Diversity and Utilization of Commelinaceae in Central Laos

Abstract

This investigation examines the diversity and utilization of Commelinaceae in three research areas in central Laos. It identifies a total of 17 species, including Amischotolype divaricata Duist., Callisia fragrans (Lindl.) Woodson, Callisia repens (Jacq.) L., Commelina benghalensis L., Commeilina diffusa Burm.f., Cyanotis arachnoidea C.B. Clarke, Cyanotis axillaris (L.) D. Don ex Sweet, Cyanotis cristata (L.) D. Don, Floscopa scandens Lour., Murdannia edulis (Stokes) Faden, Murdannia medica (Lour.) D.Y. Hong, Murdannia nudiflora (L.) Brenan, Murdannia spectabilis (Kurz) Faden, Pollia thyrsiflora (Blume) Steud., Tradescantia pallida (Rose) D.R. Hunt, Tradescantia spathacea Sw., and Tradescantia zebrina Bosse. There are ten species within this family that are utilized for food, medicine, ornamental purposes, or as animal feed. Floscopa scandens has the highest use value (UV) of 1.24, followed closely by Commelina diffusa with a UV of 1.22. Murdannia spectabilis has the lowest UV of 0.39 and is mostly utilized for ornamental purposes. Several species, including Commelina diffusa, Floscopa scandens, and Tradescantia zebrina, are utilized in traditional medicine to address musculoskeletal ailments, provide food, and alleviate obstetric/gynecological concerns. The informant agreement ratio (IAR) is 1.00 for musculoskeletal symptoms and nourishment and 0.9 for obstetric and gynecological symptoms. The plant species Commelina diffusa, Tradescantia zebrina, and Floscopa scandens demonstrate a fidelity level (%FL) of 100% in traditional medicinal use, with Floscopa scandens showing %FL of 63.64% for back pain treatment and 36.36% for postpartum recovery.

1. Introduction

Laos is situated in southeast Asia through the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, which is characterized by an abundant amount of species variety and a significant number of endangered species inhabiting and thriving in this geographical area [1,2]. Commelinaceae is a botanical family comprising around 36 genera and over 650 species of flowering plants [3]. It is often referred to as the dayflower or spiderwort family [4]. These plants are distributed throughout various habitats, covering tropical, subtropical, and temperate climates [4,5,6]. The majority of these plants are herbaceous perennials, with a few being annuals. Additionally, a small number of species are either aquatic or semi-aquatic [3,4,5,6]. Throughout Laos, the Commelinaceae family includes approximately 41 species belonging to 12 genera: Amischotolype Hassk., Belosynapsis Hassk. [syn. of Cyanotis D. Don], Commelina Plum. ex L., Cyanotis, Dictyospermum Wight, Floscopa Lour., Murdannia Royle, Pollia Thunb., Porandra D.Y. Hong [syn. of Amischotolype], Rhopalephora Hassk., Streptolirion Edgew., and Tradescantia Ruppius ex L. [7,8,9].

Previous investigations have highlighted the use of Commelinaceae in several domains, such as food, medicine, ornamental gardening, and animal feed. For instance, Commelina diffusa Burm.f. and Commelina zeylanica Falkenb. are used for making food (edible plants) from the green fruit, and two these species of Commelinaceae are sold in the markets of Luang Prabang Province, Laos [10]. For use as medicinal plants, Aneilema herbaceum (Roxb.) Wall. [syn. of Murdannia japonica (Thunb.) Faden] are chewed to strengthen teeth in Champasak Province, Laos [11]; Commelina benghalensis L. and Floscopa scandens Lour. are used for treating skin disease and wounds in Rupa Lake in Kaski District, Gandaki Province, central Nepal [12]. Additionally, Callisia repens (Jacq.) L. is employed as an ornamental plant [13]; Commelina diffusa is used as a medicinal plant by the Red-headed Yao people in Jinping, Yunnan Province, China, for defervescence and detoxification, leucorrhea, and health protection [14], and Pollia miranda (H. Lév.) H. Hara in eastern Yunnan, China, is used for inflammation through a decoction of the stem and leaf [15].

