Ethnobotany and cultural significance of wild tea plants in Mountain Province, Philippines
Article Sidebar
Abstract Views: 660
File Views: 273
Main Article Content
Abstract
Abstract. Nasungan LM, Garsi JP, Cue EG. 2025. Ethnobotany and cultural significance of wild tea plants in Mountain Province, Philippines. Asian J Ethnobiol 8: 258-270. Ethnobotanical studies in the Philippines are crucial for understanding traditional plant uses and developing plant-based products. This study uniquely focuses on assessing the diversity and documenting the ethnobotanical knowledge of wild tea plants in Mountain Province, Philippines, a distinct category of culturally important flora often overlooked in regional research. A Rapid Ethnobotanical Appraisal employed semi-structured interviews with 220 key informants. The Cultural Importance (CI) Index was calculated for each species using frequency counts. The study successfully identified eighteen (18) distinct wild tea plant species, representing 13 taxonomic families. A thorough analysis of their conservation status using the IUCN Red List revealed a diverse profile: twelve (12) species are categorized as Least Concern, three (3) are classified as Vulnerable, and three (3) are Not Assessed. The documented uses of these plants are remarkably varied, including human food, medicine, food processing, condiments, and domestic applications. They are typically prepared by decoction or steeping from various plant parts. Notably, Cinnamomum mercadoi ranked first with the highest CI Index (0.57), underscoring its exceptional cultural significance and widespread use within the communities. This study fills a critical gap by going beyond simple lists of plants to provide a species-specific, use-oriented documentation. The findings of this research offer a critical baseline for crafting effective conservation policies and promoting the preservation of wild tea habitats through the active involvement of indigenous communities. The documented knowledge can be integrated into regional development strategies to support sustainable livelihoods. Furthermore, this study strongly encourages future scientific validation of the potential medical uses of these plants, particularly those with a high cultural importance index and those identified as vulnerable, to ensure their sustainable use and conservation.
Article Details
Issue
Section
How to Cite
References
Abdusalam A, Zhang Y, Abudoushalamu M, Maitusun P, Whitney C, Yang XF, Fu Y. 2020. Documenting the heritage along the Silk Road: An ethnobotanical study of medicinal teas used in Southern Xinjiang, China. J Ethnopharmacol 260: 113012. DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113012.
Afuang LE, Cielo KLS, Castro NDG. 2021 Mindoro Treasures. Teaching Reference for Environment Awareness and Sustainable Use of Resources. Revised Edition. MBCFI ISBN: 978-621-8010-09-3.
Al-Fatimi M. 2024. Traditional knowledge of wild plants on traditional tools, materials, products and economic practices in southern Yemen. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed 20: 62. DOI: 10.1186/s13002-024-00698-5.
Amfield AJ. 2025. Köppen Climate Classification. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/Koppen-climate-classification.
Andalan A, Mondejar AJS, Sumaya NHN et al. 2024. Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal and ritual plants utilized by the indigenous communities of Benguet province, Philippines. Trop Med Health 52 (1): 59. DOI: 10.1186/s41182-024-00624-1.
Arseniuk AF. 2020. Chloranthus erectus- Yasinha, Yu Zi Lan, Harostulang, Barau Barau, Kraduk Kai. Herbs from Distant Lands. https://herbsfromdistantlands.blogspot.com/search/label/Chloranthus%20erectus.
ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity. 2023. “Biodiversity Conservation”. https://www.aseanbiodiversity.org/key-programme/biodiversity-conservation/.
Aziz MA, Adnan M, Khan AH, Shahat AA, Al-Said MS, Ullah R. 2018. Traditional uses of medicinal plants practiced by the indigenous communities at Mohmand Agency, FATA, Pakistan. J Ethnobiol Ethnomed 14: 2. DOI: 10.1186/s13002-017-0204-5.
Balangcod TD, Balancod KD. 2015. Ethnomedicinal plant in Bayabas, Sablan, Benguet Province, Luzon, Philippines. Electron J Biol 11 (3): 63-73.
