INTRODUCTION
In all of human culture from ancient times to now, people have always respected plants as a source of essential medicines protect health
Vietnam's rich tropical hot and humid monsoon climate supports an abundant and diverse range of plant resources, with approximately 12,000 plant species identified Among these, many possess significant potential for medicinal use Historically, Vietnamese medicinal flora has been extensively documented, starting with a 1952 publication by a French botanist listing 1,350 medicinal plant species across 160 families By 1996, Vo Van Chi reported 3,200 species, and by 2005, the Institute of Medicine documented 3,948 species across 307 families within various plant groups The most recent data from 2012, presented in Vo Van Chi's "Dictionary of Medicinal Plants in Vietnam," identified nearly 4,700 medicinal plant species This substantial increase highlights the vast potential for further exploration of Vietnam's medicinal flora, emphasizing its importance as a valuable resource for pharmaceutical development and the need to invest in future research.
Medicinal plants are extensively used in Vietnam's ethnic communities, with traditional knowledge rooted in centuries of experience This rich heritage reflects unique, community-specific practices that have shaped Vietnam’s traditional medicine However, due to rapid resource depletion and the risk of losing valuable ethnobotanical knowledge, many medicinal plant species are now endangered Vietnam faces significant deforestation issues, with primeval forests now comprising only about 1% of the land area, threatening the conservation of medicinal plants and critical forest resources Urgent measures are needed to preserve both Vietnam’s biodiversity and its traditional medicinal heritage.
To effectively promote the sustainable exploitation and rational use of medicinal resources, it is essential to first identify the plant species in the area, including their abundance and distribution Conducting comprehensive surveys to assess the current status and potential of these medicinal plants provides crucial insights into their ecological health and availability Understanding where these plants grow and their current conditions enables informed decision-making for conservation and sustainable utilization, ensuring resource longevity and ecological balance.
Kim Son commune, located in the center of Kim Boi district, Hoa Binh province, is predominantly inhabited by the Muong ethnic community The area boasts a significant proportion of forest land, making it rich in diverse natural resources, including an abundance of rare and endangered medicinal plants such as Ardisia gigantifolia and Peliosanthes teta These valuable plant species are at risk of extinction in the wild, highlighting the importance of conserving Kim Son’s unique biodiversity.
The Muong ethnic community has a longstanding tradition of using plants for medicinal purposes, with numerous species documented in traditional medicinal books and official records However, many medicinal plant species used by the Muong people remain undocumented, as their traditional knowledge and usage are passed down orally and are not yet recorded in written form This rich cultural heritage highlights the importance of preserving and studying the unique ethnobotanical practices of the Muong ethnic group.
However, for many different reasons such as resource extraction irrational medicine plants, forest clearing, lack of interest of the younger generation that many rare medicines in
From the above reasons I propose to research topics: ”Study on the status of medicinal plants in Kim Son commune, Kim Boi district, Hoa Binh province.”
LITERATURE REVIEW
In the world
Worldwide, medicinal plant resources are abundant and diverse, with approximately 35,000 to 70,000 species out of the 250,000 vascular plants used for medicinal purposes (WHO, 1993) Asian countries, particularly China, host a significant portion of these species, with China alone boasting over 10,000 medicinal plant species (Shan-An He & Ning Cheng) These rich biodiversity resources play a crucial role in traditional medicine systems and herbal drug development globally.
India hosts approximately 7,500 to 8,000 medicinal plant species, highlighting its rich traditional herbal knowledge Indonesia possesses around 7,500 species, while Malaysia is home to about 2,000 species Nepal has more than 700 medicinal plant species, and Sri Lanka accounts for approximately 550 to 700 species South Korea is known to have about 1,000 species of medicinal plants Latin America, which contains roughly one-third of the world's plant species, has a longstanding tradition of using medicinal plants among indigenous communities In Africa, Somalia has about 200 species, and Botswana is known to have over 314 species, reflecting regional biodiversity variations.
Experiences and local knowledge of medicinal plants among global communities show both similarities and differences, influenced by geography, customs, and cultural traditions Countries such as China, India, and Indonesia have developed traditional medicine systems dating back over 3,000 to 5,000 years, reflecting their rich cultural heritage and long-standing herbal practices.
With the increasing trend of globalization, the exploration and utilization of medicinal plants from diverse cultures are expanding to support community health and socio-economic development According to the World Bank (1993), medicinal plants serve four primary demands: the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare systems, traditional medicine practitioners, and family health care Globally, the pharmaceutical industry’s use of medicinal plants is valued at approximately $800 billion annually (Gerard Boderker, 1998) Hong Kong has emerged as the largest medicinal plants market worldwide, with annual pharmaceutical input valued at around US$190 million—70% of which is used domestically, while 30% is re-exported During the same period, imported medicines amounted to approximately $80 million (Norman R Farnsworth, 1998).
In Vietnam
2.2.1 Resources of medicinal plants in Vietnam
Vietnam is a cultural crossroads, shaped by the influences of Chinese and Indian traditions, which significantly impact its heritage The country boasts remarkable biological diversity, hosting approximately 12,000 species of vascular plants It is also rich in medicinal knowledge, with around 6,000 plant species used for various purposes such as medicine, food, timber, and dye Notably, about 3,200 species of plants and fungi are recognized as valuable or potentially medicinal These vital vegetation resources are primarily concentrated in six major biodiversity centers in the Northeast, Hoang Lien Son, Cuc Phuong, Bach Ma, Tay Nguyen, and Da Lat, making Vietnam a significant hotspot for biodiversity conservation.