Consequently, the objective of this investigation was to examine the variety of Commelinaceae in three specific regions in central Laos and investigate the potential applications of Commelinaceae species in order to comprehend their uses, enhance their worth, and advance the preservation of Commelinaceae species.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Study Areas

The study area comprised three locations, namely Pha-hom village in VangVieng District, Vientiane Province; Na-khua-nok village in Parkading District, Bolikhamxay Province; and Tham-tem village in Khamkhoun District, Khammuan Province (Figure 1;

Table 1. Geographic characteristics of the study areas in central Laos [16].

Study Area	District	Province	Coordinates	Elevation (m)	Total Size Area (ha)	Temperature (°C)
Pha-hom village	VangVieng	Vientiane	19.11115° N, 102.38339° E	338	1250.2	19–36
Na-khua-nok village	Parkading	Bolikhamxay	18.22343° N, 104.20282° E	193	703.6	18–35
Tham-tem village	Khamkhoun	Khammuan	18.13775° N, 104.53240° E	292	2642.9	19–34

).

2.2. Plant Specimen Collection

Between June and August 2023, comprehensive surveys and specimen collections of the Commelinaceae family were carried out on a monthly basis in the specific study regions. The expeditions consisted of traversing accessible trails in the forest next to the research areas’ settlements. The collecting methods encompassed the acquisition of desiccated specimens, preserved specimens in alcohol, and specimens that were still alive. The dry specimens were subjected to heat treatment, while the preserved specimens were kept in a solution of 70% ethyl alcohol. The living specimens were cultured in nursery [17,18]. The specimens were preserved in the Herbarium of the Faculty of Forest Science (FOF) at the National University of Laos and the Walai Rukhavej Botanical Research Institute (WRBRI) at Mahasarakham University in Thailand. Each species was documented in photographs accompanied by meticulous annotations.

2.3. Species Identification

The identification process occurred in the Herbarium of the Faculty of Forest Science at the National University of Laos. The specimens and photographs collected during the surveys were compared with those in several herbaria in Laos, such as the Faculty of Forest Science Herbarium, the Faculty of Natural Science Herbarium at the National University of Laos, and the National Herbarium of Laos (HNL). In addition, digitized specimens from herbaria abroad, including the Forest Herbarium Bangkok (BKF), Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden Herbarium (QBG), and the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew (K), were also examined.

2.4. Data Collection

The utilization study aimed to gather traditional knowledge from selected resident informants representing the study areas. Essential traditional knowledge was collected from 90 informants, who were randomly selected and ranged in age from 20 to over 60, with 30 key informants per study area. The methodology included semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions collecting data on common names, local names, character traits, and notes on plant utilization [19,20].

2.5. Statistical Analysis

The data obtained were analyzed using quantitative ethnobotanical indices, which include use value (UV), informant agreement ratio (IAR), and fidelity level (%FL).

• Use Value (UV)

Use value is a metric that indicates the importance of the plant within its specific geographical area [21].

$$\mathrm{UV}=\sum {\mathrm{U}}_{\mathrm{i}}\mathrm{/N}$$

(1)

${\mathrm{U}}_{\mathrm{i}}$ represents the frequency of utilization reports for each individual plant species.

N represents the overall count of informants.

• Agreement Ratio (IAR)

The informant agreement ratio is used to measure the level of agreement among informants regarding the use of plants for different symptom groups [22].

$$\mathrm{IAR} = (\mathrm{Nur} - \mathrm{Nt})/(\mathrm{Nur} - 1)$$

(2)

Nur represents the number of reports documenting the particular utilization of particular plant species in each syndrome.

Nt represents the total number of plant species utilized in each syndrome.

• Fidelity Level (%FL)

The fidelity level refers to the percentage of informants in the research area who cited the specific usage of certain plants for treating specific ailments [23].

$$\mathrm{FL} (\%)={\mathrm{N}}_{\mathrm{p}}/\mathrm{N}\times 100$$

(3)

${\mathrm{N}}_{\mathrm{p}}$ refers to the number of informants specifically associated with a particular condition.

N represents the overall number of individuals who reported using plants to treat various diseases.

