title: Ethnobotanical survey of usage of fresh medicinal plants in Singapore.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The use of medicinal plants in human health has been documented since ancient times and they provide a useful source of new therapeutics. In Singapore, despite the accessibility to modern healthcare, there still exist pockets of the population who choose to use locally grown fresh medicinal plants for health promotion and even therapeutic purposes. However to date, there is no published report of first-hand account of their usage in Singapore. As land is scarce and rapidly used for re-development, such important knowledge may be lost if not properly documented in time. This work safeguards the local folk knowledge, and provides information on common and scarcely reported fresh medicinal plants. The objective of this study is to gather information regarding the usage of fresh medicinal plants in Singapore through face-to-face interviews.
  
  
  METHODS
  Information on demographic data and plant-use methods were collated via face-to-face interviews of 200 fresh medicinal plant users who have used fresh medicinal plants in the last five years. The survey protocol was approved by the National University of Singapore Institutional Review Board and informed consent was obtained from every participant.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 414 plants represented by 104 plant species from 44 families were reportedly used by the 200 participants. The five most commonly used plants were Clinacanthus nutans (34 users), Strobilanthes crispus (31 users), Pereskia bleo (25 users), Aloe vera (18 users) and Zingiber officinale (16 users). Leaves were the most commonly used plant part while preparing a decoction was the most common method of preparation. The majority of interviewees used plants for general health purposes and to treat diseases related to the respiratory system and cancer.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our survey has successfully documented the rich wealth of traditional usage and knowledge on 414 fresh medicinal plants grown in Singapore through face-to-face interviews with 200 users. This study will serve as a useful resource for identifying promising plants for future drug discovery efforts. Scientific evaluations of these medicinal plants are warranted and should be carried out.
authors: Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 18 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543, Singapore.
authors: Yin-Yin
authors: YY
authors: Siew
authors: Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 18 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543, Singapore.
authors: Sogand
authors: S
authors: Zareisedehizadeh
authors: Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 18 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543, Singapore.
authors: Wei-Guang
authors: WG
authors: Seetoh
authors: Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 18 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543, Singapore.
authors: Soek-Ying
authors: SY
authors: Neo
authors: Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, 10 Medical Drive, Block MD11, #05-09, Singapore 117597, Singapore.
authors: Chay-Hoon
authors: CH
authors: Tan
authors: Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Science, National University of Singapore, 18 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543, Singapore. Electronic address: phakohhl@nus.edu.sg.
authors: Hwee-Ling
authors: HL
authors: Koh
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003625:Data Collection; D019448:Ethnobotany; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000009:adverse effects; D012846:Singapore; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Cancer; Cardiovascular; Cold and influenza; Survey; Traditional Chinese medicine; Traditional medicine