INTRODUCTION
Vietnam, a tropical country with vast potential for medicinal plants, is home to nearly 4,000 species of higher and lower plants used as drugs, distributed across the nation Hoang Lien National Park in Lao Cai province, situated at an average altitude of over 1500 meters, provides a favorable environment for developing the pharmaceutical industry, hosting about 754 endemic medicinal plant species Ethnic groups such as the Dao and H'mong have extensive traditional knowledge of utilizing medicinal plants, with the Dao community particularly renowned for their herbal spa practices ("Đìa dảo xin"), which involve the use of 10 to 120 herbs for health and beauty Despite their valuable medicinal resources, unsustainable exploitation driven by limited awareness and lack of strict management policies threatens these plants, especially around the buffer zones of Hoang Lien National Park, leading to potential extinction and genetic loss Preserving these medicinal plants is crucial for maintaining both healthcare benefits and the income of local households.
Investigating the use of medicinal plants is essential for their conservation and sustainable development, providing valuable information to local communities and preserving traditional knowledge To address this urgent need, I conducted a research study titled "Status and Use of Medicinal Plants in the Buffer Zone of Hoang Lien National Park," highlighting the importance of documenting and promoting the responsible use of these vital resources.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Concept of medicinal plants
Medicinal plants, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), are plants that contain therapeutic properties or bioactive compounds used for medical purposes These plants synthesize metabolites that can be utilized to produce valuable drugs, highlighting their significance in healthcare and pharmaceutical development.
According to the 1998 "Guidelines for The Appropriate Use of Herbal Medicines," a medicinal plant is defined as a plant that has been utilized for therapeutic purposes at some point in time Although not all medicinal plants are commercially available or marketed, they serve as the foundational raw materials for herbal medicines This emphasizes the importance of understanding the original botanical sources used in herbal therapy and their role in the development of herbal medicinal products.
Ethnobotany is the study of the interrelationship between people and plants, focusing on how plants influence human culture and practices It explores how humans have used and modified plants over time and examines how plants are represented within systems of traditional knowledge This field highlights the vital role of plants in shaping cultural identities and practices across different communities Understanding ethnobotany is essential for preserving indigenous knowledge and promoting sustainable use of plant resources.
Studies on the relationship between human and medicinal plants contribute to classification, conservation and sustainable management practices.
History research on medicinal plants in Vietnam
Vietnam’s traditional medicine system has a history spanning over 2,000 years, primarily utilizing crude herbs for healing The earliest documented records appear in the ten-volume “The Miracle of Southern Medicine,” authored by Tue Tinh in the 14th century, which detailed around 500 natural materials forming the foundation for more than 3,800 traditional remedies These remedies were employed to treat a wide range of illnesses, addressing approximately 182 diseases and ailments, highlighting the rich heritage and efficacy of Vietnam’s traditional medicine.
In 1977, Vo Van Chi has published his book “Medicinal plants Dictionary of Vietnam” Then, Professor Do Tat Loi compiled the book “The medicinal plants and herbs of Vietnam"
(1962 - 1965) In this book, about 450 different plants species belonging to 116 families were
4 presented Until 2006, he supplemented and completed, which presented the full scientific name, characteristics, morphology, chemical composition, the use of 670 species belonging to
This comprehensive compilation of Vietnamese medicinal plants includes insights from over 172 families and represents the most complete work to date, offering valuable knowledge for healers, researchers, botanists, and conservationists In 2004, Pham Hoang Ho published "Plants and Herbs in Vietnam," documenting more than 2,010 species of medicinal plants, showcasing the richness of Vietnam’s herbal resources Building on this, in 2007, Hanoi Publishing House released "Medicinal Plants," "The Medicinal Ingredients," and "The Remedies of Vietnam," authored by pharmacists Cao Duy Can and Tran Sy Vien, which catalogued 380 medicinal plant species and 161 remedies effective against various diseases, further enriching Vietnam’s traditional medicinal literature.
Previous studies hold significant importance in the medical field, as they provide comprehensive insights into species composition, morphological characteristics, and the therapeutic applications of various species Additionally, these studies highlight common remedies frequently used in traditional medicine, enhancing our understanding of their medicinal properties and potential clinical benefits.
The values of medicinal plants
Medicinal plants are valuable resources for developing pharmaceutical products and health supplements During the 19th and early 20th centuries, French botanists extensively researched Vietnam's medicinal flora, contributing significantly to botanical taxonomy Their work culminated in the publication of "General Flora of Indochina," providing comprehensive documentation of the region’s medicinal plant species, which remains a vital reference for researchers and herbal medicine development.
Despite the longstanding popularity of traditional medicine among Vietnamese people, it has not been officially integrated into the formal healthcare system, which mainly relies on Western medicine While top hospitals are situated in major cities, remote areas often lack adequate medical equipment and trained healthcare professionals In these regions, knowledge of medicinal plants remains the primary method of healing, traditionally passed down orally across generations and serving as a vital part of community healthcare practices.
Medicinal plants are invaluable to human livelihoods, with their worth being essentially infinite (Hamilton, 2003) All parts of these plants—such as roots, bark, woody stems, leaves, flowers, fruits, resin, and seeds—are utilized in traditional medicine Their diverse applications highlight the essential role of medicinal plants in healthcare and herbal remedies worldwide.
