbalances (Halberstein, 2005; Rubio and Naive, 2018). Furthermore, indigenous medicinal plant use emphasises sustainable harvesting and conservation practices, ensuring that natural resources are managed responsibly to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem health (Bodeker and Kronenberg, 2002; Fitzgerald et al., 2020). Many indigenous cultures have traditional protocols and taboos regarding the gathering and use of medicinal plants, aimed at preserving these valuable resources for future generations (Otang-Mbeng et al., 2023; Rankoana, 2022). The use of medicinal plants by indigenous peoples reflects not only their profound understanding of the natural world but also their holistic approach to health and well-being. By preserving and supporting indigenous medicinal plant traditions, we can learn valuable lessons about sustainable healthcare practices, biodiversity conservation, and the importance of cultural diversity in shaping our understanding of health (Bvenura and Kambizi, 2023).
In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the importance of indigenous medicinal plant knowledge within broader healthcare systems. Collaboration between indigenous healers and modern medical practitioners has led to the validation of traditional remedies as well as the development of new treatments derived from indigenous plant knowledge. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 80% of the population in developing countries utilises traditional medicine, with approximately 40% of pharmaceutical products discovered from nature and through indigenous knowledge (WHO, 2019).
In the Philippines, there are 143 ethnolinguistic groups (De Vera, 2007; Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, 2016) constituting approximately 10–20% of the nation’s population of approximately 102.9 million (Perez-Brito, 2021). These groups are primarily spread in Mindanao (63%), followed by Luzon (32%), and Visayas (3%), occupying approximately 13 million hectares of the national land territory (United Nations Office for Project Services, 2023). The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) lists Igorots, Caraballe groups, Dumagats, Aetas, Mangyan, Ati and Tumanduk, Palawan groups, and major IPs in the Philippines. On the other hand, other ethnolinguistic groups in the Philippines, particularly the Moro or Bangsamoro people, are chiefly distributed in the Southern part of the country, composed mainly of the Maranao, Tausug, Samal, Bajau, Yakan, Ilanon, Sangir, Melabugnan and Jama Mapun (Minority Rights Group, 2023). Historical and current accounts have shown the high dependence of many Philippine cultural communities on traditional plant medicines for healing diseases (Cordero et al., 2022; Mark Lloyd Granaderos Dapar et al., 2020). Moreover, despite advancements in modern medicine, many Filipinos, particularly those in remote or marginalised communities, continue to trust these traditional healing practices, highlighting the enduring significance of indigenous wisdom in the Philippines’ cultural landscape (Agapin, 2020; Dapar et al., 2020; Rubio and Naive, 2018). Yet, the accelerating pace of deforestation and encroachment in protected and pristine areas in the country poses a multifaceted threat to both human communities and the environment (Agduma et al., 2023; Carson et al., 2018; Global Forest Watch, 2022). The relentless expansion of human activities, driven by factors such as agriculture, logging, and urbanisation, is rapidly eroding human-nature connections (Camacho et al., 2016; De Vera, 2007; Santini and Miquelajauregui, 2022). As forests are cleared and habitats are fragmented, indigenous communities face displacement, and countless plant and animal species teeter on the brink of extinction (Fernández-Llamazares et al., 2021). Moreover, encroachment threatens to extinguish the invaluable traditional knowledge held by these communities, which is intricately intertwined with land and its resources (Berkes et al., 2000; Cámara-Leret et al., 2019). This includes centuries-old practices for sustainable resource management, medicinal plant usage, and ecological wisdom (Carson et al., 2018). Thus, the loss of forests not only imperils the physical environment and its inhabitants but also risks the irreparable loss of rich cultural heritage and centuries of accumulated wisdom.
While this human-nature connection is significant, clear information on the extent of the traditional use of medicinal plants in the Philippines remains lacking (Carag and Buot Jr, 2017; Magtalas et al., 2023). This is particularly true in terms of species ecology, conservation status, and the socioecological drivers of medicinal plant use, which warrants a comprehensive synthesis. Here, we aimed to understand the patterns, predictors, and priority settings for medicinal plants used by ethnolinguistic groups in the Philippines based on publicly available information from field surveys and assessments. More specifically, we aimed to (i) determine the research trends, (ii) assess the relationship between species diversity, ecological status, and use, (iii) assess the priority levels of plant species based on the use of ethnolinguistic groups, and (iv) determine the correlation between priority levels and socioecological variables. This synthesis is essential for understanding the broader scope of traditional medicinal plant use, guiding conservation efforts, and policymaking for cultural preservation, healthcare, and indigenous rights. By filling this knowledge gap, we can better appreciate the intertwined relationship between culture, biodiversity, and sustainable development in the Philippines.