3. Result

3.1. Diversity of Commelinaceae in the Study Areas

An investigation of Commelinaceae biodiversity in the regions revealed a total of 17 species belonging to eight different genera. Out of the total number of species mentioned, five of them belong to two different genera and are considered invasive species (Callisia fragrans (Lindl.) Woodson, C. repens, Tradescantia pallida (Rose) D.R. Hunt, Tradescantia spathacea Sw., and Tradescantia zebrina Bosse). These species are Amischotolype divaricata Duist., Callisia fragrans, C. repens, Commelina benghalensis, C. diffusa, Cyanotis arachnoidea C.B. Clarke, Cyanotis axillaris (L.) D. Don ex Sweet, Cyanotis cristata (L.) D. Don, Floscopa scandens, Murdannia edulis (Stokes) Faden, Murdannia medica (Lour.) D.Y. Hong, Murdannia nudiflora (L.) Brenan, Murdannia spectabilis (Kurz) Faden, Pollia thyrsiflora (Blume) Steud., Tradescantia pallida, T. spathacea, and T. zebrina (

Table 2. The diversity of Commelinaceae found in central Laos.

No.	Species Name	Vernacular Name	Distribution Study Areas *			Ecology *	Collector No.
			PH	NN	TT
1	Amischotolype divaricata	Ueang Num	+	+	−	OA, MP	AS420
2	Callisia fragrans	Vad Sa Na Lueay	+	−	+	Cultivate	AS428
3	Callisia repens	Rip Bin Cha Ly	−	+	+	Cultivate	AS425
4	Commelina benghalensis	Kap Khong	+	+	+	OA	AS421
5	Commelina diffusa	Kap Bi	+	+	+	OA	AS431
6	Cyanotis arachnoidea	Ueang Hin	+	−	−	OA, LF	AS422
7	Cyanotis axillaris	Kap Na	+	+	+	OA, MP	AS427
8	Cyanotis cristata	Kap Na	−	−	+	LF	AS419
9	Floscopa scandens	Ya Kap	+	+	−	OA, MP	AS430
10	Murdannia edulis	Phaen Din Yen	+	−	+	OA, MP	AS435
11	Murdannia medica	Ya Kap	−	+	+	GL, MP	AS423
12	Murdannia nudiflora	Ya Kap Noy	+	+	−	OA, GL	AS434
13	Murdannia spectabilis	Ya Kap Dok	−	+	+	OA, GL	AS436
14	Pollia thyrsiflora	Ya Kap Yai	+	−	−	MP	AS433
15	Tradescantia pallida	Hua Jai Si Muong	+	+	+	Cultivate	AS424
16	Tradescantia spathacea	Kap Hoy	+	+	+	Cultivate	AS429
17	Tradescantia zebrina	Kap Karm Pu	+	−	+	Cultivate	AS432

* Distribution Study areas: PH = Pha-hom village, VangVieng District, Vientiane Province; NN = Na-khua-nok village, Parkading District, Bolikhamxay Province; TT = Tham-tem village, Khamkhoun District, Khammuan Province; + = found in the area; − = not found. Ecology: GL = grassland; LF = limestone forest; MP = marshy places; OA = open area.

; Figure 2).

The Commelinaceae family in Pha-hom village, VangVieng District, Vientiane Province shows a total of 13 species: Amischotolype divaricata, Callisia fragrans, Commelina benghalensis, C. diffusa, Cyanotis arachnoidea, C. axillaris, Floscopa scandens, Murdannia edulis, M. nudiflora, Pollia thyrsiflora, Tradescantia pallida, T. spathacea, and T. zebrina (Table 2).

The Commelinaceae diversity in Na-khua-nok village, Parkading District, Bolikhamxay Province consists of 11 species, including Amischotolype divaricata, Callisia repens, Commelina benghalensis, C. diffusa, Cyanotis axillaris, C. cristata, Floscopa scandens, Murdannia medica, M. nudiflora, M. spectabilis, Tradescantia pallida, and T. spathacea (Table 2).

The Commelinaceae diversity in Tham-tem village in Khamkhoun district, Khammuan Province encompasses 12 species, which are Callisia repens, C. fragrans, Commelina benghalensis, C. diffusa, Cyanotis axillaris, C. cristata, Murdannia edulis, M. medica, M. spectabilis, Tradescantia pallida, T. spathacea, and T. zebrina (Table 2).

3.2. The Utilization of Commelinaceae in Central Laos

These included ten species commonly used from the Commelinaceae family, specifically Callisia fragrans, C. repens, Commelina benghalensis, C. diffusa, Cyanotis axillaris, Floscopa scandens, Murdannia spectabilis, Tradescantia pallida, T. spathacea, and T. zebrina.