Berlin B. 1992. Ethnobiological Classification: Principles of Categorization of Plants and Animals in Traditional Societies. Princeton University Press, Princeton.
Bersamin AT, Tayaben JL, Bangcod KD, Balangcod AKD, Cendana AC, Dom-ogen ET, Licnachan LOC, Siadto B, Wong FM, Balangcod TD. 2021. Utilization of plant resources among the Kankanaeys in Kibungan, Benguet Province, Philippines. Biodiversitas 22 (1): 362-372. DOI: 10.13057/biodiv/d220144.
Boudou F, Belakredar A, Oussama Z, Sehmi A. 2022. Phytochemical, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of Camellia sinensis. J Exp Res 9 (4): 15-20.
Bouyahya A, Omari NE, Elmenyiy N, Guaouguaou FE, Balahbib A, Belmehdi O, Salhi N, Imtara H, Mrabti HN, El-Shazly M, Bakri Y. 2021. Moroccan antidiabetic medicinal plants: ethnobotanical studies, phytochemical bioactive compounds, preclinical investigations, toxicological validations, and clinical evidences; challenges, guidance, and perspectives for future management of diabetes worldwide. Trends Food Sci Technol 115: 147-254. DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2021.03.032.
Carter A. 2009. Biodiversity and all that jazz. Philos Phenomenol Res 80 (1): 58-75. DOI: 10.1111/j.1933-1592.2009.00310.x.
Cepeda GN, Lisangan MM, Roreng MK, Permatasari EI, Manalu DC, Tanlain W. 2019. Aktivitas penangkalan radikal bebas dan kemampuan reduksi ekstrak kulit kayu Akway (Drimys piperita Hook. F.). Jurnal Aplikasi Teknologi Pangan 7 (4): 168-173. DOI: 10.17728/jatp.3239. [Indonesian]
Chua-Barcelo R. 2014. Ethnobotanical survey of edible wild fruits in Benguet, Cordillera Administrative Region, Philippines. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 4 (1): S525–S538. DOI: 10.12980/APJTB.4.201414B36.
Claudio G, Abella E. 2024. The population and habitat of Saurauia bontocensis Merr (degway) in Tadian, Mountain Province, Philippines. J Wildl Biodivers 8 (4): 78-86. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.13822953.
Cordero C, Meve U, Alejandro GJ. 2022. Ethnobotanical documentation of medicinal plants used by the indigenous Panay Bukidnon in Lambunao, Iloilo, Philippines. Front Pharmacol 12: 790567. DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.790767.
Daswani P, Ghadge A, Sukumaran B, Birdi T. 2011. Preparation of decoction of medicinal plants: A self-help measure. J Altern Complement Med 17 (12): 1099-1100. DOI: 10.1089/acm.2011.0217.
DOST-PAGASA. 2019. https://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph.
Enkiwe-Abayao L. 2002. Indigenous knowledge on forest management and conservation of medicinal plants among the Ifugaos of Northern Luzon. Kasarinlan: Philipp J Third World Stud 17 (1): 66-74.
FAO. 2022. Tea: A resilient sector. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome.
Fiscal RR. 2017. Ethnomedicinal plants used by traditional healers in Laguna, Philippines. Asia Pac J Multidiscip Res 5 (4): 132-137.
Fuentes R, Diloy F, Tan I, Balanguit BJ. 2010. Antioxidant and antibacterial properties of crude methanolic extracts of C. mercadoi Vidal. Phil J Nat Sci 15: 9-15.
Garcia JS, Borja N, Sevilla-Nestor JB, Villanueva JD, Peyraube N. 2018. An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants and perceptions on plant biodiversity conservation in Leyte, Philippines. J Hum Ecol 7 (1): 36-42.
Garsi J. 2019. Ethnobotany of wild edible fruit plants in Mountain Province. MPSPC Res J 19: 128-155.
