Ethnomedical survey of plants used by the Orang Asli in Kampung Bawong, Perak, West Malaysia.
BACKGROUND
A qualitative ethnomedical survey was carried out among a local Orang Asli tribe to gather information on the use of medicinal plants in the region of Kampung Bawong, Perak of West Malaysia in order to evaluate the potential medicinal uses of local plants used in curing different diseases and illnesses.


METHODS
Sixteen informants ranging in age from 35 to 65 years were interviewed. A total of 62 species of plants used by Orang Asli are described in this study based on field surveys and direct face to face communication. These plants belonged to 36 families and are used to treat a wide range of discomforts and diseases.


RESULTS
The results of this study showed that majority of the Orang Asli, of Kampung Bawong are still dependent on local plants as their primary source of medication. As the first ethnomedical study in this area, publishing this work is expected to open up more studies to identify and assess the pharmacological and toxicological action of the plants from this region.


CONCLUSIONS
Preservation and recording of ethnobotanical and ethnomedical uses of traditional medicinal plants is an indispensable obligation for sustaining the medicinal and cultural resource of mankind. Extensive research on such traditional plants is of prime importance to scientifically validate their ethnomedical claims.
Samuel
Anbu Jeba Sunilson John
AJ
School of Pharmacy, Masterskill University College of Health Sciences, Taman Kemacahaya 11, Jalan Kemacahaya, Cheras, Selangor, Malaysia. anbujsunil@yahoo.co.in
Kalusalingam
Anandarajagopal
A
Chellappan
Dinesh Kumar
DK
Gopinath
Rejitha
R
Radhamani
Suraj
S
Husain
Hj Azman
HA
Muruganandham
Vignesh
V
Promwichit
Proom
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019448:Ethnobotany; D006801:Humans; D008296:Malaysia; D008519:Medicine, Traditional; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D044382:Population Groups