Medicinal plants, whether fresh or dried, are commonly combined according to specific prescriptions and added to solutions like water before cooking and reducing Utilizing these plants as non-timber forest products provides valuable support for community health care and contributes to improving people's livelihoods.
Medicinal plants play a vital role in human health, culture, and livelihoods, with their contributions extending beyond healing to encompass invaluable traditional knowledge In Vietnam, 54 ethnic groups, including the Dao community, have preserved rich cultural heritage through their traditional medicine practices The Dao community, residing in high mountain regions, holds deep, treasure-like knowledge of medicinal plants, using them for self-healing and performing worship ceremonies to ward off diseases As they migrated to the buffer zones of the nation, they began sharing their medicinal plant knowledge externally, which has also become a vital source of income and livelihood support.
Medicinal plant is a subject to bring the potential value By combining indigenous knowledge and modern appropriate technology, researchers can to find new medicine base on diversity genetic and utility
All the values that bring by medicinal plants are opening up opportunities for research, approach and use sustainability this resource
OBJECTIVES AND METHODS
Objectives
Objectives of this study are to:
- Assess the diversity and conservation status of medicinal plant species in Buffer zone area of Hoang Lien National Park
- Assess the status of using medicinal plant species of local people in order to evaluate value and role of medicinal plant in the livelihood of local people
- Propose some solutions for sustainable management and use of medicinal plans in studied area.
Study methods
- The documents related the natural conditions climate, hydrology, land, topographic, forest resources, administrative maps in HLNP
- The information, of economic conditions, social conditions: population, labor, ethnic composition, cultivation areas in the buffer zone of HLNP
- The results of research, the text related the medicinal plants in Vietnam and in the area of HLNP
Interviewing 40 randomly households study selected to interview 3 people groups who live in buffer zone of HLNP: people curing others, people growing the medicine plants and people having experiences in using medicinal plants by questionnaires to statistics medicinal plants diversity, the origin and identification exploitation zone
- The transect line have designed in the map depend on consultation of forestry staff in HLNP
- Establish transects which represent study area
The process of investigation on the route using GPS to determine direction of travel and length of the investigation
Taking medicinal plants by digital camera
The collected data is recorded in data sheet as table below:
Table 3.1 Field data sheet used to collect information
Because of moving not favorable, I conduct investigation medicinal plants in sample plots
Area and sample plot size should be arranged in line with the current state of the investigation where measurable
In plots, I statistic medicinal plants in super canopy, under the canopy and shrubs and fresh vegetation
The collected data is recorded in data sheet as table below:
Table 3.2 Field data sheet used to collect information
3.2.5 Method of collecting, processing and sorting specimens
- Collect sample, take pictures of some medicinal plants I have met in the study area
The primary reference for medicinal plant identification is the book “Medicinal Trees and Medicaments of Vietnam” by Loi D.T (2015), which provides comprehensive information on various medicinal plant species This publication is essential for accurately determining the scientific names of medicinal plants, as well as creating detailed lists that include local names, scientific classifications, specific medicinal purposes, parts used, origins, and processing methods.
RESEARCH AREA
Natural conditions
HLNP is situated in North-west Vietnam
Its geographical coordinates are between 22º09‟and 23º30‟ of the Northern latitudes and between 103º00‟ and 103º59‟ of the Eastern longitudes
The park covers an area of 51,800 ha, in which the buffer zone is 29,845ha
The park belongs 6 communes: San Sa Ho, Lao Chai, Ta Van, Ban Ho, Muong Khoa, Than Thuoc (Sapa district) and Than Uyen (Lao Cai province)
- Thanh Kinh, Nam Sai, Nam Cang commune (Sa Pa District) and Ta Phin commune (Lao Cai province) in the East
- Ban Bo, Binh Lu, Ho Thau ( Lai Chau province) in the West
- Van Ban dictrict and the rest of communes: Muong Khoa, Than Thuoc, Ho Mit, Pac
Ca ( Lao Cai province) in the South and Southeast
- Ta Giang Phinh, Ta Phin, Ban Khoanh, Trung Trai (Sapa dictrict) in the North
Figure 4.1 Administrative map of Hoang Lien National Park, Lao Cai province
HLNP is located at an altitude of 1,600 meters within a mountainous region characterized by rugged terrain The park is part of a prominent mountain system that extends over 2,000 meters from northwest to southeast, with Fansipan peak reaching 3,143 meters, making it the highest point in the area The terrain features steep slopes averaging between 200 to 300 degrees, with some sections reaching up to 400 degrees and featuring cliffs, indicating a highly varied and challenging topography.
The altitude variations in the region can reach up to 1000-1500 meters, creating distinct and separate landforms Fertile valleys, formed by alluvial deposits, are scattered at the foothills of towering mountains, with notable examples found in Ta Van, Lao Chai, and Ban Ho communes.
The main types of terrain include height mountain, valley and mountainside
The types of land are distributed by altitude
- Humic acrisols on the high mountain, distribute from 1600m to 2800m occupies 11.42% of the land area mostly in Sa Pa district which has rich canopy of mixed forest
Feralit yellowish-brown soil develops on clay schist rock and widespread sandstone, primarily located between 600m and 1600m above sea level These soils are generally thin to moderate in depth and are characterized by numerous rocks and rocky areas Covering approximately 30% of the land area, these soils are suitable for cultivating medicinal plants, fruit trees, and vegetables, making them valuable for agricultural development.