According to the pharmacological industry, there are about 40 hospitals of traditional medicine, there are 5000 peoples practicing traditional medicine and nearly
The traditional oriental medicine industry utilizes approximately 4,000 different medicinal plants, with about 120 species commonly used to treat common familial diseases and meet an annual herbal demand of around 30,000 tons The country boasts approximately 286 pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, including 170 dedicated to producing oriental medicines from plant materials Between 1995 and 2000, 1,294 drugs were developed from plant extracts, representing 23% of the 5,577 permitted medicines in circulation The pharmaceutical sector's annual plant-based drug production is approximately 20,000 tons locally, with an additional 10,000 tons exported each year, reflecting a significant contribution of medicinal plants to both domestic healthcare and international markets.
2.2.2 Status of medicinal plants research in Vietnam
Vietnamese traditional medicine has a rich and longstanding history dating back to the Hung Vuong era around 2900 BC, when plants were used both as culinary spices and for therapeutic purposes Historically, Vietnamese practitioners incorporated hundreds of medicinal plants, including those introduced from Giao Chi of China, such as Coix lacrymal-jobi (Y Di) and Pogostemon cablin (Hoac Huong) These ancient herbal remedies continue to influence modern Vietnamese traditional medicine practices today.
Prominent physicians like Monk Nguyen Minh Khong, also known as Nguyen Chi Thanh during the Ly Dynasty (1010-1224), prioritized the study of medicinal plants to develop effective treatments He utilized a wide variety of medicinal herbs to cure illnesses among the general populace and royalty alike, demonstrating the longstanding importance of herbal medicine in traditional healthcare.
- In 1937, Vu Nhu Lam mentioned about medicinal properties, uses, dosage way, the taboo of some traditional medicines
Professor Dr Do Tat Loi, a renowned expert in pharmacognosy, conducted extensive research on Vietnam's traditional medicine history, leading to the publication of "Pharmacognosis and Medicines of Vietnam." Building on this work, he later authored the influential book "Medicinal Plants and Remedies of Vietnam," which highlights the rich biodiversity and therapeutic potential of Vietnam's indigenous plants His contributions have significantly promoted Vietnam's herbal medicine knowledge and enhanced global understanding of its holistic healthcare practices.
In 1966, pharmacist Vu Van Chuyen published "The Summary of Family Characteristics of Medicinal Plants," contributing to the understanding of herbal properties By 1980, researchers Do Huy Bich and Bui Xuan Chuong identified 519 medicinal plant species, including 150 newly discovered varieties, significantly expanding knowledge of local medicinal flora.
"Handbook of medicinal plants in Vietnam" and in 1993 published the "Resources of medicinal plants in Vietnam."
- In 1973, Phan Ke Loc published “The list of plants contains tamin in North Vietnam."
- Le Tran Duc who published 4 episodes of "Growing and harvesting of medicinal plants" with many research about ethnic medicines
- In 1994, Le Nguyen Khanh and Tran Thien Quyen published "The remedies esoteric experiences of herbalist"
- In 1995, Vuong Thua An released "Good medicines around us"
In 1996, Vo Van Chi published the "Dictionary of Medicinal Plants in Vietnam," documenting over 3,200 medicinal plant species native to the country This important scientific publication significantly advances botanical research and provides valuable resources for the pharmaceutical industry The comprehensive nature of the dictionary serves as a crucial reference for botanists and herbal medicine practitioners, promoting the sustainable use and conservation of Vietnam’s rich medicinal plant biodiversity.
- To talk about the medicinal plants of ethnic groups, we must mention about
Nguyen Nghia Thin, Nguyen Thi Hanh, and Ngo Truc Nha's 1999 study explores the biodiversity of medicinal plants within the regional flora of Con Cuong, Nghe An The research highlights the extensive use of traditional medicinal plants by the Thai ethnic minority, emphasizing their significance in local healthcare practices Moreover, the study evaluates the effectiveness and conservation status of these medicinal plant species, illustrating their vital role in maintaining biodiversity and cultural heritage in the region.
Our country's rich and diverse experiences with medicinal plants have been accumulated over generations, reflecting a deep cultural heritage To honor national traditions and promote biodiversity conservation, it is essential to systematically inventory, research, and preserve this valuable knowledge By organizing and scientifically studying medicinal plants, we can effectively protect genetic resources and ensure sustainable development of this vital resource for future generations.
GOALS AND (SPECIFIC) OBJECTIVES
Goals
This study aims to assess the current status of medicinal plant resources in Kim Son commune, Kim Boi district, Hoa Binh province The findings will inform strategies for the conservation and sustainable management of medicinal plants in the region Understanding the distribution and utilization of these resources is crucial for promoting biodiversity preservation and ensuring their availability for future medicinal and economic use The research emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices to protect valuable medicinal plant species while supporting local livelihoods.
Objectives
- To determine of diversity and value of medicinal plant resources in Kim Son commune, Kim Boi district, Hoa Binh province
- Make a list of medicinal plants are used by Muong ethnic group in Kim Son, Kim Boi, Hoa Binh
- Propose some solutions for sustainable management of medicinal plant resources in Kim Boi, Hoa Binh base on real situation about plants of the study subjects.
METHODS AND STUDY SITE
Field surveys
Conduct a survey the transect and establish a typical plots represents the area
Surveys were conducted using three transects in Kim Son Commune, where the terrain is suitable for line transect methods These transects were precisely mapped and established within secondary forests, each spanning 3 to 4 kilometers in length and selected across different elevations to ensure comprehensive coverage of the study area.
Transects were prepared and marked one month before survey for convenience during the movement
When conducting transect surveys, it is essential to involve local community members—either by thanking them for their participation or hiring local guides—to gather valuable information about medicinal plants Engaging locals helps identify commonly used plants, their local names, and precise locations where they are found, ensuring accurate data collection and fostering community collaboration.
