Functional Group Analysis of Medicinal Plants in Northern Samar, Philippines
Judy Ann T. Ng
Graduate Studies, University of Eastern Philippines, Catarman, Northern Samar, 6400, Philippines.
Lovely A. Sanita
Graduate Studies, University of Eastern Philippines, Catarman, Northern Samar, 6400, Philippines.
Jaderex Fermace
Graduate Studies, University of Eastern Philippines, Catarman, Northern Samar, 6400, Philippines.
Rubie De la Torre-Cruz
Graduate Studies, University of Eastern Philippines, Catarman, Northern Samar, 6400, Philippines.
Jovencio Custorio
Graduate Studies, University of Eastern Philippines, Catarman, Northern Samar, 6400, Philippines.
Lyka G. Dente
Graduate Studies, University of Eastern Philippines, Catarman, Northern Samar, 6400, Philippines and University Research Office, University of Eastern Philippines, Catarman, Northern Samar, 6400, Philippines.
Louisa Mae Acebuche
Graduate Studies, University of Eastern Philippines, Catarman, Northern Samar, 6400, Philippines.
Marielle Rose Cesista
Graduate Studies, University of Eastern Philippines, Catarman, Northern Samar, 6400, Philippines.
Rochelle Contega
Graduate Studies, University of Eastern Philippines, Catarman, Northern Samar, 6400, Philippines.
Issa Tenedero
Graduate Studies, University of Eastern Philippines, Catarman, Northern Samar, 6400, Philippines.
Ma. Crissa Olivas
Graduate Studies, University of Eastern Philippines, Catarman, Northern Samar, 6400, Philippines.
Jackylou Abalon
Graduate Studies, University of Eastern Philippines, Catarman, Northern Samar, 6400, Philippines.
Jaymar L. Erivera
College of Science, University of Eastern Philippines, Catarman, Northern Samar, 6400, Philippines.
Flyndon Mark S. Dagalea *
College of Science, University of Eastern Philippines, Catarman, Northern Samar, 6400, Philippines.
Karina Milagros Cui-Lim
Graduate Studies, University of Eastern Philippines, Catarman, Northern Samar, 6400, Philippines, University Research Office, University of Eastern Philippines, Catarman, Northern Samar, 6400, Philippines and College of Science, University of Eastern Philippines, Catarman, Northern Samar, 6400, Philippines.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Northern Samar, a province in the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines, harbors a rich yet underexplored diversity of plant species. While earlier studies have documented the flora of its island municipalities, many mainland species remain chemically uncharacterized and underutilized. This study employed Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to analyze twelve locally available but underused plant species representing the families Amaryllidaceae, Acanthaceae, Apocynaceae, Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Melastomataceae, Moraceae, Primulaceae, Selaginellaceae, and Urticaceae. The objective was to identify the major functional groups present in these plants and establish baseline chemical profiles that may support their potential pharmacological, nutraceutical, and industrial applications. The FTIR spectra revealed the presence of key bioactive functional groups, including alcohols, phenols, carbonyls, alkenes, and nitro compounds. These functional groups are commonly associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and other therapeutic activities. The results demonstrate the chemical diversity and bioactive potential of Northern Samar’s native flora, suggesting that these species could serve as valuable natural resources for further biochemical and pharmacological investigations. Overall, the study provides essential preliminary data that can guide future research, conservation, and sustainable utilization efforts aimed at maximizing the economic and medicinal potential of the region’s botanical resources.
Keywords: FTIR, functional group, Northern Samar, phytochemical profiling, underutilized plant species