The utilization of medicinal plants by the indigenous people of East Malaysia

The indigenous peoples of East Malaysia, particularly those in Sabah and Sarawak, have long relied on a diverse range of medicinal plants in their traditional healing practices. Ethonobotanical surveys have revealed that this knowledge, accumulated through generations, plays a vital role in maintaining community health and well-being. Studies conducted across different ethnic groups, such as the Kadazan, Dusun, Rungus, Kelabit, and others, demonstrate a deep understanding of the therapeutic potential of forest plants [1,2,3].

Medicinal Plant Use in Sabah

In Sabah, a seminal study by Fasihuddin and Hasmah (1992) documented the wide use of medicinal plants among the Kadazan and Dusun communities. The plants used are drawn from diverse families such as Euphorbiaceae, Leguminosae, Gramineae, Vernemaceae, Solanaceae, Simaroubaceae, Vitaceae, Malvaceae, Palmae, and Rubiaceae. These plants are mostly employed by traditional healers for treating a variety of ailments, including malaria, diarrhoea, stomach ache, and other common conditions. Table 1 below shows examples of medicinal species used by these communities:

Table 1. Medicinal plants used by the Kadazan and Dusun communities in Sabah (Fasihuddin & Hasmah, 1992).

A more recent ethnobotanical study by Sukup et al. (2001) on the Rungus ethnic group in six villages within Kudat District found that 38 species of medicinal plants belonging to 26 families were traditionally used for the preparation of herbal remedies. These plants were frequently employed ailments such as fever, stomach disorders, wounds, and respiratory problems. Such findings emphasise that the ethnobotanical knowledge of Sabah’s indigenous groups remains vibrant and continues to play a major role in rural health care [4].

Medicinal Plant Use in Sarawak

In Sarawak, the use of medicinal plants is equally widespread among various ethnic groups, including the Kelabit, Iban, Bidayuh, Kenyah, and Penan. A comprehensive report by Chai et al. (1989) recorded approximately 285 species of medicinal plants used by local communities, both wild and cultivated. Subsequent investigations by Fasihuddin et al. (1995,1996) provided further  ethnobotanical details, documenting the families most commonly used, such as Annonaceae, Compositae, Euphorbiaceae, Lauraceae, Leguminosae, Moraceae, Rubiaceae, Simaroubaceae, Solanaceae, Verbenaceae, and Zingiberaceae.

Table 2. Some medicinal plants used by the Kelabit coomunity in Sarawak (fasihuddin et al., 1995, 1996).

Additionally, the Bitangor tree (Calophyllum lanigerum), found in the lowland forests of Sarawak, has been recognized for its pharmacological potential. Extracts from this species are believed to contain compounds with anti-HIV and anticancer properties. The Sarawak government has collaborated with an international pharmaceutical company to further explore and develop this plant for modern drug production [5,6].

The ethnobotanical diversity of East Malaysia underscores a deeply rooted tradition of herbal medicine among its indigenous communities. Both Sabah and Sarawak exhibit extensive medicinal plant knowledge that serves not only as a cultural legacy but also as a potential source for modern pharmaceutical research. The use of plants such as Andrographis paniculata, Mangifera pajang, and Calophyllum lanigerum demonstrates the enduring relationship between the indigenous peoples and their natural environment. Preserving this traditional knowledge is crucial, not only for safeguarding cultural heritage, but also because it can help us discover new medicines and support today’s modern. 

References:

1. Chai PPK, Tan S, Fasihuddin B. Uses of native medicinal plants of Sarawak. Kuching (MY): Sarawak Forest Department; 1989.
2. Fasihuddin B, Hasmah M. Medicinal plants used by the Kadazan and Dusun communities in Sabah. Kota Kinabalu (MY): Forest Research Institute; 1992.
3. Fasihuddin B, Hasmah M, et al. Studies on medicinal plants used by various ethnic groups in Sarawak. Kuching (MY): Sarawak Forest Department; 1995–1996.
4. Sukup R, Fasihuddin B, et al. Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by the Rungus ethnic group in Kudat District, Sabah. Kota Kinabalu (MY): Forest Research Institute; 2001.
5. Nahar L, Talukdar AD, Nath D, Nath S, Mehan A, Ismail FMD, Sarker SD. Naturally Occurring Calanolides: Occurrence, Biosynthesis, and Pharmacological Properties Including Therapeutic Potential. Molecules. 2020;25(21):4983.
6. Sarker SD, Nahar L, Das Talukdar A, et al. (as part of the above review). Naturally Occurring Calanolides … summarises that beyond anti-HIV, calanolides and related compounds (from genus Calophyllum) have shown “anticancer, antimicrobial and antiparasitic potential.” Molecules. 2020;25(21):4983.