Studi Etnobotani dan Skrining Fitokimia Tumbuhan Obat untuk Sistem Peredaran Darah pada Masyarakat Kecamatan Tamiang, Hulu Aceh Tamiang

Abstract

The use of traditional medicinal plants plays an important role in maintaining public health, particularly in the treatment of circulatory system diseases, which remain a major health concern. This study aims to document the ethnobotanical knowledge of the Tamiang Hulu community regarding the use of medicinal plants for circulatory system disorders and to identify the phytochemical compounds contained therein. The research methods employed were interviews with key informants, direct observations, and visual documentation of the recorded medicinal plants. Data were analyzed descriptively and qualitatively using an ethnobotanical approach, complemented by the calculation of the Index of Cultural Significance (ICS) to determine the level of importance of each plant based on community knowledge. The results showed that 60 species of medicinal plants are utilized by the community to treat various circulatory system diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, stroke, anemia, and heart disease. Leaves were the most frequently used plant organ, with decoction being the dominant method of preparation. The highest ICS value was obtained for ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe). The main phytochemical compounds identified included flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, and terpenoids. The Tamiang Hulu community still possesses extensive knowledge regarding the use of medicinal plants for maintaining circulatory system health; however, this knowledge is at risk of declining among the younger generation. Therefore, the preservation of local knowledge through documentation, education, and integration with modern scientific research is essential, alongside the development of phytopharmaceutical potential from local plants to support sustainable community health.