Feralit bright red soil, formed on clay schist, sandstone, mica schist, and sedimentary rocks, is found in foothills and slopes below 500 meters elevation This fertile soil type is ideal for cultivating both annual and commercial crops, making it highly suitable for agricultural development in these regions.
- The Alluvial group (1.47% of the land area) along the Red River is good for growing food crops and trees
HLNP belongs to subtropical and temperate zone in mountainous region The climate is temperate and cool all year round The average temperature is 13-210C
The feature is four seasons in one day: Chilly winter in the early morning, spring time after sunrise, summer in afternoon and cold winter at night
In winter (4 months between November and February), the weather in Sapa is invariably cold, wet and foggy (temperatures can drop to freezing and there was snow in 2011)
It rains very often during the month of August, especially in the mornings
In general, HLNP which has diverse climates, distributed from tropical to subtropical, temperate and alpine
Although the park does not have any river flow through, it has 2 main stream systems:
- 3 streams belong to the Northeast: Muong Hoa Ho (derived from Fansipan), Seo Chung Ho (derived from Ta Van commune), Ta Trung Ho (derived from Ban Ho commune)
- 2 streams belong to the Southwest: Nam Be (derived from Muong Khoa) and Nam Pao, Nam Chang (derived from Than Thuoc commune) Both of them flow into Da river
The recent investigation in 2003 is recorded 2432 species belonging to 898 genera and
Table 4.1 Distribution taxons in plylums
Vietnamese name Science name Quantity % Quantity % Quantit y
Source: Data for additional investigation of the Hoang Lien vegetation forest, 2003
Out of 2,432 species studied, 34 are listed on the IUCN Red List (1998), highlighting their threatened status globally Additionally, 82 species are documented in the Vietnam Red Book (1996), indicating their national conservation priority Moreover, 11 species are classified as at risk of extinction under Decree 18 and Decree 48, emphasizing specific legal protections aimed at preventing biodiversity loss.
A total of 754 plant species are classified as medicinal plants, highlighting their significant role in traditional and modern medicine Among these, 458 species are used as standing timber for construction and industry Shade and ornamental trees account for 311 species, enhancing landscaping and ecological balance Vegetables are represented by 126 species, contributing to diverse diets, while 60 species are valued for their fruit such as edible fruits Latex, used in rubber production, is derived from 43 species, with tannins obtained from 35 species used in leather processing Oil-producing species number 41, providing raw materials for various industries, and 26 species are used for oleoresins and wax Additionally, 25 species serve as knit materials, 23 as fiber strings, and 21 for green manure, supporting agriculture Tuber crops are represented by 17 species, while 10 species are used in roof houses and for dye production each Finally, 9 species are utilized for starch, illustrating the diverse applications of these plant species across multiple sectors.
According to a preliminary investigation of National Institute of Medicinal Materials, only 17 species are capable of exploitation Mostly medicinal plant species are common
Table 4.2 List of medicinal plants capable of exploitation in HLNP
No Vietnamese name Science name Family
1 Ba chẽ Desmodium cephalotes Wall Fabaceae
2 Bách bộ Stemona tuberose Luor Stemonaceae
3 Bình vôi Stephania glabra (Roxb.) Miers Menispermaceae
4 Câu đằng Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq) Jack Rubiaceae
5 Cầu tích Cibotium bazometz (L.) J Sm Dicksoniaceae
6 Chè dây Ampelopsis cantoniensis Hook Et Arn Vitaceae
7 Chùa dù Elsholtzia penduliflora W W Smith Lamiaceae
8 Cốt khí củ Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb st Zucc Polygonaceae
9 Cốt toái bổ Drynaria fortune J.Sm Polipodiaceae
10 Cẩm địa la Kaempferia rotunda Ridl Zingiberaceae
11 Dạ cầm Hedyotis capitellata Wall ex G Don var mollis Pierre ex Pit
12 Đảng sâm Codonopsis javanica Blume Campanulaceae
13 Hà thủ ô đỏ Polygonum multiflorum Thunb Polygonaceae
14 Hạ khô thảo Prunella vulgaris L Lamiaceae
15 Hoàng đằng Fibraurea tinctoria Lour Menispermacea
16 Hy thiêm Siegesbeckia orientalis L Asteraceae
17 Ích mẫu Leonurus heterophyllus Sw Lamiaceae
Social-economic conditions
The local population of HLNP, including both the core and buffer zones, comprises six ethnic minority groups: H'mong, Tay, Dao, Giay, Kho Mu, and Kinh Among these, the H'mong ethnic group has the largest population, representing 37.6% of the total The second largest community is the Tay ethnic group, accounting for 36.4%, followed by the Dao ethnic group, which makes up 6.5% of the population.
At present, there are 24006 people living in buffer zone and core zone of HLNP corresponding to 4362 households distributed in 39 villages
The major economic activity of local residents is agriculture include paddy rice in terraced fields, maize and cassava on hillside and cardamom under forest canopy
In this village, cassava is the primary crop cultivated, while nearby villages focus on growing maize to feed both people and livestock Alongside these main staples, locals also cultivate potatoes, beans, hemp, arrowroot, peanuts, and bamboo primarily for home consumption This diverse agricultural practice supports the community's food security and sustains their livelihoods.
Local residents contribute to the community's livelihood through various forest-related activities, including timber harvesting for house construction and furniture making, collecting firewood for cooking and heating, and gathering non-timber forest products (NTFPs) such as bamboo shoots, edible roots, leaves, mushrooms, honey, medicinal plants, and ornamental plants Additionally, they harvest animals for both home consumption and sale, supporting their economic and subsistence needs.
