EXPLORING THE KNOWLEDGE ACQUISITION SOURCES OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES IN THE UTILIZATION OF MEDICINAL PLANTS

Indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants is a vital cultural heritage that supports community health, yet its transmission remains understudied. This research identifies the sources through which native communities acquire and preserve this knowledge. In this applied cross-sectional study, data were collected from 150 local experts across 10 villages in the Paskaloot region using semi-structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews (Snowball method). Participants reported demographic details, medicinal plant uses, and knowledge sources. Elders were the primary knowledge sources (90% oral transmission from grandparents/parents), followed by books (23.3%) and media (10%). Women constituted 40.6% of active users, employing plants for diverse ailments, while 26% never used them. Participants affirmed the efficacy of medicinal plants and stressed the urgency of preserving this knowledge before elders pass away. Systematic strategies are needed to safeguard and transmit indigenous medicinal plant knowledge to future generations. This study highlights the role of intergenerational oral traditions and calls for integrating documented and community-based preservation efforts.