Ethnobotanical Study of Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes sp.): A Medicine for Diarrhea and Gastroenteritis of Dayak Sampit People

Abstract

The Dayak Sampit people believe that pitcher plant is a medicine for diarrhea and gastroenteritis. This study aims to depict the ethnobotanical study of pitcher plants in the tradition of Dayak Sampit people of Singsingan Hamlet, Tehang Village, Parenggean Sub-district, Kotawaringin Timur Regency. The research method is descriptive qualitative with data collection technique of interview with key informants. The key informants include gatherer/batra at Singsingan Hamlet Tehang Village, pitcher plant users, and the village elders. The informants are selected using purposive sampling method. The research results suggest that Dayak Sampit people utilize and believe that pitcher plant roots could cure diarrhea and gastroenteritis. The Dayak Sampit people call the plant as Tabeko due to its morphological form that resembles a teapot. The plant utilization as a medicine for diarrhea and gastroenteritis by Dayak people of Singsingan hamlet is observed from the root taking and potion making stages. The plant has phytochemicals, plumbagin, 2-methylnaphthazarin, octadecyl caffeate, isoshinanolone, and droserone that indicate reaction as anti-malaria. The results suggest that pitcher plants have a potential as a medicine for diarrhea and gastroenteritis.