The plant can not be determined, take the sample and determine name later
The survey information is recorded on Form 4.1.a
Form 4.1.a Statistics medicinal plants under transect
In an areas choose the typical location to establish the plots, each plot has an area of 1000 m 2
In plots survey also similar to the transect survey and investigate the situation distribution of medicinal plants Information from plots survey recorded in the following forms:
Form 4.2.b Investigation trees in sample plots Number plots: Forest status:
Form 4.2.c Investigation shrubs, vegetation Number plots: Forest status:
Form 4.2.d Statistics medicinal plants in the sample plots Number of plots: Date of investigation:
Community survey methodology
During the community survey using Participatory Rural Appraisal Methods (PRA) Some techniques commonly used in PRA:
- Interviews: Use some questions for those who are selected
The interview adopts an open, free-flowing format that allows for flexible questioning tailored to the conversation's context This adaptable approach enables us to ask any relevant questions, with the order and content of the questions evolving dynamically based on the interviewee's previous responses Such a format ensures a natural and engaging dialogue, providing deeper insights and comprehensive information throughout the interview.
- Semi-structured interviews: Some questions were prepared in advance and some questions may be added depending on the specific situation
- Structured interview (depth interview) is interviewed using a questionnaire given to the person providing information selectively engaged
The information is recorded in the following forms:
Form 4.3.a Situation in planting, harvesting, parts used, utility and prices
Form 4.3.b Season harvest, processing and preservation of medicinal plants
Data processing
Determine the name of the unknown samples of medicinal plants by asking people who have expertise in medicinal plants
Synthesizing data obtained from real and relevant documents to analyze and to comment the results
Classification of medicinal plants under the parts, utility, value and shape of lives.
Assess the level of threat
This assessment of endangered useful plant species is based on key documents such as the Vietnam Red Data Book and Decree No 32/2006/ND-CP, which governs the management of endangered, rare, and precious forest flora and fauna Additionally, the study considers local exploitation, usage, and trafficking patterns to determine the level of threat faced by these species in the research area.
Natural condition
Kim Son commune belong to Kim Boi district, Hoa Binh province 20°40'14.1"N 105°35'02.5"E , it is about 7.5 km far from district center, with a total area of 2478.49 hectares naturally
The East adjacent Luong Son commune
The West adjacent to Lap Chieng commune
The Southwest adjacent to Hop Kim commune
The South adjacent to Nam Thuong commune
Kim Son is a mountainous commune situated in Kim Boi district, Hoa Binh province, characterized by its rugged topography with mountains stretching from the Northwest to the Southeast The terrain features a gentle descent from north to south and from west to east, creating a landscape of fertile fields surrounded by low hills and mountain ranges This unique topography makes Kim Son an ideal location for agriculture and eco-tourism development.
Kim Son commune has climate as the same regime with Kim Boi district, which is the nature of the tropical monsoon climate, is divided into two seasons:
- The rainy season lasts from April to October, rainfall is concentrated from July to September, usually rain and thunderstorm lasted more affected by hurricanes and southwest winds
- The dry season from November to March next year, the dry climate, low humidity, frost, fog and cold drizzle
- Average annual temperature is 21 degrees celsius, the hottest month is July temperatures can reach 37- 38 degrees celsius, the coldest month is January temperatures typically can down 5 to 6 degrees celsius
- Average annual rainfall is 1500 to 1700mm Every year during the rainy season usually occurs floods, impacted significantly on the lives and production of people
- The wind regime: mainly has 3 main types of wind
+ North East wind prevailing wind direction in the dry season from November to appear in March next year, often accompanied by cold and dry air
+ Wind Southeast appear from April to October, the humidity and the wind carries more water vapor, wind intensity
The southwest wind, which typically occurs from May to June, is characterized by hot and dry conditions This seasonal wind significantly influences the local climate, causing fluctuations throughout the year Its presence can impact agricultural productivity by creating challenging weather conditions during crucial planting and harvesting periods.
4.5.4 The other resources a) Land resources
The commune primarily features hilly terrain affected by feralit processes, which often result in sour soils, slopes, and soil erosion Despite these challenges, the land holds significant potential for agriculture and forestry These land characteristics play a crucial role in determining the soil's moisture content and the regional water regime, directly impacting local productivity and ecological balance Proper management of this land is essential to harness its agricultural and forestry potential while mitigating erosion and soil degradation.
In the commune, there are major soil groups follows:
- Yellow red soil on clay stone
- Reddish brown soil on magma
- Land with sour reaction medium to less sour
- Land fawn on ancient alluvial stones
- Land feralit know change due to rice cultivation b) Water Resources
Kim Son is located in regions with deep artesian water sources, accessing water at depths of 8 to 10 meters during the dry season and around 13 meters in the wet season The groundwater level remains stable throughout the year, ensuring a reliable source of clean and high-quality water for local communities Additionally, Kim Son boasts abundant forest resources, contributing to the area's ecological diversity and sustainability.
The forest area of Kim Son commune count to 2010 was 1571.05 hectares, accounting for 64.5% of total natural land area of the whole commune
Kim Son's forest is predominantly a natural tropical forest consisting of valuable timber species such as Parashorea chinensis Wang Hsie and Anogeisus acuminata (DC.) Giull et Perr Over time, unsustainable forest exploitation, improper management practices, and intentional forest arson for agricultural purposes have led to significant depletion of these vital forest resources.
The commune is home to rare and diverse wildlife, including wild pigs, wild chickens, pythons, snakes, pangolins, and civets However, rampant illegal hunting and deforestation have significantly reduced their natural habitats, leading to a decline in native species such as wild chickens, snakes, and pangolins These environmental challenges highlight the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect the remaining wildlife and preserve the commune’s rich biodiversity.
The commune is home to two ethnic groups, with 95% Muong and 5% Kinh, who share a strong revolutionary tradition and a deep sense of patriotism They are characterized by their diligence, creativity in work, and love for their cultural traditions The community is united by a spirit of mutual support in daily life, production, and military efforts, fostering a cohesive and resilient society.
Socioeconomic conditions
4.6.1 Development Status of economic sectors
The agricultural economic sector continues to play a vital role in the overall economic structure of the commune In 2014, the agro-forestry and seafood sectors achieved a production value of 23.82 billion VND, representing 82.94% of the total social production value.
