Work

Ethnobotany and Medicinal Potential of Wild Edible Fruit Species in Kut Chum District, Yasothon Province, Thailand

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Wild edible fruits play an important role in supporting food security, nutrition, and traditional knowledge systems in rural communities, yet their diversity and uses remain insufficiently documented in many parts of Thailand. This study aimed to investigate the diversity, utilization, and ethnobotanical significance of wild edible fruit species in Kut Chum District, Yasothon Province. Ethnobotanical data were collected through semi-structured interviews and field surveys with local informants, and quantitative indices, including the Cultural Importance Index (CI), Fidelity Level (%FL), and Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), were applied to evaluate species significance and medicinal agreement. A total of 71 species belonging to 33 families were recorded, with most species consumed as fresh fruits and a subset used for medicinal purposes. Several species, such as Irvingia malayana Oliv. ex A.W.Benn., Phyllanthus emblica L., and Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels exhibited high cultural importance, reflecting their key roles in local diets. High ICF values across therapeutic categories indicated strong consensus in ethnomedicinal knowledge. Additionally, 44 species not used medicinally in the study area were reported as medicinal in other regions, highlighting spatial variation in knowledge systems. These findings emphasize the importance of wild edible fruits as multifunctional resources contributing to food and nutritional security. Integrating culturally important species into conservation and sustainable use strategies may support biodiversity preservation and the continuity of traditional ecological knowledge.

Source: Biology

DOI: 10.3390/biology15090711

Authors: Tammanoon Jitpromma, Piyaporn Saensouk, Santi Watthana, Surapon Saensouk

Institutions: Mahasarakham University, Suranaree University of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Ethnobotanical and Medicinal Plants Studies

Subfield: Plant Science

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258