Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences Journal Volume 7.
, 2025, 269-279
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Exploration and Inventory of Ethnobotanical Knowledge of Medicinal Plants in Ternate: Tracing the Traditional Pharmacy Heritage of the Spice Islands Lina Elfita*.
Hijria Abd Gani.
Ismiarni Komala Department of Pharmacy.
Faculty of Health Sciences.
Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta.
Jl.
Kertamukti No.
5 Pisangan.
Ciputat.
Kota Tangerang Selatan 15419 .
Indonesia *Corresponding author: lina.
elfita @uinjkt.
Received: 08 December 2025.
Accepted: 31 December 2025 Abstract: The ethnobotanical wisdom of the Ternate community represents a rich heritage of traditional healing practices that are deeply rooted in the interaction between people and nature.
However, the modernization of the healthcare system and cultural shifts have increasingly threatened the continuity of this indigenous knowledge.
This study aimed to explore and inventory the ethnobotanical knowledge of medicinal plants traditionally used in the Ternate region as part of an effort to preserve the traditional pharmacy legacy of the Spice Islands.
Data were collected through field-observations, semi-structured interviews with traditional healers, local residents, and plant specimen documentation.
A purposive sample of 29 traditional healers was recruited for this study, based on their presumed expertise in medicinal plant knowledge.
The study identified 70 medicinal plant species belonging to 40 families, which are empirically used to treat common ailments such as fever, digestive disorders, wounds, insomnia, diabetes mellitus, and urinary stones.
Leaves were the most frequently used plant part .
pproximately 64%) followed by roots and barks, with decocting being the dominant preparation method.
Several endemic species have demonstrated pharmacological potential, consistent with findings in contemporary scientific literature, indicating promising opportunities for bioprospecting.
This research highlights that preserving ethnobotanical knowledge is not merely a cultural duty but also a scientific imperative for sustainable natural product development rooted in TernateAos local wisdom.
Keywords: ethnobotany, exploration, medicinal plants, ternate, traditional pharmacy heritage DOI: https://doi.
org/10.
15408/pbsj.
INTRODUCTION
Ethnobotany is a multidisciplinary field that examines the dynamic interactions between humans and plants, particularly in the context of cultural practices, traditional knowledge, and daily life.
This discipline extends beyond the taxonomic identification or botanical description of plant species, encompassing the social, cultural, and symbolic dimensions of how communities perceive and utilize plant resources.
Ethnobotanical studies highlight the integral role of plants not only as sources of medicine and food but also as elements that sustain local traditions and ecological balance (Pandey and Tripathi, 2.
In Indonesia, traditional ethnic communities possess distinct cultural identities and well-defined systems of values that guide their relationship with nature (Iskandar, 2.
Their culture can be viewed as a comprehensive body of knowledge, norms, and adaptive strategies developed to sustain life and preserve the surrounding environment.
In managing and utilizing natural resources, local communities depend on inherited wisdom, belief systems, and worldviews that emphasize harmony and This adaptive orientation reflects their deep ecological awareness and contributes to the long-term conservation of biodiversity.
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The use of medicinal plants has long been an integral part of IndonesiaAos cultural heritage, transmitted across generations through empirical knowledge and local practices.
In Ternate, the community continues to rely on ancestral wisdom in utilizing plants as natural remedies (Lesmana et al.
, 2.
The popularity of traditional medicine has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by its affordability, accessibility, and the perception that herbal remedies are safer than synthetic Ternate Island has long been recognized as a fertile region for the growth of various spices and medicinal plants, particularly cloves, nutmeg, and other aromatic species.
According to Sunarti .
, approximately 42 medicinal plant species have been recorded on the island.
In Moti District.
Ternate City, several of these plants are traditionally used to treat postpartum conditions, sciatica, measles, hypertension, malaria, fever, cough, toothache, and urinary disorders.
Data from the Directorate General of Village Community Empowerment .
indicate that residents in this region cultivate medicinal plants such as ginger (Zingiber officinal.
, turmeric (Curcuma long.
, galangal (Alpinia galang.
, catAos whiskers (Orthosiphon aristatu.