Production agriculture is an important role essential contribution to the economy of the whole commune
The cultivation sector has achieved significant growth, with a planted area of 194.82 hectares, reaching 107% of the target Food production is estimated at 500,100 tonnes, surpassing the 2014 plan by 8.7% and exceeding 2013 production by 125.9% Additionally, the government has implemented socialization policies and forest land allocation initiatives, covering 5 million hectares, with 327,661 hectares designated for cultivation, settlements, and infrastructure development In 2014, 216.50 hectares of forest land, representing 89.02% of the natural forest area, were allocated The forestry sector's production value in 2013 was approximately 2.5 billion, accounting for 10.50% of the overall agricultural sector output.
4.6.2 Population, labor, employment and income
Material life and spirit of the people of Kim Son commune increasingly improved and enhanced, in 2005 per capita income of 4.3 million, in 2010 reached 6.5 million, in
2012 reached 7, 8 million and in 2013 to reach 7.98 million
Poverty alleviation efforts have made significant progress, with various support programs implemented to assist impoverished families During holidays, mass organizations provide VND300,000 per household for Tet celebrations and supply rice to poor households, alongside policies promoting economic development In 2012, there were still 213 poor households, accounting for 26.83%, but this number decreased to 181 households in 2013, representing a 4% reduction and demonstrating the effectiveness of ongoing poverty reduction initiatives.
Kim Son commune prioritizes the maintenance of its 26.1 km rural roads, including the construction of a new 1,650-meter-wide public platform and ongoing repairs of bridges, bamboo, and wood structures The commune's two hamlets, Mo and Bai, are connected by approximately 2 km of paved and concrete roads, ensuring easier access, while Muon and Lot hamlets rely on dirt roads that become very difficult to traverse during the rainy season.
There has 12B route passing communes have roads to facilitate the movement and external and internal traffic
Kim Son commune's education and training efforts are modest but evolving, with three schools serving the community: one preschool, one elementary, and one junior high school The preschool caters to 261 children, while the elementary school has 231 students, and the junior high school enrolls 165 students Educational quality varies across institutions, but overall, student proficiency has improved, with more students passing district and provincial assessments The commune boasts four provincial excellent teachers and eleven district-level outstanding educators, reflecting a growing commitment to enhancing teaching standards.
The successful implementation of the national healthcare program has significantly improved public health outcomes In 2014, primary care clinics served 3,033 people, achieving a 142% increase compared to previous years The program expanded vaccination efforts, providing enough vaccines for 637 children under one year old and administering tetanus vaccinations to pregnant women Additionally, the initiative successfully provided nutrients, immunizations, and vitamin A supplements to 231 children, reaching 100% of the planned target The program also maintains robust health initiatives such as malaria prevention, reproductive health care, goitre prevention, and health education campaigns to ensure sustained community health improvements.
In 2014, the working population, families, and children remained a key focus area, with 522 individuals using contraception The data shows that six families had their third child, contributing to ongoing demographic trends The natural population growth rate in 2014 was 1.5%, reflecting a decline of 0.59% compared to 2013, indicating shifts in family planning and population dynamics.
RESULT
Diversity about medicinal plant
5.1.1 Diversity follows these steps classification
Follow the number of medicinal plants collected classify according to the system's evolution Takhtajan (2009) a Phylum taxonomy
Research has identified 108 medicinal plant species commonly used in Kim Son commune, representing 55 plant families across two primary phyla: Polypodiophyta and Magnoliophyta These findings highlight the rich biodiversity and traditional medicinal practices in the area, with detailed data available in Table 5.1.
Table 5.1: Distributions of medicinal plants are popular in Kim Son commune
The study reveals that the majority of plant medicines used belong to the Magnoliophyta division, accounting for 98.15% of total species, highlighting the rich diversity of flowering plants in traditional and modern applications In contrast, species from the Polypodiophyta division represent only 1.85%, indicating a lesser role in medicinal use This distribution underscores the prominence of Magnoliophyta plants within the industry, emphasizing their significance due to their extensive variety and availability.
The diversity of medicinal plant’s Muong ethnic people is also reflected in the number of plant families Synthesis of their results is presented in Table 5.2
Table 5.2: Diversity number of plant families
Number of Families have NL > 3 6 10.91 43 39.81
Number of Families only have 1species 37 67.27 37 34.26
Kim Son boasts a rich diversity of medicinal plants, encompassing 55 plant families with a total of 108 species, averaging approximately 2 species per family Six families contain more than ten species, representing 10.91% of the total, indicating a concentration of diversity within certain families Twelve families have an equal or fewer number of species than the average, accounting for 21.82%, while a significant 67.27% of families include only one medicinal plant species This data highlights the considerable taxonomic diversity of medicinal plants used by the Muong people in Kim Son.
Based on a survey of the medicinal plant life forms among the Muong people in Kim Son commune, the plants were classified into four categories: wood, shrub, herb, and liana, following the classifications outlined by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (2000) in "Tên cây rừng Việt Nam" and Hoang Chung (1980) The study presented these findings through detailed life tables, as shown in Table 5.3.
Medicinal plants are highly popular in Kim Son commune, with herbs, lianas, and shrubs being the most commonly used, accounting for 34.78%, 23.19%, and 23.19% respectively The research indicates that herbs are the most frequently utilized medicinal plants, driven by local tradition and ancestral knowledge that regard herbs as primary remedies Herbs are abundant, easy to cultivate, and grow rapidly (“like grass”), with many, such as ginseng, having valuable tubers that contain essential medicinal compounds These findings highlight the need to develop strategies for sustainable harvesting, guiding the search for medicinal plant resources, and promoting conservation efforts to ensure the long-term availability of these vital resources.
