Quantitative ethnobotanical assessment of Zingiberaceae used as food and traditional medicine in Sabang Island, Aceh, Indonesia

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Published: 2026-04-07
DOI: https://doi.org/10.13057/asianjethnobiol/y090113
Keywords:
Ethnobotany, cultural knowledge, functional food, traditional medicine, Zingiberaceae
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DETA PRISTIHAYATI
Graduate Program of Biology Education, Universitas Serambi Mekkah. Jl. Unmuha Batoh, Banda Aceh 23245, Aceh, Indonesia
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5655-6820 (unauthenticated)
SAUDAH ♥
Department of Biology Education, Postgraduate Program, Universitas Serambi Mekkah. Jl. Unmuha Batoh, Banda Aceh 23245, Aceh, Indonesia
DIAN ASWITA
Department of Biology Education, Postgraduate Program, Universitas Negeri Makassar. Jl. Bonto Langkasa, Banta-Bantaeng, Rappocini, Makassar 90222, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract. Pristihayati D, Saudah, Aswita D. 2026. Quantitative ethnobotanical assessment of Zingiberaceae used as food and traditional medicine in Sabang Island, Aceh, Indonesia. Asian J Ethnobiol 9 (1): y090113. https://doi.org/10.13057/asianjethnobiol/y090113. The Zingiberaceae family is widely recognized for its ethnomedicinal and culinary importance in Indonesia; however, scientific documentation of its traditional use in Sabang, Aceh, remains limited. This study aimed to document the diversity, utilization patterns, and cultural significance of Zingiberaceae species use by the Sabang community. A total of 16 species across 9 genera were recorded and classified into 4 main categories: vegetables, beverages, traditional medicine, and spices. Quantitative ethnobotanical indices, Use Value (UV) and Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), were applied to evaluate species importance and community agreement. Rhizomes were the most frequently utilized plant part (12 species), followed by leaves (5 species), flowers (4 species), fruits (4 species), and pseudostems (1 species), with rhizomes predominating in medicinal preparations. Zingiberaceae species were used to treat five disease categories, namely reproductive health, digestive disorders, metabolic degenerative diseases, body and skin care, and general ailments. Curcuma longa (UV=0.95) and Zingiber officinale (UV=0.93) emerged as the most culturally significant species, reflecting their multifunctional roles in food and traditional medicine. High ICF values in spice (0.934) and vegetable (0.909) categories indicate strong consensus among informants, suggesting a well-preserved and homogenous body of ethnobotanical knowledge. These findings highlight the dual role of Zingiberaceae as both functional foods and phytotherapeutic resources, and underscore the importance of documenting and conserving traditional knowledge to support biodiversity conservation and ethnobotanical education.

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Vol. 9 No. 1 (2026)

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Quantitative ethnobotanical assessment of Zingiberaceae used as food and traditional medicine in Sabang Island, Aceh, Indonesia. (2026). Asian Journal of Ethnobiology, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.13057/asianjethnobiol/y090113

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