This study presents a detailed ethnobotanical investigation into the identification,
documentation, and future potential of medicinal plants traditionally used across Papua New
Guinea, with a practical focus on the IBSUniversity campus. A total of 80 species were
recorded using purposive data collection methods, including field observation, literature
comparison, and engagement with local knowledge holders. Each plant was classified by its
common and botanical name, family, useful parts, and therapeutic applications. The findings
highlight the historical and cultural significance of medicinal plants in traditional systems such
as Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Indigenous healing practices across
Africa, the Americas, and Oceania.
The study emphasis the pharmacological value of bioactive compounds particularly
alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids which contribute to the treatment of inflammation,
infections, digestive disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular conditions.
Emerging innovations such as plant-based nanotechnology, genetic engineering, and pharming
are explored as transformative tools for enhancing drug delivery, therapeutic precision, and
scalability. The integration of omics technologies (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics) and
clinical trials is accelerating the validation of traditional remedies and supporting the
development of personalised phytotherapy.
The research also addresses the growing commercialisation of medicinal plants in the
form of herbal supplements, functional foods, and plant-derived pharmaceuticals. It
underscores the importance of quality control, sustainability, and ethical engagement with
Indigenous knowledge systems. By establishing a medicinal garden on campus, the study
contributes to biodiversity conservation, health education, and community outreach. Overall,
the research affirms that medicinal plants are essential to both traditional and modern
healthcare, offering sustainable, culturally grounded, and scientifically validated solutions for
future therapeutic development.