, cinnamon (Cinnamomum veru.
, and betel nut (Areca catech.
However, in recent years, the use of medicinal plants in everyday healthcare has declined, as communities increasingly depend on modern pharmaceuticals prescribed by physicians.
This shift has contributed to the gradual loss of traditional knowledge, threatening the preservation of ethnomedicinal practices that once played a vital role in community health and cultural identity.
Given this condition, a systematic ethnobotanical study is essential to document, investigate, and preserve traditional medicinal knowledge in Ternate.
This research seeks not only to record the diversity of medicinal plants but also to understand the cultural context of their use.
Through this approach, the study aims to bridge traditional wisdom and modern scientific perspectives, providing a foundation for future pharmacological studies and biodiversity conservation.
Previous ethnobotanical studies in Ternate have largely concentrated on the documentation of medicinal plant species and their uses within limited geographical settings, typically focusing on one or two While these localized studies have provided important baseline information, their restricted spatial scope limits a comprehensive understanding of ethnobotanical knowledge distribution across the In contrast, this study expands the geographical coverage by investigating seven villages in Ternate city, namely Foramadiahi.
Salahuddin.
Tubo.
Tarau.
Moya.
Ngade, and Fitu.
This broader spatial approach enables a more representative assessment of traditional pharmacy heritage across diverse socio-cultural and environmental contexts.
This research addresses these gaps by integrating a multivillage ethnobotanical survey with an analysis of traditional pharmacy heritage, allowing for comparative insights across a wider territorial scale.
MATERIAL AND METHOD
1 Study Area Figure 1.
Map of the study area in Ternate City .
ource: google.
com/maps/ternat.
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This research was conducted in seven villages within Ternate City.
North Maluku Province, namely Foramadiahi.
Salahudin.
Tubo.
Tarau.
Moya.
Ngade, and Fitu.
These areas were selected because of their rich biodiversity and the strong presence of traditional knowledge related to medicinal plant use among local communities.
Fieldwork was carried out in January 2023.
2 Tools and Materials The tools used in this study included writing instruments .
ens and field data sheet.
for note-taking, a mobile phone for photo documentation, and the Google Lens application to assist in identifying the scientific (Lati.
names of plant species.
The materials used consisted of a set of semi-structured questionnaires developed for interviews with selected informants.
3 Methods The research procedure comprised two main stages:
Preliminary Survey A preliminary survey was conducted to determine the study sites and identify key informants, such as traditional healers, herbal practitioners, and elderly community members possessing ethnobotanical knowledge.
This stage also involved initial observations of local flora and plant utilization patterns.
Data Collection through Interviews Primary data were obtained through direct, face-to-face interviews using semi-structured Interviews were aimed at gathering information regarding the local names of plants, their medicinal uses, plant parts utilized, preparation methods, routes of administration, and perceived therapeutic effects.
Each informantAos consent was obtained prior to participation, and interviews were conducted in the local language when appropriate to ensure clarity and cultural sensitivity.
4 Data Analysis Data were analyzed descriptively by categorizing the collected information according to plant species, families, uses, and modes of preparation.
Plant species identified during the study were cross-checked using botanical references and verified for their accepted scientific names.
The frequency of use and cultural significance of each plant were assessed to highlight the most commonly utilized species in traditional medicine within the Ternate region.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
1 Demographic Feature of the Informants Table 1.
Occupational category of the Participants Occupation Unemployed NGO member Housewife Farmer Civil servant Driver Note: N = Number of participants Percentage (%) A total of 29 informants participated in this ethnobotanical study, representing diverse demographic backgrounds across the surveyed in Ternate.
The informants consisted of men .
%) and women .
%), with ages ranging from 65-80 years .
who are recognized as custodians of traditional In term of occupation, the informants included farmers, housewives.
NGO members, civil servants, and drivers, many of whom possess experience in utilizing medicinal plants for household 271 | E l f i t a et al Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences Journal, 2025.
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healthcare practices.
Traditional healers .
ukun or tabi.
formed a particularly important subgroup, as they provided more detailed insight into plant identification, preparation methods, and cultural beliefs associated with medicinal plant use.
