Ethnoherbal Medicine in Kalinga, Philippines: Bibliometric Trends, Research Gaps, and Opportunities for Indigenous Knowledge-Driven Bioproduct Development

Abstract

Philippine ethnoherbal medicine links Indigenous Knowledge Systems, biodiversity conservation, and natural-product discovery, yet its scientific development and thematic evolution have not been comprehensively mapped. This review assessed the research landscape and identified opportunities relevant to Kalinga Province. Scopus-indexed publications from 2000 to 2025 were retrieved using a predefined search strategy, and 177 records were analyzed using Bibliometrix/Biblioshiny and VOSviewer. Scientific output increased over time, with ethnobotany, medicinal plants, traditional knowledge, ethnomedicine, phytochemistry, and biodiversity as dominant themes. Influential contributors and international partnerships improved the visibility of Philippine ethnobotanical scholarship, but domestic collaboration remained fragmented. Biotechnology-oriented approaches, including metabolomics, genomics, DNA barcoding, systems pharmacology, tissue culture, artificial intelligence, product standardization, clinical validation, and commercialization, were underrepresented. Philippine ethnoherbal research is shifting from descriptive documentation toward laboratory validation but has not fully progressed to translational innovation. Kalinga offers a strategic setting for multidisciplinary, community-centered research integrating ethnobotany, biotechnology, conservation, ethical benefit-sharing, and sustainable bioproduct development.
Abbreviations: DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid; FGD, focus group discussion; DOI, digital object identifier.