Besides that, the fact that local people engage in tourism is a good strategy to improve livelihood assets in term of financial, social and human capital
Outside Hoang Lien National Park, two villages in Ta Phin commune were selected for household surveys to gather data on household characteristics, farming systems, and local income-generating activities The survey also aimed to document traditional knowledge of medicinal plant usage among residents These villages were chosen based on their distinct H'mong and Red Dao ethnic groups, differences in cropping practices, and the diversity of livelihood activities, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the local socio-economic and cultural dynamics.
Natural conditions
Ta Phin commune is bodered on the West of HLNP
Its geographical coordinates are 22º23‟58‟‟ of the Northern latitudes and between 103º50‟15‟‟ of the Eastern longitudes
Ta Phin commune has 4 sides bordered the commune administrative units within and outside Sapa district:
- Trung Chai in the East
- Sa Pa in the Southern
- Ban Khoang in the West
- Phin Ngang – Bat Xat in the North
It is an area of 2,718,3 ha
Table 4.3 Land characteristics in Ta Phin commune Land uses Area (ha) Percentage (%)
Figure 4.2 Percentage of land use in Ta Phin commune
Base on the above table we know that agriculture and forestry land of commune are high proportion We may assert that agricultural production and forestry play a major role in
Population and employment
Ta Phin commune is home to 3,246 residents across 668 households residing in six villages: Sa Xeng, Can Ngai, Ta Chai, Lu Khau, Suoi Thau, and Giang Tra The area has a population density of approximately 76 people per square kilometer, with 1,526 men among the residents, highlighting the community's demographic makeup.
Ta Phin commune has 3 ethnics living together: H‟mong, Red Dao and Kinh (Table 4.4)
Table 4.4 Distribute types of ethnic in Ta Phin commune
Ethnic Quantity (person) Household Percent (%)
The H'Mong ethnic group comprises a significant portion of the local population, primarily residing on slopes and mountain highlands The Red Dao people are predominantly found in clusters around foothills, valleys, and water sources, reflecting their close relationship with the natural environment Meanwhile, the Kinh ethnic group is mainly distributed along major transportation routes and in central communes, highlighting their central role in regional connectivity and settlement patterns.
In 1343, a survey revealed that approximately 40 rural employees are engaged in agricultural production and forest farming under the shade of evergreen forests These agricultural activities are complemented by the sustainable exploitation of firewood, timber, and non-timber forest products (NTFPs), highlighting the community's reliance on forest resources for their livelihoods.
+ Industry, sub- industry and services: 5%
Education
- The highest education of respondents was upper secondary school (corresponding to
10 years to 12 years education of Vietnam education system) About 5% of total respondents
- There was not any respondent obtained an education up to vocational school or undergraduate level
- The proportion of illiterate among respondents was quite high About 62.5% of total respondents were illiterate
Agricultural production
No Crops type Area (ha)
6 Winter vegetable (cabbage, chayote,etc.) 16
The total cultivated area spans 424.3 hectares, primarily dedicated to vegetable farming, including common mustard varieties that can be grown year-round Households mainly rely on these crops for their food needs, although the number of households selling large quantities of these primary crops remains low Crop production largely depends on natural factors, influenced by the region’s complex terrain and the application of scientific farming methods.
19 technology is limited In the contrary, mostly household planted cardamom and all of them sold dried cardamom fruit to get cash income
Monogastric livestock and poultry are a traditional part of farming systems in Ta Phin commune, with pigs being the most common at 86%, followed by buffalo at 55.33%, and ducks at 46.33% Additionally, a smaller number of households raise cattle, goats, and horses, contributing to the diverse livestock practices in the area.
Health care
The Community Health Center in Ta Phin commune employs a team of one nurse, one pharmacist, and two midwives to provide physical examinations and health education, yet most Red Dao ethnic minorities prefer traditional healing methods Historically, the Red Dao people residing in the mountains relied on medicinal plants for healthcare, with their traditional medicine knowledge passed down orally through generations After relocating them to the mountain foothills within the HLNP buffer zone, they began sharing their herbal expertise beyond their community, using it for both treatment and livelihood An herbal spa rooted in Red Dao wisdom offers physical and mental relaxation, boosting circulation and relieving daily stresses Additionally, herbal baths promote skin health by cleansing pores and removing impurities, leaving the skin soft and smooth, while also alleviating chronic conditions such as rheumatism and joint pain.
Different the livelihood between H‟mong and Red Dao ethnic in Ta Phin commune
In Ta Phin commune, the H'mong and Red Dao are the two main ethnic groups, with the H'mong community constituting the majority of the population Despite coexisting in the same area, these ethnic groups have distinct livelihoods, reflecting their unique cultural practices and economic activities.
20 of H‟mong ethnic slashing and burning fields to plant corn, Dao ethnic find their livelihood base on traditional knowledge of medicinal plant and exploit medicinal plant from forest (Figure 4.4)
Figure 4.4 Different the livelihood between H’mong and Red Dao ethnic in Ta Phin commune
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Diversity of medicinal plant
A total of 67 plant species across 45 families and subfamilies were documented, with 33 families (73.33%) comprising only one species each, highlighting their exclusive use Twelve families (26.67%) included more than two species, indicating greater diversity within these groups The Rubiaceae family was the most prominent, containing six medicinal plant species Additionally, there is one family with five species, three families with three species each, seven families with two species, and 33 families represented by a single species The distribution of medicinal species across these families is detailed in Table 5.1, emphasizing the varied botanical sources utilized for medicinal purposes.