Table 5.3: Diversity of life forms of medicinal plant’s Kim Son people
Total 69 100 96 100 d Diversity in the distribution of medicinal plants according to the habitat
The distribution of medicinal plant habitats is categorized into three main types: wild (W), cultivated in gardens (C), and those that grow both wild and in gardens (WC) According to the research results presented in Figure 5.4, these categories illustrate the varying ecosystems where medicinal plants thrive, highlighting the significance of both natural and cultivated environments for their conservation and utilization.
Figure 5.1: Diversity in the distribution of medicinal plants
The chart indicates that the highest proportion of wild plants used by local people, accounting for 44.44%, highlights the reliance on wild-harvested medicinal plants Additionally, a significant share of plants are exploited both from the wild and cultivated in gardens, representing 40.74%, whereas only a small percentage (14.82%) are exclusively planted in gardens This demonstrates that the primary source of medicinal plants utilized by the community is their growth in the wild Furthermore, the diversity of plant parts used underscores the extensive knowledge and traditional practices involved in medicinal plant utilization.
The research results of used parts are assembled in Table 5.5
Table 5.4: Diversity of plant parts used drugs
NO Part used Number Ratio (%)
The data indicates that leaves are the most commonly used plant part among the 108 species studied, accounting for 50% or 48 species, which is 6.8 times more than the number of species utilizing bark Leaves are preferred because they are easy to collect, process, and can quickly react to common local diseases such as measles, flu, and skin ailments, especially within Muong communities In contrast, parts like stems, roots, flowers, fruits, and seeds are typically used for more severe or long-term conditions, requiring more complex harvesting and processing These parts are often exploited to sell to healers or nearby markets, reflecting their specialized and less frequent use in traditional medicine.
Healers in Kim Son utilize medicinal plants either individually or in combination to treat various health conditions These plants are categorized into 23 groups based on their specific therapeutic functions, each corresponding to a different disease The comprehensive results of these plant-based treatments are presented in Table 5.6.
Table 5.5: Distribution of plant and disease group rate (%)
(Order by descending order of number of species)
NO Disease group Number Ratio (%)
10 Teeth, eye, ear, nose, throat 7 7.29
Note: Total does not equal 108 species because some species can cure many diseases
Research indicates that medicinal plants are widely used across various disease groups, highlighting the rich diversity of plant-based treatments in Kim Son Among the 27 disease categories investigated, primary focus areas include digestion, rheumatology (aches and arthritis), liver and bile issues, and skin conditions While other disease groups utilize fewer plant species, their presence underscores the Muong people's extensive traditional knowledge and experience in using medicinal plants to treat diverse health conditions.
Some rare species of medicinal plants in Vietnam's Red Book
Based on a survey of medicinal plants in Kim Son commune, seven endangered species listed in the Vietnam Red Book were identified, representing 6.5% of all species collected in the research area These findings highlight the need for conservation efforts to protect vulnerable plant species within the region, as detailed in Table 5.7.
Table 5.6: List of species included in the Red Book of Vietnam
1 Menispermaceae Tiết dê Stephania rotunda Lour Bình vôi EN
2 Cannabaceae Gai dầu Ardisia gigantifolia Stapf Cơm nguội VU
4 Myrsinnaceae Đơn nem Ardisia silvestris Pit Lá khôi VU
Mạch môn đông Peliosanthes teta Andr Sâm cau VU
(Drake) Gilg in Engl & Prantl
Exploitation situation of medicinal plants for use in the community
Although modern medical facilities such as hospitals, district health centers, and dispensaries have expanded extensively nationwide and significantly improved healthcare quality, traditional medicine and wild medicinal plants remain vital for ethnic minority communities These indigenous healing practices preserve cultural heritage and continue to play an essential role in healthcare among ethnic groups, especially in remote areas where modern healthcare access may be limited Recognizing the importance of both modern and traditional medicine is essential for promoting comprehensive health solutions across diverse populations.
In Kim Son commune, most households continue to rely on wild medicinal plants and traditional knowledge for both prevention and treatment of health issues The frequent harvesting of medicinal plants from local wild sources highlights the ongoing reliance on natural, traditional remedies within the community.
Exploitation of medicinal plants for use in Kim Son is in two levels:
Most local residents regularly gather medicinal plants to prevent and treat common illnesses for themselves and their families Although a significant volume of medicinal plants is harvested, the quantity used per harvest remains modest, and there is no concentrated exploitation of specific plant species As a result, this sustainable harvesting practice does not pose a threat to the wild medicinal plant reserves.
Kim Son currently has five semi-professional herbalists of ethnic origin who work with medicinal treatments These practitioners focus on a limited number of tree species capable of curing serious or difficult-to-treat diseases Despite their ongoing healing practices, surveys indicate that the annual collection of medicinal plants remains modest, with no evidence of over-exploitation of any particular species.
It can be affirmed that the harvesting medicinal plants for healing in the community did not cause a negative impact on resources of medicinal plants in the region.
Exploitation situation of medicinal plants for sale
Many medicinal plant species are heavily exploited and harvested in large quantities, posing a significant risk to threatened wild populations According to Statistical Table 5.8, several of these medicinal plants are frequently purchased and sold in markets outside their natural habitats, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable harvesting practices and conservation efforts to protect these vulnerable species.
Table 5.7: List of species exploited for trafficking
Common name Local name Latin name Price
1 Bình vôi Củ ngủ Stephania rotunda VND300.000/kg fresh
2 Củ mài Củ nếp Dioscorea persimilis
3 Xạ đen Xạ đen Ardisia gigantifolia VND12.000/kg dried
4 Chuối rừng Chuối rừng Musa acuminata VND 5.500/kg dried
5 Chuối hột Chuối hột Musa balbisiana VND 150.000/bunch
6 Lá khôi Khôi nhung Ardisia silvestris Pit VND 6000/leave
7 Sâm cau Sâm cau Peliosanthes teta Andr VND 200.000/kg
8 Ngải cứu Ngải cứu Artemisia vulgaris VND 1.500/kg dried
The exploitation of commercially valuable medicinal plants has been clearly observed in the area, with major operators harvesting various plant parts such as roots, flowers, fruits, and nuts, leaving the regeneration sections untreated This unsustainable practice poses significant risks to the survival of these species, making them highly vulnerable to overharvesting and environmental threats.