Gunardi WD, Sudradjat SE, Timotius KH. 2023. Healing capacities of nettles: Dendrocnide, Girardinia, Laportea, and Urtica. Phytomed Plus 3 (5): 100438. DOI: 10.1016/j.phyplu.2023.100438.
Hai NT, Thu DK, Tung BT. 2018. Sarcandra glabra extract protects against scopolamine induced cognitive deficits by modulating neuroinflammation and the cholinergic system. Curr Enzyme Inhib 14 (3): 210-216. DOI: 10.2174/1573408014666180907155741.
Hamel T, Zaafourl M, Bourmendjel M. 2018. Ethnomedical knowledge and traditional uses of aromatic and medicinal plants of the wetlands complex of the Guerbes-Sanhadja Plain (Wilaya of Skikda in Northeastern Algeria). Herb Med 4: 3. DOI: 10.21767/2472-0151.100035.
Huntington HP. 2000. Traditional ecological knowledge in science: How might it be used? Ecol Appl 10 (5): 1270-1274. DOI: 10.1890/1051-0761(2000)010[1270%3AUTEKIS]2.0.CO%3B2.
Ilagan VA, Alejandro GT, Paraguison DJ, Perolina SM, Mendoza GR, Bolina AB, Raterta R, Vales MB, Suarez GJD, Blasco FA. 2022. Ethnopharmacological documentation and molecular authentication of medicinal plants used by the Manobo and Mamanwa Tribes of Surigao del Sur, Philippines. Biodiversitas 23 (6): 3185-3202. DOI: 10.13057/biodiv/d230646.
International Union for Conservation for Nature (IUCN). 2022. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. https://www.iucnredlist.org.
Korir MW, Wachira FN, Wanyoko JK, Ngure RM, Khalid R. 2014. The fortification of tea with sweeteners and milk and its effect on in vitro antioxidant potential of tea product and glutathione levels in an animal model. Food Chem 145: 145-153. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2013.08.016.
Kumar S, Kumari R, Mishra S. 2019. Pharmacological properties and their medicinal uses of Cinnamomum: A review. J Pharm Pharmacol 71 (12): 1735-1761. DOI: 10.1111/jphp.13173.
Langenberger G, Prigge V, Martin K et al. 2009. Ethnobotanical knowledge of Philippine lowland farmers and its application in agroforestry. Agrofor Syst 76: 173-194. DOI: 10.1007/s10457-008-9189-3.
Lemma AA. 2017. Ethnobotanical Study of Traditional Medicinal Plants in Debark District, North Gonder, Ethiopia. [Thesis]. University of Gondar, Gondar. [Ethiopia]
Li Y, Zhang J, Xu D, Zhou T, Zhou Y, Li S, Li H. 2016. Bioactivities and health benefits of wild fruits. Intl J Mol Sci 17 (8): 1258. DOI: 10.3390/ijms17081258.
Liu J, Li X, Lin J, Li Y, Wang T, Jiang Q, Chen D. 2016. Sarcandra glabra (Caoshanhu) protects mesenchymal stem cells from oxidative stress: a bioevaluation and mechanistic chemistry. BMC Complement Altern Med 16: 423. DOI: 10.1186/s12906-016-1383-7.
Liu Y, Li Y, Huang S, Zhang H, Deng C, Song X, Zhang D, Wang W. 2022. Genus Chloranthus: A comprehensive review of its phytochemistry, pharmacology, and uses. Arab J Chem 15 (11): 104260. DOI: 10.1016/j.arabjc.2022.104260.
Maffi L. 2005. Linguistic diversity and traditional knowledge: A complex relationship. Ann Rev Anthropol 29: 599-617. DOI: 10.1146/annurev.anthro.34.081804.120437.