Table 5.1 List of medicinal species distribution in families
No Name of family Number of species Percentage (%)
Compared to the data presented in Table 5.1, seven species were recorded in the buffer zone out of a total of 17 common species that are suitable for exploitation within HLNP These seven species are detailed in Table 5.2, highlighting their significance in conservation and sustainable resource management efforts.
Table 5.2 List of medicinal plants capable of exploitation in buffer zone of HLNP
HLNP Buffer zone of HLNP
Science name Vietnamese name Science name Vietnamese name
1 Desmodium cephalotes Wall Ba chẽ Stephania glabra (Roxb.) Miers Bình vôi
2 Stemona tuberose Luor Bách bộ Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq) Jack Câu đằng
Miers Bình vôi Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb st
Jack Câu đằng Drynaria fortune J.Sm Cốt toái bổ
5 Cibotium bazometz (L.) J Sm Cầu tích Hedyotis capitellata Wall ex G
Don var mollis Pierre ex Pit Dạ cẩm
Hook Et Arn Chè dây Polygonum multiflorum Thunb Hà thủ ô đỏ
Smith Chùa dù Fibraurea tinctoria Lour Hoàng đằng
8 Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb st Zucc Cốt khí củ
9 Drynaria fortune J.Sm Cốt toái bổ
10 Kaempferia rotunda Ridl Cẩm địa la
G Don var mollis Pierre ex
12 Codonopsis javanica Blume Đảng sâm
14 Prunella vulgaris L Hạ khô thảo
15 Fibraurea tinctoria Lour Hoàng đằng
17 Leonurus heterophyllus Sw Ích mẫu
The source of medicinal plants
The Red Dao ethnic group traditionally uses medicinal plants, with 95.52% of these plants sourced from wild habitats such as street sides, under canopies, hillsides, peaks, and along streams In contrast, only 4.48% of medicinal plants are cultivated in home gardens, highlighting the community's reliance on wild plant populations for their medicinal needs (See Table 5.3 for detailed data).
Table 5.3 Distribution of medicinal plant species
Location Distribution Number of species Percentage (%)
8 Garden and around the house 3 4.48
Many Red Dao minority households in Ta Phin still harvest medicinal plants from the forest, with some seeking to collect large quantities during their visits Approximately 70% of the Red Dao community relies on forest gathering for medicinal plants, supporting local healthcare practices Some companies, like Sapanapro, promote sustainable cultivation of medicinal plants, encouraging Red Dao people to grow and develop various medicinal species Nearly every household cultivates medicinal plants in their yard, contributing to local herbal medicine resources However, the Red Dao community is not the sole source of medicinal plants, as traders and companies often purchase or exploit wild species from the forest Notably, the area is home to four rare medicinal plant species, emphasizing the importance of sustainable harvesting and cultivation practices.
According to the study, some species in the buffer zone of HLNP which recorded is rare genes of species (Table 5.4)
Table 5.4 List species in red book data
Threat category in Vietnam Red book data
Threat category in Red list of IUCN 2012
3 Menispermaceae Fibraurea recisa Pierre VU
VU: Vulnerable T: Threatened E: Endangered K: Insufficiently known T: threatened
VU: Vulnerable CR: Critically Endangered R: rare
Diversity of life forms
Medicinal plant species can be classified into four basic life forms: wood, herb, scrub, and liana In the Red Dao language, these life forms are referred to as m'hay (liana), điêng (wood), mia (herb), and chà (tea) Among these, herb plants constitute the majority, accounting for approximately 50.75% of all medicinal plants in Ta Phin commune Conversely, wood plants have the lowest representation, making up only 4.48% of the medicinal plant population in the area This distribution highlights the prominence of herbaceous species in traditional medicinal practices within Ta Phin.
Table 5.5 List of life forms of medicinal plants species in buffer zone of HLNP
Life form of medicinal plant Type of life form Number of species Percentage (%)
Figure 5.2 Percentage of life forms of medicinal plants species was used in Ta Phin commune
Many herb plants in the region belong to the Menispermaceae family, including four species: Hoàng đằng (Fibraurea tinctoria Lour.), Bình vôi (Stephania glabra (Roxb.) Miers), Củ dòm (Stephania dielsiana Y.C Wu), and Dây đau xương (Tinospora sinensis Merr) Additionally, the Rubiaceae family comprises three species: Dạ cẩm (Hedyotis capitellata Wall.), Ba kích (Morinda officinalis How.), and Câu đằng (Uncaria rhynchophylla (Miq) Jack) Overall, the region contains 27 species of shrub plants and 3 species of woody plants, highlighting its rich botanical diversity.
Different parts of plant treat different diseases
Leaves are the most commonly used plant part in disease treatment, accounting for 39%, due to their ability to re-produce, making their collection sustainable In contrast, the use of bulbs, seeds, and tubers is minimal, representing only 7% of plant parts utilized in the survey The Red Dao ethnic in Ta Phin commune uses around 14% of species with the whole plant for medicinal purposes, although most species involve only one to four plant components, rather than the entire plant Overall, plant leaves are primarily used for medicinal purposes, followed by stems and roots, reflecting sustainable harvesting practices.