The educational background of the informants varied, ranging from elementary school .
%), junior high school .
%), senior high school .
%), diploma .
%), and from university .
%).
Despite differences in formal education, all informants demonstrated a strong familiarity with local resources and their medicinal applications, indicating traditional knowledge in Ternate is primarily transmitted orally and experientially rather than through formal schooling.
Elementary School Junior High School Diploma University Senior High School Figure 2.
Education Level of Participants Overall, the demographic profile of the informants highlights the essential role of age, occupation, and cultural experience in shaping the distribution of ethnobotanical knowledge in Ternate, providing a reliable foundation for documenting traditional medicinal plant practices in the region.
2 Medicinal Plants and Related Knowledge Communities in Ternate possess long-standing knowledge systems related to the management and utilization of natural resources, particularly medicinal plants.
Traditional healers (Tabi.
play an essential role in maintaining ethnobotanical practices, especially in maternal care, child health, and the treatment of common ailments.
The highest proportion of healers was recorded in Moya and Foramadiahi .
24% eac.
, where strong kinship networks support the intergenerational transmission of plant-based medicinal knowledge (BPS, 2.
In these areas, medicinal plants are still widely cultivated in home gardens, reflecting ongoing community engagement with traditional In contrast, the lowest proportion of healers was observed in Salahudin .
44%), where high population density, limited household land, and easy access to modern healthcare facilities have reduced community reliance on herbal medicine.
As a result, traditional knowledge has gradually declined due to limited cultural transmission and an increasing preference for conventional pharmaceutical (WHO, 2.
The ethnobotanical survey was conducted across several villages including Foramadiahi.
Kastela, and Tubo.
Foramadiahi historically the earliest center of the Ternate Sultanate has a strong cultural identity, with traditional governance structures such as the fangira maintaining sociocultural continuity.
The area is bordered by well preserved forest land spanning approximately 400 hectares.
Tubo, formerly led by traditional fugures .
omole and fanyir.
, evolved into a formal administrative village and was officially designed as Kelurahan Tubo in 2007 year (BPS, 2.
Despite modernization, many residents of Ternate continue to rely on traditional medicine alongside over the counter drugs and clinical health 272 | E l f i t a et al Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences Journal, 2025.
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When seeking plant-based remedies, community members often consult local healers, who are regarded as custodians of medicinal plant knowledge.
Their role remains particularly important for woman during pregnancy and childbirth, as well as families with infants and young children, emphasizing the continued relevance of traditional healthcare within TernateAos socioecological landscape (Heinrich et al, 2.
3 Medicinal plant species identified in Ternate area according to ethbotanical interviews In this ethnomedicinal survey, a total of 70 plant species were documented as medicinal plants in Ternate city.
The plant families, scientific names, along with the plant habit of growth, local names are presented in Table 2.
Table 2.
Medicinal plant species recorded in Ternate region based on informant interviews Local Name Amo Scientific Name Family Cultivation Status Habit of Artocarpus communis Moraceae Semi cultivation Tree Bangle Zingiber purpureum Zingiberaceae Cultivation Bush Bawang putih Allium sativum Alliaceae Cultivation Herb Bido-bido Piper aduncum Piperaceae Semi cultivation Herb Binahong Anredera cordifolia Basellaceae Cultivation Bush Blakang babiji Phylantus neruri Euphorbiaceae Wild Plants Herb Brotowali Tinospora crispa Menispermaceae Cultivation Herb Buah Yakis Anacardium occidentale Anacardiaceae Semi cultivation Tree Bunga biru Stachytarpheta mutabilis Verbenaceae Wild Plants Herb Bunga laka Impatiens balsamina Balsaminaceae Semi cultivation Herb Bunga kista Mentha arvensis Lamiaceae Cultivation Herb Cengkeh Syzygium aromaticum Myrtaceae Semi cultivation Tree Daun jati sanang Gynura procumbens Asteraceae Cultivation Shrub Daun mangkok Polyscias scutellaria Araliaceae Cultivation Shrub Daun pel Ocimum basilicum Lamiaceae Semi cultivation Herb Daun tiga Peperomia pellucida Piperaceae Cultivation Herb Degi Abelmoschus manihot Malvaceae Cultivation Duku Lansium domesticum Meliaceae Cultivation Tree Gamira Macaranga involucrate Euphorbiaceae Wild Plants Shrub Grama kusu Cymbopogon nardus Poaceae Cultivation Bush Giyawas Psidium guajava Myrtaceae Semi cultivation Tree Guraka Zingiber officinale Zingiberaceae Cultivation Herb Jarak pagar Jatropa curcas Euphorbiaceae Wild Plants Bush Jeruk nipis Citrus aurantifolia Rutaceae Cultivation Bush Kaltoda Laportea decumana Urticaceae Wild Plants Herb Kayu manis Cinnamomum burmanii Lauraceae Wild Plants Tree Kelapa Cocos nucifera Arecaceae Cultivation Tree Kembang sepatu Hibiscus rosa sinensis Malvaceae Cultivation Shrub Ketapang Terminalia katapa Combretaceae Cultivation Tree Kabi-kabi Bryophyllum pinnatum Crassulaceae Cultivation Bush Kabi merah Graptophyllum Acantaceae Cultivation Bush 273 | E l f i t a et al Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences Journal, 2025.