Due to challenging economic conditions, many individuals collect medicinal plants primarily to earn extra income, while some households rely mainly on gathering traditional medicinal herbs for their daily needs However, in certain areas, people travel to communes to obtain medicinal plants without involving local collectors, highlighting limited conservation efforts This situation underscores the need for sustainable practices to protect medicinal plant resources amid economic hardships.
Some households also grow medicinal plants in home gardens to serve the families and for sale.
The difficulties in the cultivation of medicinal plants, knowledge, attitudes and
5.5.1 The difficulties in the cultivation and conservation of medicinal plants
Research identifies five main challenges in medicinal plant cultivation, including seed scarcity, water shortages, poor planning, inadequate planting techniques, and declining interest from local authorities The most common issues are seed unavailability, lack of technical expertise, and insufficient support from local authorities These difficulties primarily stem from technical gaps in breeding, planting, and garden management, as well as low awareness and engagement from local officials Addressing these key obstacles is essential for improving the success and sustainability of medicinal plant cultivation.
Many medicinal plants cannot be cultivated easily by local people without proper techniques, as they struggle to adapt to new habitats The main issue is that local cultivation methods are overly simplistic, involving simply pulling seedlings from the forest and planting them in gardens or intercropping with other plants, with minimal care such as watering only in the early days and ignoring factors like frost, sunlight, or fertilizer Additionally, rare and high-value medicinal plants, often found in high mountain areas, have difficulty thriving in new soil and climate conditions when brought to home gardens Notably, species like Khôi Nhung and Dó Giấy are particularly challenging to grow outside their native mountainous environments, making professional cultivation methods essential for their successful propagation.
The expansion of medicinal plants in home gardens has garnered significant interest; however, limited seed supply poses a major challenge Many medicinal plants, such as xạ đen, khổ sâm, and thiên đầu thống, are propagated through nursery-grown cuttings or twigs, especially in local settings Most species lack established seedling propagation techniques and rely primarily on natural seed sources, limiting broader cultivation.
The lack of interest from local authorities significantly hampers the conservation and development of medicinal plants in home gardens Interviews reveal that local authorities show little concern for cultivating and conserving medicinal plants both in gardens and natural habitats They rarely maintain accurate records of households involved in medicinal plant cultivation and do not implement measures to promote their use or cultivation Despite efforts by a medicinal plant research institute in Kim Son to establish nurseries for valuable medicinal plants, these initiatives have lacked government support and community engagement, resulting in underdeveloped nurseries and limited progress in medicinal plant conservation.
These are difficult challenges for the cultivation of medicinal plants, which require need to be addressed
5.5.2 Transfer knowledge and experience in the use of medicinal plants
The survey revealed that knowledge of medicinal plants is primarily transmitted through oral tradition within families, from mother to daughter and grandmother to grandchildren This knowledge is often gained through gathering plants in the field or during pre-processing, as well as selling herbal medicines within the community, though it is rarely documented Most practitioners are middle-aged, around 45 years old, while interest among younger generations aged 20-45 and those over 55 is minimal This decline indicates a decreasing interest among youth in learning, preserving, and utilizing medicinal plant knowledge from previous generations Contributing factors may include resource scarcity due to prohibited mining activities, the difficulty and low profitability of harvesting medicinal plants compared to other occupations, leading to the erosion of traditional knowledge in the community.
5.5.3 Knowledge, attitudes and practices of Muong communities in the conservation and sustainable use of medicinal plants in the area
The local community possesses extensive knowledge of medicinal plants and their healing properties, demonstrating a positive attitude toward conserving and developing these resources While they recognize the decline of medicinal plant populations and practice sustainable harvesting methods, such as selectively cutting small parts of plants, most lack techniques for planting and cultivating medicinal gardens Consequently, people often resort to collecting plants directly from the forest to meet medicinal needs Furthermore, some community members are unaware of the impact of overharvesting, leading to practices like cutting down or uprooting entire trees, which further threaten medicinal plant resources.
Many households rely daily on medicinal plants as a substitute for drinking water, highlighting their essential role in family life Despite their importance, awareness about the need to conserve these valuable resources remains relatively low among the general population Promoting responsible use and conservation of medicinal plants is crucial to sustain their benefits for future generations.
Some healers choose to keep their family’s healing traditions secret and refrain from planting medicinal plants in their gardens to protect their family secrets This deliberate withholding has led to a decline in the local source of medicinal plants, particularly in Kim Son commune, where forest resources have become increasingly depleted Protecting cultural heritage while ensuring sustainable use of natural resources is essential for the preservation of traditional healing practices and biodiversity.
5.5.4 Solution in sustainable management of medicinal plants
Research indicates that the current status of medicinal plant development in Kim Son, Kim Boi, and Hoa Binh faces significant challenges such as overharvesting and habitat loss To ensure sustainable growth, it is essential to implement effective conservation strategies, including protected areas and community-based management Promoting cultivation programs and raising awareness among local communities can strengthen the preservation efforts Additionally, investing in research and development will enhance the quality and value of medicinal plants, supporting both ecological sustainability and local livelihoods.
- Establish a legal framework to control medicines trafficking activities tree locally
- Develop model medicinal plant gardens at home for people, especially the households who work with medicinal plants and collecting of medicinal herbs
- Local authorities need to open the classroom to raise awareness among medicinal, give them the skills to sustainably harvest medicinal
- Develop medicinal plant nurseries in the region
- Raise awareness for the younger generation to understand the role and effects of medicinal plants in the health care community
Conclusion
An analysis of the current use and exploitation of medicinal plants in Kim Son commune, Kim Boi, Hoa Binh, reveals key insights into sustainable practices and local applications The findings highlight the importance of preserving traditional knowledge while promoting responsible harvesting to ensure the continued availability of valuable medicinal resources This study emphasizes the need for effective management strategies to support the community’s reliance on medicinal plants for healthcare and economic development.
