STATUS OF USING MEDICINAL PLANTS IN NAM PUNG COMMUNE, BAT XAT DISTRICT, LAO CAI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research was conducted to assess the diversity of medicinal plant resources in Nam Pung commune, Bat Xat district, Lao Cai province. The methods used for collecting data were the method of specimen collection, interview method, identification of the species name, method of medicinal plant resources diversity assessment, method of endangered medicinal plant level assessment. The results of research have identified initially 75 species of medicinal plants of 73 genera and 47 families which have been used by the Dao ethnic minority community for diseases prevention and treatment. There are 5 main life forms of the medicinal plants: herbaceous, shrubs, vines, small wood trees and moderate wood trees. The tree distribution is often in many types of habitat: forests, gardens, hills and along streams. Among the components used as medicine, the whole plant, leaves and stem parts are most often used. The results show that there are 11 groups of diseases that could be cured by the experience of using medicinal plants of Dao ethnic community in the study area, of which 4 groups of diseases occupy the highest rate: digestive diseases, osteoarthritis disease, weather sickness, and wound diseases. There are 4 endangered medicinal plants, namely Anoectochilus setaceus Blume, Stephania sinica Diels, Callerya speciosa (Champ. ex Benth.) Schot, and Gynostemma pentaphyllum(Thunb.) Makino.