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Local Name Kabi putih Scientific Name Family Cultivation Status Habit of Pictum Graptophyllum Acantaceae Cultivation Bush Konfifi Blumea balsamifera Asteraceae Cultivation Herb Daun afrika Vermonia balsamifera Asteraceae Cultivation Herb Kusu-kusu Imperata cylindrical Poaceae Wild Plants Bush Kumis kucing Orthosiphon aristatus Lamiaceae Semi cultivation Herb Bidara Ziziphus jujuba Mill Rhamnaceae Semi cultivation Herb Leka-leka Zingiber purpureum Zingiberaceae Cultivation Bush Lengkuas Alpinia galanga Zingiberaceae Semi cultivation Shrub Loloro Ipomoea pes-caprae Convolvulaceae Cultivation Herb Langsa Lansium domesticum Meliaceae Wild Plants Tree Mangga Mangifera indica Anacardiaceae Cultivation Tree Mangga dodol Mangifera spp.
Anacardiaceae Cultivation Tree Mahkota dewa Phaleria macrocarpa Thymeleacea Cultivation Shrub Mayana bunga Coleus scutellarioides Lamiaceae Cultivation Herb Mengkudu Morinda citrifolia Rubiaceae Semi cultivation Tree Puring Strobilanthes crispus Euphorbiaceae Cultivation Shrub Luri masoro Laportea aestuans Urticaceae Wild Plants Herb Nanas Ananas comosus Bromeliaceae Cultivation Herb Nampu Homalomena occulta Araceae Cultivation Herb Cocor bebek Kalanchoe pinnata Crassulaceae Cultivation Shrub Keladi tikus Thyphonium flagelliforme Araceae Wild Plants Vine Pagoda Clerodendrum japonicum Verbenaceae Wild Plants Bush Pala Myristica fragrans Myristicaceae Semi cultivation Tree Papaceda Scaevola taccada Goodeniaceae Semi cultivation Shrub Papaya Carica papaya Caricaceae Semi cultivation Tree Pare Momordica charantia Cucurbitaceae Cultivation Pecah beling Strobilanthes crispus Acantaceae Cultivation Bush Pinang Areca catechu Arecaceae Semi cultivation Tree Rai-rai Cyanthula prostrata Amaranthaceae Cultivation Herb Mangrove Rhizophora spp.
Rhizoporaceae Cultivation Tree Sirih Piper betle Piperaceae Cultivation Sirih hutan Piper caducibracteum Piperaceae Wild Plants Sirsak Anona muricata Anonaceae Cultivation Shrub Tebu merah Saccharum spp.
Poaceae Cultivation Shrub Tagalolo Ficus septica Moraceae Semi cultivation Shrub Tagameme Cardiospermum halicacabum Sapindaceae Cultivation Herb Torota Diplazium esculentum Athyriaceae Wild Plants Herb Turuta Hemerocalilis fulva Liliacea Wild Plants Herb Tapak dara Catharanthus roseus Apocynaceae Wild Plants Bush 274 | E l f i t a et al Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences Journal, 2025.
