Ethnobotany of
medicinal plants of the K’Ho people (Vietnam) and antidiarrheal activity of selected
plants
Nguyen Xuan-Minh-Ai and Dang Thi-Phuong-Thao
Res. J. Biotech.; Vol. 20(5); 25-34;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/205rjbt25034; (2025)
Abstract
This research documented medicinal plants traditionally utilized by K’Ho people
in BiDoup-Núi Bà National Park, Vietnam and evaluated their antidiarrheal activity
either in vitro or in vivo. Ethnobotanical data was gathered via semi-structured
interviews and field surveys with knowledgeable informants. Information on 133 medicinal
plants used to treat 63 ailments occurring in both humans and animals has been thoroughly
documented. Selected medicinal plants were subjected to analyse antibacterial activity
by agar diffusion method and antidiarrheal activity through a castor oil-induced
mouse model. Seven medicinal plants were selected for testing antibacterial activity
on 15 diarrhea-related strains.
Three species were found that they not only showed their safety at dosages up to
7500 mg.kg-1 in acute toxicity study but also showed their activity in fecal inhibition.
Among these plants, the ethanol extract of Elephantopus mollis strongly reduced
small intestine transit by 67.92% and 64.61% respectively in comparison to loperamide
at a dose of 3 mg.kg-1. This study contributes fundamental information for future
studies on potential traditional medicinal plants which can be applied for diarrheal
treatment. In addition, the results also established a scientific base for the usage
of medicinal plants used by ethnic minorities.
