Young Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities
Vol. 2 No. 2 (2026): Young Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities

Ethnobotany of Traditional Medicinal Plants in the Lumban Sipahutar Community, North Sumatra, Indonesia

Lastiur Sipahutar (Universitas HKBP Nommensen Pematangsiantar)
Dian Pardede (Universitas HKBP Nommensen Pematangsiantar)
Grace Siahaan (Universitas HKBP Nommensen Pematangsiantar)
Wikky Pramudya (Universitas HKBP Nommensen Pematangsiantar)
Rahel Rajagukguk (Universitas HKBP Nommensen Pematangsiantar)
Feby Situmorang (Universitas HKBP Nommensen Pematangsiantar)
Intan Siburian (Universitas HKBP Nommensen Pematangsiantar)
Ochatun Sakdiyah (Universitas HKBP Nommensen Pematangsiantar)
Masni Veronika Situmorang (Universitas HKBP Nommensen Pematangsiantar)



Article Info

Publish Date
18 Jul 2026

Abstract

Community knowledge regarding the use of traditional medicinal plants represents an important component of local wisdom that should be documented to support the conservation of biodiversity and the preservation of traditional healthcare systems. This study aims to inventory the medicinal plant species utilized by the people of Lumban Sipahutar, North Sumatra, Indonesia, and to document their botanical classification, plant parts used, preparation methods, and traditional medicinal applications. The research employed an ethnobotanical approach using a qualitative descriptive method. Data was collected through field observations, in-depth interviews, documentation, and morphological identification of plant specimens, which were subsequently classified taxonomically to the species level. The findings identified 16 medicinal plant species traditionally used by the local community for healthcare purposes. These species belong to various botanical families, with leaves being the most frequently utilized plant part, followed by rhizomes, stems, roots, fruits, and flowers. The plants are commonly prepared by boiling, pounding, infusion, or direct application. Most species are traditionally used to treat digestive disorders, respiratory ailments, fever, and wound-related conditions. The findings demonstrate that the people of Lumban Sipahutar continue to preserve a traditional healthcare system based on local biological resources, highlighting its potential contribution to biodiversity conservation and the development of phytopharmaceutical research in Indonesia.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

yjssh

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Social Sciences

Description

Young Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities (YJSSH) is an academic journal which focuses on social and humanistic issues, both of a conceptual and an empirical nature. The journal uses a multidisciplinary perspective with a focus on the main issue. The journal is open to all to contribute to it, ...