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Previous studies on village customs in Foramadiahi identified approximately 20 types of medicinal plants used by the local community and residents in the surrounding area.
These medicinal plants are used in traditional medicine, either individually or in combination (Hidayat et al.
, 2.
Meanwhile, the study of Pitra et al.
documented 27 species of medicinal plants distributed across 19 families, which are utilized by the community of Moya Village Ternate District, as traditional medicine.
A total of 73 medicinal plant species were recorded as being used by the communities in Foramadiahi.
Tubo and Salahuddin villages.
Of these, 70 species were successfully identified, belonging to 40 The families Euphorbiaceae.
Lamiaceae.
Zingiberaceace, and Piperaceae were the most represented, each comprising four species each.
Additionally, several families, such as Cucurbitaceae.
Poaceae.
Acantaceae.
Moraceae, and Anacardiacea, were relatively common, with three species each.
Based on interviews conducted with informants during the study, 70 species of medicinal plants were identified at the research site.
These plants include cultivated, semi-cultivated, and wild species of the family Fabaceae.
The interviews also provided information regarding the types of medicinal plants, their therapeutic uses, methods of preparation, and traditional practices for administration, which have been passed down through generations.
The Philips and Gentry formula was applied in this descriptive, qualitative study.
Data were categorized according to the type of medicinal plant, method of preparation, mode of use, therapeutic properties, and disease treated.
The estimated use value for each species was calculated using the formula proposed by Philips and Gentry .
, which was also used by Hoffman and Gallaher .
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Figure 3.
Use Value and frequently utilized species The calculation of Use Value (UV.
revealed ten medicinal plant species with the highest scores:
Strobilantes crispus (Pecah belin.
Curcuma domestica Val .
Syzygium aromatica .
Myristica fragrans .
Coleus scutellaroides .
Tinospora crispa .
Zingiber officinale .
Vernonia amygdalina Del (African lea.
Morinda citrifolia .
, and Ficus septica .
agalolo lea.
Detailed information is presented in Figure 3.
Among these.
Syzygium aromaticum and Myristica fragrans exhibit the highest UVs score .
, placing them in the category of Auhighly useful plantsAy .
<UVsC.
In contras.
Mangifera indica recorded a UVs score of 1, which falls under the Auslightly usefulAy category .
<UVs<.
A high UVs score indicates that the species is widely recognized for its medicinal benefits and that knowledge of its uses is well established within the community (Albuquerque et al.
, 2.
In Foramadiahi village, local communities traditionally utilize a combination of clove (Syzygium aromaticu.
and nutmeg (Myristica fragran.
to relieve abdominal bloating.
Dried clove buds are mixed with crushed nutmeg seeds and applied topically to the abdomen.
Nutmeg is known to contain bioactive compounds such as saponin, flavonoids, polyphenols, and essential oils, which are associated with carmninative, digestive, and stimulant effects, supporting its traditional use for gastrointestinal Similarly, clove essential oil hs been reported to exhibit antispasmodic and antiinflammatory activities that may contribute to its effectiveness in relieving bloating.
Another commonly used medicinal plant is brotowali (Tinospora crisp.
, which is traditionally prepared as a decoction to treat malaria and febrile illnesses.
Pharmacological studies have demonstrated that T.
crispa possesses antimalarial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities, attributable to its alkaloids, glycosides, and terpenoid constituents .
hmad et al.
, 2.
In addition, mango (Mangifera indic.
and mayana (Coleus scutellarioide.
are employed as complementary remedies for malaria and wound healing, particularly during postpartum recovery.
The continued use of these plants reflects the communityAos empirical knowledge and aligns with scientific evidence supporting their therapeutic potential.
4 Plant parts utilized as medicine Different plant part were utilized for the preparation of herbal medicines, however, leaves were the most frequently used pplant part, constituting 64%, followed by flower .
%), stems .
%), rhizomes ( 5%), bark ( 4%), roots ( 3%), seeds ( 2%) and whole plant .
%) (Figure .