Magcale-Macandog DB, Abucay ER, Lirio LG, Ayyokad LO, Paing JN, Saguibo JE, Miguel ET, Tombali M. 2015. Developing information systems on indigenous plant resources in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Philippines. In: Cairns MF (eds). Shifting Cultivation and Environmental Change Indigenous People, Agriculture and Forest Conservation. Routledge, London. DOI: 10.4324/9781315796321-39.
Mekonnen T, Mekbib F, Fenta BA, Gedil M, Labuschagne M. 2022. Breeding implications of nodulation performance and root structure under natural inoculation for soil fertility enhancement and sustainable cowpea production. Front Sustain Food Syst 6: 1076760. DOI: 10.3389/fsufs.2022.1076760.
Mesfin F, Seta T, Assefa A. 2014. An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Amaro Woreda, Ethiopia. Ethnobot Res Appl 12: 341-354.
Milani JM, Amuzadeh A, Moetamedzadegana A. 2018. Effect of different additives on antioxidant capacity of black tea. J Culin Sci Technol 18 (2): 67-76. DOI: 10.1080/15428052.2018.1502114.
Nasungan LM. 2022. Antioxidant, antibacterial and antiquorum sensing properties of selected wild tea leaves of Mountain Province. J Pure Appl Microbiol 16 (4): 2695-2703. DOI: 10.22207/JPAM.16.4.40.
Ong HG, Kim YD. 2014. Quantitative ethnobotanical study of the medicinal plants used by the Ati Negrito indigenous group in Guimaras Island, Philippines. J Ethnopharmacol 157: 228-242. DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.09.015.
Pakipac ED. 2010. Appropriate propagation techniques of selected wild tea species. MPSPC Res J 011956: 3-9.
Pardo-De-Santayana M. 2003. Las plantas en la cultura tradicional de la antigua Meridad de Campoo. Spain. [Thesis Doctoral]. Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid.
Pásztory Z, Mohácsiné IR, Gorbacheva G, Börcsök Z. 2016. Utilization of tree bark. BioRes 11: 785-7888.
Pelser PB, Barcelona JF, Nickrent DL. 2011-onwards. Co's Digital Flora of the Philippines. http://www.philippineplants.org.
Pieroni A, Price LL, Nesbitt M. 2011. Eating and Healing: Traditional Foodways and Community Nutrition. CRC Press, Boca Raton.
Pimm SL, Jenkins CN, Abell R, Brooks TM, Gittleman JL, Joppa LN, Raven PH, Roberto CM, JO Sexton. 2014. The biodiversity of species and their rates of extinction, distribution, and protection. Science 344; DOI: 10.1126/science.1246752.
Pladio LP, Villaseñor I. 2004. Anti-spasmodic constituent from Drimys piperita Hook F. leaves. Philipp J Sci 133 (1): 17-21.
Prill-Brett J. 1987. A survey of Cordillera indigenous political institutions. Cordillera Studies Center, Univ of Philippines College Baguio, Baguio City.
Pulhin JM, Pulhin PM. 2003.. Community-Based Forest Management in the Philippines: Retrospect and Prospects. People and Forest — Policy and Local Reality in Southeast Asia, the Russian Far East, and Japan (pp.139-156).
Quinlan MB. 2005. Considerations for collecting freelists in the field: Examples from ethobotany. Field Methods 17: 219. DOI: 10.1177/1525822X05277460.
Schwery O, Onstein RE, Bouchenak-Khelladi Y, Xing Y, Carter RJ, Linder HP. 2015. As old as the mountains: The radiations of the Ericaceae. New Phytol 207 (2): 355-367. DOI:DOI: 10.1111/nph.13234.
Sharifi-Rad J, Dey A, Koirala N et al. 2021. Cinnamomum species: Bridging phytochemistry knowledge, pharmacological properties and toxicological safety for health benefits. Front Pharmacol 12: 600139. DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.600139.
Sharma V, Kumar HV, Rao JM. 2008. Influence of milk and sugar on antioxidant potential of black tea. Food Res Intl 41 (2): 124-129. DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2007.10.009.