27 of the plants or the whole plants List the parts of medicinal plants and describe the function of each one in Appendix 03
The diversity of parts used is indicated in Table 5.6
Table 5.6 Percentage of part used
Different parts of plant treat different diseases
Medicinal plants are harvested all year round as demand for herbs spa, especially when the cold weather (in winter) or companies purchase
For regeneration of medicinal plants, they take time 3-5 years for wood trees, 1-2 years for lianas and shrubs are an average of 8 months or more
Historically, collecting medicinal plants took only 1-2 hours, making it a quick and accessible activity However, recent interviews reveal that local gatherers now find only about 40% of the medicinal plants remain compared to a decade ago This significant decline means that for rare medicinal plants, collectors must travel much farther, sometimes taking 2-3 days to find these valuable resources.
Diseases treated with medicinal plants
The 67 medicinal plant species in the buffer zone of HLNP were used by Red Dao ethnic for treatment of 23 different diseases They would use only one or several medicinal plant for each disease The highest number of species was used to spa, treat to stomach ache, boil and bone fracture (detail in Appendix 02)
Table 5.7 List of family and plant species used for different diseases by Red Dao ethnic in
No Diseases treated Vietnamese name Number of family
4 For pregnant Dành cho phụ nữ mang thai 5 5
10 Skin-disease Bệnh ngoài da 1 1
12 Sores, itches Loét, ngứa (da) 1 1
Methods of using the medicinal plant
There are 3 major ways to use the plant by Red Dao ethnic in Ta Phin commune include: decoction, aqueous-alcoholic and extract oils (apply for medicinal company)
- Decoction is the extraction by boiling of water soluble drug substance A result from the interview process is almost household using decoction method
- Aqueous-alcoholic is the process of becoming softened and saturated as a consequence of being immersed in alcohol
- Extract oils is complicated molecular distillation method to get oil Ta Phin commune have 5 medicinal companies In which, have 60% company apply this method to extract medicinal from medicinal species
In addition, they also use glue method A gelatin derived by boiling plant parts in water; when heated and diluted it becomes a viscous liquid adhesive.
The knowledge of Red Dao ethnic
Women responsible for family healthcare, particularly those over 60, possess greater knowledge of medicinal plants compared to men at nearly every age level This traditional knowledge is primarily held by women and older adults, while younger people contribute by collecting medicinal plants alongside their parents Women aged 18-40, who make up 10.2% of family laborers engaged in shifting cultivation and livestock rearing, tend to focus on essential production activities, resulting in less opportunity to accumulate extensive medicinal plant knowledge or pass down traditional wisdom.
Table 5.8 Percentage of gender and age level of Red Dao minority in Ta Phin commune harvesting medicinal plants
Age Gender Percentage of individuals collecting medicinal plants (%)
Conversation of medicinal plants in Ta Phin commune
Many medicinal plants possess significant economic value and are integral to the traditional practices of the Red Dao ethnic group, who use them for bathing, vegetables, decoctions, and soaking Local knowledge, especially among women and the elderly, plays a crucial role in the sustainable use of these plants Recently, awareness has grown about the decline of medicinal plants caused by harvesting, trading, and usage, prompting some community members to cultivate certain plants like Sambucus javanica in their gardens Support from organizations such as the National Institute of Medicinal Materials (NIMM), Hanoi University of Pharmacy, and Forest Herbs has facilitated conservation and development efforts for species like Hoa tiên (Asarum glabrum) and Câu đằng (Uncaria rhynchophylla) Despite these initiatives, most local people still rely on forest gathering when harvesting medicinal plants, especially when cultivated sources are unavailable.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Conclusion
In study progress, total of 67 medicinal plant species belonging to 45 families which are used by Red Dao ethnic was record for treatment of 24 different diseases
Red Dao women play a vital role in promoting traditional knowledge of medicinal plants, which enhances their livelihoods beyond agriculture Despite facing challenges such as food shortages, poverty, limited infrastructure, and low educational levels, the Red Dao community's living standards are comparatively better than those of the H’Mong ethnic group, thanks in part to the development and utilization of medicinal plants.
Medicinal plants not only useful for diseases treatment and health care, but can be a good source of income for households
Many medicinal plants are still harvested from the wild; however, as human populations grow and forests shrink, access to these vital resources becomes increasingly limited The designation of remaining wild habitats as parks and reserves further restricts traditional collection practices, posing challenges for communities that rely on wild plants for medicinal purposes.
Medicinal plant species in the buffer zone of Hoang Lien National Park are important for both health care system and income for local people
Overexploitation poses significant threats to medicinal plants, with five species used by the Red Dao ethnic minority in the HLNP buffer zone listed in Vietnam’s Red Data Book It is crucial for local communities to recognize the importance of these medicinal plants to ensure their conservation and sustainable use for future generations.
Recommendation 31 REFERENCES
Training planting, breeding skills for Dao people and improving livelihood of Dao people base on agricultural sustainable development
We are committed to compiling and publishing a comprehensive book on medicinal herbs and traditional remedies of the Dao ethnic minority people in HLNP This initiative aims to raise awareness about the cultural significance and medicinal value of these herbs, promoting their preservation and sustainable use By documenting these indigenous knowledge and practices, the project seeks to safeguard the community's heritage while encouraging responsible utilization to ensure their availability for future generations.