Commelinaceae is utilized in four distinct categories: as food, for medicinal purposes, for ornamental purposes, and as animal feed. Three species, which include Commelina benghalensis, C. diffusa, and Floscopa scandens, are utilized as consumable vegetation. Medicinal purposes involve the utilization of three species, namely Commelina diffusa, Floscopa scandens, and Tradescantia zebrina. Six species, namely Callisia repens, C. fragrans, Murdannia spectabilis, Tradescantia pallida, T. spathacea, and T. zebrina, are employed for ornamental purposes. Two species, namely Cyanotis axillaris and Floscopa scandens, are utilized as animal feed (

Table 3. The utilization of Commelinaceae in central Laos.

No.	Species Name	Utilization (Used Part)
		Edible	Medicinal	Ornamental	Animal Feed
1	Callisia fragrans	-	-	Whole plant	-
2	Callisia repens	-	-	Whole plant	-
3	Commelina benghalensis	Young leaf	-	-	-
4	Commelina diffusa	Young leaf	Leaf	-	-
5	Cyanotis axillaris	-	-	-	Whole plant
6	Floscopa scandens	Young leaf	Leaf	-	Whole plant
7	Murdannia spectabilis	-	-	Whole plant	-
8	Tradescantia pallida	-	-	Whole plant	-
9	Tradescantia spathacea	-	-	Whole plant	-
10	Tradescantia zebrina	-	Leaf	Whole plant	-

Abbreviations: - = not used.

).

3.2.1. Use Value (UV) of Commelinaceae

• The UV of Commelinaceae in Pha-hom village, VangVieng District, Vientiane Province (PH);

There are now eight species of Commelinaceae that are utilized in the PH. Three species, namely Commelina benghalensis, C. diffusa, and Floscopa scandens, are utilized as consumable vegetation. Two medicinal species include Floscopa scandens and Tradescantia zebrina. Four species, namely Callisia fragrans, Tradescantia pallida, T. spathacea, and T. zebrina, are utilized for decorative purposes. Two species, Floscopa scandens and Cyanotis axillaris, serve as animal feed, according to

Table 4. The utilization and the use value of Commelinaceae in PH.

No.	Species Name	N *	Plant Uses				UV
			Edible	Medicinal	Ornamental	Animal Feed
1	Callisia fragrans	30			22		0.73
2	Commelina benghalensis	30	21				0.70
3	Commelina diffusa	30	26				0.87
4	Cyanotis axillaris	30				18	0.60
5	Floscopa scandens	30	22	16		24	2.07
6	Tradescantia pallida	30			24		0.80
7	Tradescantia spathacea	30			27		0.90
8	Tradescantia zebrina	30		5	19		0.80

* N = number of total informants per each category.

.

The UV analysis of Commelinaceae in the PH reveals that Floscopa scandens has the highest UV value of 2.07. This indicates that F. scandens is widely utilized for many purposes, such as food consumption, medicinal applications, and animal feed. Next in the sequence is Tradescantia spathacea, which has a UV value of 0.90. Following that is Commelina diffusa with a UV value of 0.87. The plant with the lowest UV value is Cyanotis axillaris, which has a UV value of 0.60 (Table 4).

• The UV of Commelinaceae in Na-khua-nok village, Parkading District, Bolikhamxay Province (NN);

Commelinaceae including eight species are now being utilized in the NN area. Three species, namely Commelina benghalensis, C. diffusa, and Floscopa scandens, are utilized as consumable vegetation. Two medicinal species include Commelina diffusa and Floscopa scandens. Four species, namely Callisia repens, Murdannia spectabilis, Tradescantia pallida, and T. spathacea, are employed for decorative purposes as plants. Two species, namely Floscopa scandens and Cyanotis axillaris, are utilized as animal fodder (

Table 5. The utilization and the use value of Commelinaceae in NN.

No.	Species Name	N *	Plant Uses				UV
			Edible	Medicinal	Ornamental	Animal Feed
1	Callisia repens	30			25		0.83
2	Commelina benghalensis	30	23				0.77
3	Commelina diffusa	30	28	17			1.50
4	Cyanotis axillaris	30				13	0.43
5	Floscopa scandens	30	14	12		24	1.67
6	Murdannia spectabilis	30			17		0.57
7	Tradescantia pallida	30			22		0.73
8	Tradescantia spathacea	30			23		0.77

* N = number of total informants per each category.

