The Ethnobotanical Elements in Traditional Malay Medical Knowledge: A Review

Herbal resources, including both wild and cultivated plants used for agricultural purposes, are abundant in the Malay region. As a result, the traditional medicinal knowledge of the Malay world is rich in ethnobotany, which is a part of ethnoscience. This research aimed to identify the types of indigenous medicinal plants mentioned in Malay medical manuscripts by comparing them with the results of previous studies. We obtained every piece of published information for this analysis from the online bibliographical databases Google Scholar and Scopus. A comprehensive analysis of the published literature revealed that twelve publications discussed various forms of illness treatments and different kinds of plants. A variety of Malay medical manuscripts yielded these discoveries. According to the findings, two of the papers discussed a single medicinal plant, three of the articles discussed Malay medicinal texts, and six of the articles concentrated on a single ailment. The gathered information claimed the effectiveness of around 131 medicinal plants in treating a variety of disorders, including stomach pains, eye problems, women’s illnesses, fever, and other conditions. People use palms, herbs, shrubs, and trees as therapeutic plants. The research also presents and addresses Malay medical philosophy and diagnosis therapy. In general, the study highlights the wealth of Malay ethnobotanical knowledge, the profound cultural value of this information, and the need to maintain and investigate these ancient practices for the benefit of future generations. On top of that, this study highlights the critical need to maintain and advance investigations into Malay ethnobotany, which is essential for promoting sustainable health practices and conserving biodiversity. This aligns with Sustainable Development Goals concerning health, life on land, and the preservation of cultural heritage.