Changes of medicinal food plant uses in the Gaoligongshan biocultural diversity center, China

BACKGROUND: The Gaoligongshan area, located in western Yunnan, China, is the richest biocultural diversity hotspot with unique geological history and ecological environment. Local people such as the Lisu, Nu, Dulong and Han have developed rich traditional knowledge systems associated with medicinal food plants (MFPs). These MFPs play a vital role in local communities by contributing to health, the economy, and cultural heritage. However, MFPs are at risk of disappearing, and there is a lack of comprehensive and systematic studies on their earlier transformation and current use in Gaoligongshan area. This study synthesizes earlier literature and recent market data to reveal specific shifts in MFP use and practices in this hotspot. METHODS: Ethnobotanical methods, including literature reviews and market surveys were employed to collect information on MFPs used by different linguistic groups in the Gaoligongshan area across two periods, the earlier time and a recent market-survey stage. Information was recorded on plant families, medicinal parts, processing methods, and medicinal efficacy. Comparisons were made between earlier and current data to evaluate the adaptation and transformation of traditional knowledge associated with MFPs. RESULTS: 117 MFPs (56 families) were documented in the earlier stage and 178 MFPs (89 families) were documented in the current period. The used parts shifted from roots being dominant in the earlier time (43.59%) to fruits being most commonly used in the recent period (22.47%), with roots decreasing to 8.43%. Processing methods also changed, with stir-frying increasing (from 36.75% to 48.31%) and boiling decreasing (from 34.19% to 25.84%). The findings suggest continuity and adaptation in the selection of MFPs by local people, highlighting the dynamic interaction between cultural practices and environmental changes. The research identified 39 MFPs consistently used over time, reflecting their ongoing cultural and medicinal importance, and compiled an MFP resource pool of 244 candidate species that were not recorded in either the earlier or current datasets, indicating opportunities for future exploration and sustainable development. CONCLUSION: This study documents cross-period changes and continuity in medicinal food plants and provides descriptive evidence relevant to ethnobotany and the food-medicine continuum. We highlight three key insights: a relative decrease in root use and increase in fruit use across periods, the persistence of 39 core species, and the compilation of a regional MFP resource pool that may inform future verification. Developing sustainable utilization and conservation strategies is important for preserving biodiversity and traditional culture in the Gaoligongshan area.