Solang B. 2011. On defining regional autonomy for the Cordillera. Cordillera Peoples Alliance. https://www.cpaphils.org/on-defining-regional-autonomy-for-the-cordillera.html.
Stevens PF, Luteyn JL, Oliver EGH, Bell TL, Brown EA, Crowden RK, George AS, Jordan GL, Ladd PG, Lemson KL, McLean CB, Menadue Y, Pate JS, Stace HM, Weiller CM. 2004. Ericaceae. In: Kubitzki K (eds). The Families and Genera of Vascular Plants. Springer, Berlin, Germany.
Tacloy J. 2015. Species profile and associated indigenous knowledge of trees and shrubs used as tea in Benguet. Mtn J Sci Interdiscip Res 73: 1-18. DOI: 10.70884/mjsir.v73i0.32.
Taguiling LG, Villena C. 2017. Phytochemical, antimicrobial and sensory qualities of herbal tea made from Sarcandra glabra and Drymis piperita. 7th Intl Conf Chem, Agric, Biol Environ Sci (CABES-2017) 7: 57-66.
Tang Y, Zhang Y, Zhao X, Qu Q, Lei X, Wei X, Duan X, Song X. 2024. A review of botany, ethnomedicine, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of Sarcandra species. Phytomedicine 135: 156008. DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.156008.
Tardío J, Pardo-de-Santayana M. 2008. Cultural importance indices: A comparative analysis based on the useful wild plants of southern Cantabria (Northern Spain). Econ Bot 62: 24-39. DOI: 10.1007/s12231-007-9004-5.
Tauli-Calugan BM. 2025. Improving forest management: A case study of DENR-CAR’s turned-over logs. J Interdiscip Perspect 3 (3): 73-81.
Tefera T, Yihune M. 2019. Ethnobotanical study on medicinal plants used by indigenous people in Tenta District, South Wollo, Ethiopia. J Med Plants Res 13 (2): 47-54. DOI: 10.5897/JMPR2018.6599.
Tindowen DJC, Bangi JC, Mendezabal MJN. 2017. Ethnopharmacology of medicinal plants in a rural community in northern Philippines. J Biodivers Environ Sci 11 (1): 296-303.
Tobias AB, Malabrigo PJR, Umali AG, Eduarte GT, Mohagan AB, Mendez NP. 2019. Taxonomy, Recollection and Conservation of newly discovered populations of Hedychium philippinense (Zingiberaceae): An endemic and threatened species in the Philippines. J Article 8 (1): 88-92.
Twinings. 2025. Tea Culture around the world. https://twinings.co.uk/blogs/news/tea-culture-around-the-world.
UNESCO. 2021. Traditional Tea Processing Techniques and Associated Social Practices in China. https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/traditional-tea-processing-techniques-and-associated-social-practices-in-china-01884.
Van Valkenburg JLCH. 2002. Dendrocnide Miq. In: van Valkenburg JLCH, Bunyapraphatsara N (eds). Plant Resources of South-East Asia No. 12 (2): Medicinal and Poisonous Plants 2. PROSEA Foundation, Bogor, Indonesia.
Wang J, Su B, Jiang H, Cui N, Yu Z, Yang Y, Sun Y. 2020. Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of the genus Cinnamomum (Lauraceae): A review. Fitoterapia 146: 104675. DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2020.104675.
WFO. 2022. WFO About the World Flora Online Project. https://about.worldfloraonline.org/december-2022-release.
Yang CS, Wang X, Lu G, Picinich SC. 2009. Cancer prevention by tea: animal studies, molecular mechanisms and human relevance. Nat Rev Cancer 9 (6): 429-439. DOI: 10.1038/nrc2641.
Zeng Y, Liu J, Zhang Q, Qin X, Li Z, Sun G, Jin S. 2021. The traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Sarcandra glabra (Thunb.) Nakai, a Chinese herb with potential for development: Review. Front Pharmacol 12: 652926. DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.652926.