Sharing workshop on preservation and development of medicinal herb preservation and development
Detailed population monitoring of rare species and species with unclear conservation status by scientific and expert studies;
Enhancing research, survey about biodiversity of medicinal plant species
1 Ban, N.T (ed.) (2007) Red data book of Vietnam Vol 2 Science and Techniques
Publishing House, Hanoi, Vietnam (in Vietnamese)
2 Chi, V.V (1996) The dictionary of medicinal plants of Vietnam Medical Publishing House, Hanoi
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14 WHO Regional Publications, 1998, „Guidelines for the Appropriate use of Herbal Medicines‟
APPENDIX 1 List of questions for concessionaire
Do you exploit medicinal plants in forest?
If any listed a few medicinal plants you often exploited
Characteristics ( morphological, biological characteristics, topography, etc.)
- Description of the income from the production of products or the exploited products
- Policy of economic support livelihood that families receive
- The awareness of people in the use of natural resources
APPENDIX 02 List of family and plant species used for different diseases by Red Dao ethnic in Ta Phin commune
No Diseases treated Red Dao name Vietnamese name Science name Family
Kèng pầy lẹng Cỏ xước Achyranthes aspera L Amaranthaceae Tắc kè đá Tắc kè đá Drynaria fortunei J.Sm Dennstaediaceae Đìa đòi sli‟ Củ dòm Stephania dielsiana
Phàn tho đẻng Ngũ gia bì Schefflera heptaphylla Menispermaceae
Pù chặt mau Dây đau xương Tinospora sinensis Merr Menispermaceae
Hùng tỉa gàm Chàm mèo Strobilanthe cusia
Cầm chinh m'hây Actinidia sp Acaraceae
Gụng xuy Begonia sp 2 Basellaceae
Puồng đìa nhau Clematis buchananii Chloranthaceae Đìa buồng giăng Combretum sp Combretaceae
Ngồng uân m'hây Derris sp Dennstaediaceae
Mà gài khăng Súm Eurya Nitida Korth Theaceae Đẻng mui m'hây Gnetum montanum Gletaceae
Chè gai xiết đẻng Sú hương Lasianthus Rubiaceae
Gim tỉu Câu đằng Uncaria rhynchophylla
Tà chèm đẻng Màng tang Litsea cubeba Lauraceae Đìa bay Ráy leo lá rách
4 Đìa giản Thanh phong chụm
Muổi mung piêu Nam sa sâm Adenophora Campanulaceae
Chà kình đẻng Bước bạc Mussaenda Rehderiana Rubiaceae Phàn hạ m'hây Dichroa ferruginosa Dichapetalaceae
4 For pregnant Đìa chụt Aeschynanthus sp Adiantaceae
Puồng đìa nhau Clematis buchananii Chloranthaceae Đìa buồng giăng Combretum sp Combretaceae
Chè omia Gynura aurantiaca Asteraceae Kèng pi đẻng Nụ đinh Luculia Pinceana Rubiaceae
L'cọ giản Thổ hương khấu Alpinia sp Zingiberaceae Đìa dhàn phản Khôi Ardisia sylvestris
Pitard Myrsinaceae Đìa phìu hỏa Hoa tiên Asarum glabrum Merr Aristolochiaceae
Jàng mểu công Dạ cẩm Hedyotis capitellata Wall Rubiaceae
6 Dysentery Sài đìa pi Long nha thảo Agrimonia pilosa Rosaceae
7 Detoxicate Khìng púa pẹ Mâm xôi Robus alceaefolius Poir Rosaceae
Tập giằng m'hây Chua ngút Embelia ribes Burm.f Myrsinaceae
Chà kềm Sói rừng Sarcandra glabra
Chần tải trà Đơn rừng Maesa sp Myrsinaceae
Xạ đen Xạ đen Ehretia asperula Zoll Dichapetalaceae Vàng tằng Hoàng đằng Fibraurea tinctoria Menispermaceae
Bùm bong bịa Cườm đỏ Itoa orientalis Hemsl Flacourtiaceae Lày mày im Bồ công anh Lactuca indica L Asteraceae
Gục xăng Sắc tử chùm tự tán Oxyspora paniculata Oxalidaceae
Gục xuy Hà thủ ô đỏ Polygonum multiflorum
10 Skin-disease Là ngoại Thanh hao hoa vàng Artemisia annua L Asteraceae
11 Wounds Đìa tân Blumea sp Blechnaceae
Là cổ đẻng Lẹo trắng Clerodendron paniculatum L Verbenaceae
12 Sores, itches Mìa ìm bọt Blumea sp 2 Blechnaceae
Phù quẩy tập Đậu chiều Cajanus cajan (L.,)
Nhải piu Cốt rắn Nephrolepis Cordifolia Davalliaceae
Mạch môn Mạch môn Ophiopogon japonicus
(Thunb.) Ker - Gawb Haemodoraceae Rạt tồng mia Chua me đất Oxalis corniculata L Oxalidaceae
Tầm kha m‟hây Cốt khí củ Polygonum cuspidatum