An investigation has identified 108 plant species used for traditional medicine in Kim Son, Kim Boi, Hoa Binh These plants include 55 different units across 2 tree branches, demonstrating nine distinct growth forms They are utilized to treat a variety of ailments, addressing 23 different medical conditions Among these, nine specific plant parts—primarily leaves, stems, and roots—are most commonly used in herbal remedies.
The numbers of medicinal plants dispose unequal; almost they belong to some unit of industry angiosperms, accounted for 96.36% Two germs leaves layers separately accounted for 76.36%
Kim Son village is home to diverse medicinal plants, with herbaceous species being the most prevalent, comprising 44 out of 108 species, or approximately 40.74% Shrubs and trees are also significant, each accounting for 21.30% of the medicinal plants used In contrast, liana plants are the least utilized, representing only about 1.7% of the medicinal plant forms in the village.
Medicinal plants almost grow up for nature (44.44%), in mountains (40.74%), and human plant them in garden and use them every day (14.82%)
There’re 23 differences kind of illness are cure by indigenous medicine
Vietnam's fauna includes seven rare species listed on the Red List, representing 6.5% of the total 108 species requiring urgent conservation efforts These endangered species are at imminent risk of extinction, with many classified as Vulnerable (VU) and Endangered (EN) Prioritizing the conservation of these species is crucial to prevent their disappearance and preserve the country's biodiversity.
* VU: Ardisia gigantifolia (cơm nguội), Fallopia multiflora (hà thủ ô), Ardisia silvestris Pit.(lá khôi), Peliosanthes teta (sâm cau), Rhamnoneuron balansae (dó giấy)
* EN: Stephania rotunda (bình vôi), Schefflera octophylla (sâm nam).
Proposal - 30 - REFERENCES
- Keep study about effectiveness of medicinal plants and prescription that locals have used
- Make plan to widespread enquire about medicinal plants and spend more time to enquire to find more rare species
- Research and develop medicinal plants of Muong people in their garden, farm of household and surrounding land, especially research and develop medicinal plants under the canopy
- Medicinal plants which are pioneer much have economic value need to have rational exploitation plan, economical use
- Medicinal plants are going to extinct or they’re in the red list of Vietnam need to have safeguards, propaganda to plant in garden and stop mining in forest
The government should coordinate with local authorities to support household economic development through the construction and development of medicinal plant gardens in dispensaries This initiative aims to propagate knowledge and educate the public about the benefits of medicinal plants, fostering greater awareness of their health advantages By promoting this awareness, residents are more likely to develop a positive attitude toward preserving local medicinal plant resources, ensuring sustainable utilization and conservation.
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I LIST OF MEDICINAL PLANTS IN KIM SON
1 Erodia lepta Merr ba chạc ba chạc S WC leave scabietic
Acronychia pedunculata(L) Miq bưởi bung bai bái W WC leave, root, fruit rheumatism, bone fractures
3 Glycosmis cơm rượu bòn bon H W whole skin diseases
Clausena lansium.(Lour)Skeels quất hồng bì giổi W WC leave, stem itches
Zuce sẻn gai đắng cay W W stem, fruit fever, stomachache, itches, digestive
Jack bách bệnh lở leo L W whole itches
7 Quassia amara L thằn lằn thằn lằn L W bark, root fever, digestive
Radlk xuân hoa con khỉ S WC leave laxative
S WC whole bundle broken bones
Moore bạch đồng nữ bấn trắng
L vọng cách cách S WC leave, stem, root dysentery, digestive
Benth.et.Hook xạ đen xạ đen S WC leave, stem afterpains, cancer, itches, pimple
Lour bình vôi củ ngủ H WC bulb, root arthritis, neuralgia, antidote
Colebr vàng đằng hoàng đằng
L WC stem, root stomachache, diarrhea, duodenitis
Mimosa pudica L trinh nữ xấu hổ S W Whole neurasthenia, hepatitis, insomnia
Mer kim tiền thảo mắt trâu H W Whole calculus, strangury
19 Derris heptaphylla dây thàn mát dây sản hậu
20 Abrus precatorius L cam thảo cam thảo
How ba kích ba kích L WC whole backache
Oldenlandia eapitellata Kunteze bòi ngòi tía dạ cẩm L W Whole stomachache, canker, sore throat
Mussaenda pubescens Ait.f bướm bạc bướm bạc
24 Gardenia jasminoides Ellis dành dành chi tử S WC Root Cirrhosis
Oldenlandia corymbosa.L lưỡi rắn xà thiệt thảo
26 Caesalpinia sappan.L tô mộc páy W W Stem Tonic
Roxb.ex.willd bỏng nổ xương cá
Acalypha brachystachya Horne m tai tượng bông ngắn cỏ lá tre H WC Leave diarrhea, pneumonia, cough
Acalypha hispida Burm.f tai tượng xanh xạ xanh S WC Leave itches, viral hepatitis
