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The Batanes group of islands in the northern Philippine archipelago presents some of the most diversed
flora in the country. This study is an assessment and inventory including ethnobotanical and alkaloid
field survey of medicinal plants in Batanes, particularly in the islands of Batan and Sabtang. Sixty-eight
plants were randomly collected from 6 vegetation areas. Plants photographs and voucher specimens
were identified for species richness, diversity and alkaloid contents. Twenty-one respondents were asked
using a structured questionnaire about the self-anecdotal uses of the 68 plants under 9 disease
categories. The 68 plant collections represented 35 families dominated by Rubiaceae, Rutaceae,
Asclepiadaceae, Fabaceae, Malvaceae and Moraceae. Endemic, introduced, ornamental, invasive and
economically-important plants were identified. In most cases, there is a good correlation between species
richness and diversity indices. Among the plants surveyed for anecdotal uses, Morinda citrifolia L.
registered the highest use reports at 13, giving an informant consensus factor and fidelity level values of
1.0 and 100% for its application in cardio-metabolic diseases. Morinda citrifolia L., Psidium gujava L.,
Catharantus roseus G. Don and Datura metel L. gave the highest use values. The leaves, prepared as
decoction, were the most commonly used plant part to cure ailments. The plants with high alkaloid
contents include Datura metel L., Catharantus roseus L., Pandanus sp. and Argemone mexicana L. This
study was able to give the diversity, anecdotal therapeutic uses and alkaloid contents of medicinal plants
in the islands of Batan and Sabtang in the province of Batanes, Philippines.
Keywords: Medicinal plants, Batanes province, ethnobotanical survey.