เภสัชกรรมพื้นบ้านในการรักษาโรคมะเร็งจากสามจังหวัดชายแดนภาคใต้

Abstract

This study aimed to survey local knowledge in using medicinal plants for treating cancer disease according to the ten folk healers in Thailand's three southern border provinces. The study was carried out during March 2018-May 2019. Information was obtained by semi-structured interviews with 30 key informants to gather the data of definition of cancer, causes of disease, diagnose, species of plant, plant part used, preparation and use method according to folk wisdom. Quantitative analyses were calculated by Use value (UV). From the study, most folk healers believed that cancer caused by imbalance of four basic elements resulting in abnormalities in the body by demonstrating tumors. The characteristics of cancer was hematologic and lymphatic disorders. Seven-four herbal species belonging to 43 families were used to treat cancer. The most used plant family was Zingiberaceae (7 species). Leaves was the most commonly used plant species and decoction was preferred method of drug preparation. Drinking was preferred method of drug application. The highest UV were Smilax sp.1 (0.23) Smilax sp.2 (0.23) and Curcuma longa L. (0.20); which they had already been tested for their cytotoxic activities. The information gained would be the importance basis for further drug development in cancer treatment.