Microdesmis caseariaefolia Hook chẩn não ra W W Leave Fever
Burnn cỏ sữa lá nhỏ cỏ sữa H W Leave hepatitis, dysentery
Blume nhội nhội H WC leave, bark
Excoecaria cochinchinesis Lour đơn đỏ đơn tía S WC leave, stem itches, pimple
34 Tokinesis Gagnep khổ sâm phượng công
Rubus cochinchinensis Tratt me mói tiêu L W leave, stem
36 Rhus semialata Murr cà muối trám S W Leave allergic, muối haemorrhoids
Poir cải đồng cúc dại H W leave, stem itches, viral hepatitis
38 Hgeratum conizoides L cứt lợn cứt lợn H W Whole Sinusitis
39 Blumea balsamifera L đại bi đại bi H W Leave wound, scabietic
40 Bidens pilosa L đơn buốt đơn kim H WC leave, stem
41 Eclipta olba Hassk nhọ nồi nhọ nồi H W whole antidote, hypotension
42 Artemisia vulgaris (L) ngải cứu ngải cứu H WC
(Osbeck) Merr sài đất Khài đất H W stem antidote, antifebrile Symplocaceae Họ Dung
Symplocos glomerata subsp congesta var congesta chè dung lá dưa W WC leave stomachache, diarrhea
Planch chìa vôi bạch phấn đằng
L WC stem, root arthritis, neuralgia
Blume cỏ xước cỏ xước H W whole calculus, tonic, bone fractures
47 Celosia cristata L mào gà đỏ mào gà đỏ
(Lour.) Harms đáng sâm nam W W bark, root
(L.) Harms đinh lăng cây gỏi cá
S WC leave, stem, root afterpains, bone fractures
(Lour.) sâm nam chân chim
W WC leave, root, bark cirrhosis, digestion, rickets
51 Morus alba L dâu dâu W W fruit Cough
52 Streblus asper Lour duối hoàng anh mộc
W WC leave, stem, bark, root antidote, antifebrile
53 Trophis scandens Lour duối leo then đá L W whole Cough Loganiaceae Họ Mã tiền
Surychnos nuxvonica.L dây mã tiền bại liệt L WC seed Paralytic
Beth lá ngón lá ngón L W leave Antidote
56 Ardisia silvestris Pit lá khôi khôi nhung
Burm F dây thiên lý thiên lý L WC leave, flower
Streptocaulon juventas Merr hà thủ ô trắng đa lông L WC root, bulb
Cost tai chuột tai chuột L WC whole Nephritis
Godgsonia macrocarpa đài hái mướp dại L W leave, stem
Momordica charantia.L mướp đắng mướp đắng
(Lour.) Spreng gấc gấc L WC Root Nephropathy
Gynostemma pentaphyllum giảo cổ lam trường sinh thảo
Polygonum cuspidatum Siebet củ cốt khí ngái tan H WC root Congestion
(Thunb.) Haraldson hà thủ ô hà thủ ô L WC whole Tonic
Polygonum ocdoratum Lour rau răm rau răm H C leave snakebites, toothache
68 Polygonum sinensis.L thồm lồm mụn S WC whole Antifebrile
Ait hoa nhài hoa nhài S C flower headache, cough
Fisch Et Mey hoắc hương xạ vàng W WC leave stomachache, digestion
Houtt ích mẫu chói đèn H W leave induce menstrual flow
Schizonepeta tenuifolia Briq kinh giới kinh giới H C leave Fever
73 Perilla ocymoides L tía tô tía tô H C leave Fever
Leenh.subsp microphylla J.E.Vidal khế rừng cơm xôi W WC leave, stem
Thumb kim ngân dây nhẫn
L W leave, stem, allergic, pimple đông flower
76 Piper lolot D.DC lá lốt lá lốt H C whole bone fractures, toothache
77 Passiflora foetida L lạc tiên nhãn lồng
Cinamomum polyadetphum Lour long não long não W WC whole Hypotension
Pers màn tang màn thang
Blume quế quế bì W WC leave, stem, bark stomachache, cold, cough
Homalium cochinchinensis Lour long vĩ đuôi lươn
82 Eryngium foctidum L mùi tàu mùi tàu H C whole Cough
83 Centerlla asiatic L rau má rau má H C whole stomachache, cough
Roxb nhót rừng thượng công
85 Ilex cymosa Blume nhựa ruồi đơn nem S W leave bone fractures
(L.) Kurz núc nác nam hoàng bá
W W stem, bark ithches, sore throat
Rhodomyrtus tomentosa Ait sim sim S W leave, bulb
Cordia dichotoma Forst f thiên đầu thống trái keo W W leave, root, bark, fruit diuretic, laxative, antifebrile
89 Cuscuta hygrophilae Pears thỏ ty tử tơ hồng L W whole Backache
Lam thuốc bỏng bỏng cui H W leave burn, stomachache Mimosaceae Họ Trinh nữ
Acacia pennata subsp hainanensis (Hayata)
I Nielsen dây sú lục chạc L WC leave, stem, root
Rhamnoneuron balansae (Drake) Gilg in Engl & Prantl dó giấy dó giấy W W leave, root bone fractures, rheumatism
Dracaena angustifolia Roxb bồng bồng núi bồng bồng xanh
(Retz.) Trin cỏ may cỏ may H W whole itches, viral hepatitis
95 Kaempferia galanga L địa liền thiền niền
Roscoe nghệ đen nghệ tím H WC stem, root, bulb
Hance riềng riềng ấm H C stem, root, fruit stomachache, digestion
Parkinson dứa dại dứa mập S WC whole calculus, hepatitis
Dioscorea persimilis.Prainet.Burk củ mài củ mài L WC whole Nephritis
(L) Goepp huyết dụ hoa hộp H C leave Dysentery
Aloe vera L.var chinesis (Haw.) Berger lô hội nha đam H C leave constipation, cough, burn
Prainvar lưỡi hổ lưỡi hổ S WC leave itches, viral hepatitis, nephritis
Ophiopogon japonicus Wall mạch môn mạch đông H WC root, bulb bone fractures
104 Peliosanthes teta Andr sâm cau sâm cau H WC root foetal derangement, hypertension
(Roxb) C, Koch ráy đen ráy đen H W bulb arthritis, neuralgia
Eleutherine bulbosa (Mill.) Urb tỏi đỏ sâm đại hành
Ngành dương xỉ Lygodiacea Họ bòng bong
108 Pteris multifida Poir cỏ xeo gà cỏ đuôi gà
H W whole dysentery, nephritis, bone fractures