Figure 4.
Graph of medicinal plants by part used 276 | E l f i t a et al Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences Journal, 2025.
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The high usage of leaves in making herbal medicines as compared to other plant parts is due to the reason that it is easier to collect and it possess threat to the local flora (Nuneza et al.
, 2.
Leaves are the primary storage site for chemical compounds produced through photosynthesis, making them a major source of active constituens in herbal preparation (Guevara & Garcia, 2.
Hamel et al.
noted that leaves synthesize secondary metabolites, and their frequent use is justified by the abundance of chemical groups they contain.
Furthermore.
Khan et al.
reported that harvesting leaves is less harmful to the plantAos life cycle compared to other parts such as root or flowers, and their high utilization is largely due to easy accessibility.
5 Methods of preparation and mode of application The preparation and administration of the medicinal plants vary based on the type of disease treated.
this study, there were nine common methods of preparation recorded.
The most common methods include boiling, drying, infusion, roasting, consumed raw, grinding, chewing, chopping and slicing.
Among these, boiling was the predominant method, accounting for appromimately 50% of all processing techniques.
Boiling is preferred because it is the easiest way to prepare and believed to eliminate harmful microorganism, making the preparation safer for internal use.
Additionally, boiling facilitates the extraction of water-soluble compounds, such as flavonoids, which are easily absorbed by the body.
In contras, roasting and chewing were the least popular, each representing only about 2% (Figure .
Figure 5.
Method of preparation of medicinal plants Leaves are the most commonly used plant part, and boiling is the predominant method for preparing decoctions to treat internal ailments such as fever.
For instance.
Hibiscus rosa sinensis leaves are boiled to relieve internal heat and aid childbirth, while Orthosiphon aristatus leaves are used to reduce fever.
Topical applications often involve crushed leaves applied to wounds or affected areas.
For example Anredera cordifolia leaves are ground and mixed with water to treat abrasions.
Different processing methods can produce varying therapeutic effects.
Plants containing toxins require prolonged boiling over low heat .
-5 hour.
to reduce toxicity (Adyana, 2.
In several villages, such as Foramadiahi.
Kastela.
Dorpedu.
Gambesi.
Fitu.
Ngade.
Moya.
Tubo and Tarau, communities often combine two medicinal plants to treat a single condition, a practice known as AuroranoAy.
For example, nutmeg and clove are combined to relieve bloating by crushing nutmeg seeds and mixing them with whole cloves before applying the mixture to the abdomen.
This practice reflect the communityAos rich traditional knowledge in utilizing natural resouces for health.
Importantly, this traditional practice is supported by pharmacological evidence.
Nutmeg has been reported to possess carminative, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory properties, largely attributed to its bioactive compound such as myristin, elemicin, and safrole, which contribute to gastrointestinal smooth muscle 277 | E l f i t a et al Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences Journal, 2025.
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relaxation and digestive regulation (Luo et al.
, 2.
Meanwhile, clove is rich in eugenol, a phenolic compound widely recognized for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities, as well as its ability to alleviate gastrointestinal discomfort.
Experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated that eugenol exhibits antispasmodic effects and modulates intestinal motility, supporting its traditional use in treating bloating and abdominal pain.
The synergistic combination of nutmeg and clove in rorano may therefore enhance therapeutic efficacy through complementary pharmacological mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory activity, smooth muscle relaxation, and modulation of gut This aligment between traditional knowledge and modern pharmacological findings highlights the scientific relevance of traditional pharmacy heritage in Ternate and underscores its potential as a foundation for further phytopharmacological and drug development studies.
CONCLUSION
Traditional medicinal plants play a vital role in the healtcare practices of Ternate communities, offering practical, accessible, and culturally accepted remedies for a wide range of ailments.
The diversity of species and preparation methods underscores the depth of ethnobotanical knowledge and its potential contribution to pharmacological research.
Preserving and documenting this knowledge is essential for sustainable biodiversity management and for developing evidence-based herbal medicines.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We thank the Government of Ternate City for granting permission to conduct this study and the Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Health Sciences.
UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta for providing ethical clearance.
REFERENCES