Pà mà đẻng Tử châu đỏ Calliarpa rubella Lindl Verbenaceae
Xìa pan Thài lài Commelina communis
L Commelinaceae Đèng pạm Ba chạc Euodia lepta (Spreing)
Merr Rutaceae Đìa siêu Vú bò Ficus simplicissima
15 Sore eyes Đèng tập Cassia floribunda Caryophyllaceae
Nòm giang Curculigo sp Cupressaceae
Gồng lại mịa Kinh giới Elsholtzia cristata Lamiaceae
Mù puồng xí Thầu dầu tía Ricinus communis L Euphorbiacae
17 Rheumatism Ba kích Ba kích Morinda officinalis Rubiaceae
18 Colic Đẻng seng Helixanthera ligustrina Loranthaceae
19 Apoplexy Hương nhu Hương nhu Ocimum sanctum L Lamiaceae
20 Blister Gục xăng Sắc tử chùm tự tán Oxyspora paniculata Oxalidaceae
21 Earache Hả chắc mia Lạc tiên Passiflora foetida L Passifloraceae
22 Sedative Gàm chụa Ba gạc bốn lá Rauvolfia tetraphylla L Apocynaceae
23 Tonic Hoàn ngọc Hoàn ngọc trắng
Lonicera bournei Hemsl ex Forb
APPENDIX 03 List of medicinal plant in Ta Phin commune
Dao name Amaranthaceae Họ Rau dền
Aeschynanthus sp Đìa chụt H W Leaves
Gaining weight, soup for pregnant women
Alpinia sp Thổ hương khấu
L'cọ giản H W Fruit, flower Stomach ache
Agrimonia pilosa Long nha thảo Sài đìa pi H W Whole plant Dysentery
Poir Mâm xôi Khìng púa pẹ H W Root, sterm Detoxicate
Pitard Khôi Đìa dhàn phản
Maesa sp Đơn rừng Chần tải trà S W Leaves Boil
Artemisia annua L Thanh hao hoa vàng
Là ngoại H W Leaves Skin-disease
Merr Hoa tiên Đìa phìu hỏa
Begonia sp 2 Gụng xuy L W Leaves, sterm Spa
Blumea sp Đìa tân H W Leaves Wounds
Blumea sp 2 Mìa ìm bọt H W Leaves Sores, itches
Lindl Tử châu đỏ Pà mà đẻng S W Whole plant Arthritis
Clerodendron paniculatum L Lẹo trắng Là cổ đẻng S W Whole plant Wounds
Cassia floribunda Đèng tập H W Leaves Sore eyes
Combretum sp Đìa buồng giăng
Commelina communis L Thài lài Xìa pan H W Leaves Arthritis
Curculigo sp Nòm giang S W Leaves Chill
J.Sm Tắc kè đá Tắc kè đá H W Sterm, root Bone fractures
Zoll Xạ đen Xạ đen W W Leaves Boil
Elsholtzia cristata Kinh giới Gồng lại mịa H W,C Whole plant Chill
(Spreing) Merr Ba chạc Đèng pạm S W,C Leaves, root Arthritis
Eurya Nitida Korth Súm Mà gài khăng W W Leaves, sterm Spa
Pierre Hoàng đằng Vàng tằng H W Leaves, sterm,root Boil
(Roxb.) Miers Bình vôi Đìa đòi pẹ H W Bulb Stomach- ache
Y.C Wu Củ dòm Đìa đòi sli‟ H W Bulb Bone fractures
Schefflera heptaphylla Ngũ gia bì
Merr Dây đau xương Pù chặt mau H W Leaves, sterm
Lour Vú bò Đìa siêu S W Root Arthritis
Itoa orientalis Hemsl Cườm đỏ Bùm bong W W Leaves Boil bịa
Gnetum montanum Đẻng mui m'hây
Gynura aurantiaca Chè omia H W Leaves, sterm
Lactuca indica L Bồ công anh Lày mày im H W Leaves, sterm, root Boil
Hedyotis capitellata Wall Dạ cẩm
S W Leaves, sterm, root Spa, cold
Luculia Pinceana Nụ đinh Kèng pi đẻng S W Leaves and root Pregnant
How Ba kích Ba kích H W Root Rheumatism
Câu đằng Gim tỉu H W Leaves, sterm Spa
Helixanthera ligustrina Đẻng seng H W Leaves, sterm Colic
Litsea cubeba Màng tang Tà S W Whole plant Spa
Kim ngân rừng H W Leaves Cool drink
Cordifolia Cốt rắn Nhải piu S W Whole plant Cough
Ocimum sanctum L Hương nhu Hương nhu S C Whole plant except root Apoplexy
Mạch môn Mạch môn H W/C Root Cough
Oxalidaceae Họ Chua me đất
Oxalis corniculata L Chua me đất
Sắc tử chùm tự tán
Gục xăng S W Leaves Boil, blister
Polygonum multiflorum Thunb Hà thủ ô đỏ Gục suy H W Root Red boil
Reynoutria japonica Houtt Cốt khí củ Tầm kha L W Root Cough m‟hây
Rauvolfia tetraphylla L Ba gạc bốn lá Gàm chụa S W Root Sedative
Decursiva (Roxb.) Ráy leo lá rách Đìa bay H W Root, sterm, leaves Spa
Sabia fasciculata Lecomte ex L Chen
Thanh phong chụm Đìa giản S W Whole plant Spa
Cơm cháy Tùng jè S W Whole plant Spa
(Thunb.) Nakai Sói rừng Chà kềm S W Whole plant Snakebite
(nees.) O.Kuntze Chàm mèo Hùng tỉa gàm S W Leaves Bone fractures
Hoàn ngọc S W Leaves, sterm, root Tonic