);

The UV analysis of Commelinaceae in NN indicates that Floscopa scandens has the highest UV value, equivalent to PH, with a UV index of 1.67. The species is utilized for its edible properties, medicinal applications, and as animal feed. Next in line is Commelina diffusa, boasting a UV index of 1.50. This particular plant serves a dual purpose as both a consumable and therapeutic plant. Cyanotis axillaris has the lowest UV value of 0.43, as indicated in Table 5.

• The UV of Commelinaceae in Tham-tem village, Khamkhoun District, Khammuan Province (TT);

Nine species from the Commelinaceae family are utilized in the TT area. Two species, namely Commelina benghalensis and C. diffusa, are utilized as consumable vegetation. Two medicinal species include Commelina diffusa and Tradescantia zebrina. Five species, namely Callisia repens, Murdannia spectabilis, Tradescantia pallida, T. spathacea, and T. zebrina, are employed for decorative purposes. Only the species Cyanotis axillaris is utilized as feed for animals (

Table 6. The utilization and the use value of Commelinaceae in TT.

No.	Species Name	N *	Plant Uses				UV
			Edible	Medicinal	Ornamental	Animal Feed
1	Callisia fragrans	30			24		0.80
2	Callisia repens	30			19		0.63
3	Commelina benghalensis	30	22				0.73
4	Commelina diffusa	30	25	14			1.30
5	Cyanotis axillaris	30				14	0.47
6	Murdannia spectabilis	30			18		0.60
7	Tradescantia pallida	30			26		0.87
8	Tradescantia spathacea	30			24		0.80
9	Tradescantia zebrina	30		9	20		0.97

* N = number of total informants per each category.

);

The UV analysis of Commelinaceae in TT indicates that Commelina diffusa has the highest UV value of 1.30. This plant is both used as food and utilized for medicinal purposes. Next in line is Tradescantia zebrina, boasting an impressive UV rating of 0.97. Additionally, this plant serves a dual purpose as both a culinary and medicinal herb. Cyanotis axillaris has the lowest UV value of 0.47, as indicated in Table 6.

• The UV of Commelinaceae in central Laos;

An assessment was conducted to determine the use value (UV) of Commelinaceae species in three specific regions in central Laos. Floscopa scandens exhibited the highest ultraviolet (UV) measurement at 1.24, while Commelina diffusa closely followed with a UV reading of 1.22. Floscopa scandens is employed in three distinct domains: as a food source, for medicinal purposes, and as animal feed. However, it is conventionally utilized in only two specific regions, namely PH and NN. On the other hand, Commelina diffusa is utilized in all study areas (PH, NN, and TT) but is limited to only two classifications: edible and medicinal. Murdannia spectabilis had the lowest UV value of 0.39 and is exclusively used for decorative purposes. Traditional use of this plant has been reported in two specific localities, NN and TT, as shown in

Table 7. The utilization and the use value of Commelinaceae in central Laos.

No.	Species Name	N *	Plant Uses				UV
			Edible	Medicinal	Ornamental	Animal Feed
1	Callisia fragrans	90			46		0.51
2	Callisia repens	90			44		0.49
3	Commelina benghalensis	90	66				0.73
4	Commelina diffusa	90	79	31			1.22
5	Cyanotis axillaris	90				45	0.50
6	Floscopa scandens	90	36	28		48	1.24
7	Murdannia spectabilis	90			35		0.39
8	Tradescantia pallida	90			72		0.80
9	Tradescantia spathacea	90			73		0.81
10	Tradescantia zebrina	90		14	39		0.59

* N = number of total informants per each category.

.

3.2.2. Informant Agreement Ratio (IAR)

Three members of the Commelinaceae family, particularly Commelina diffusa, Floscopa scandens, and Tradescantia zebrina, are utilized in conventional medicine. These plants have medicinal properties and are utilized for the treatment of various diseases and symptoms. The classification of these ailments follows the criteria on the National Essential Medicines List [24];

• The IAR of Commelinaceae in Pha-hom village, VangVieng District, Vientiane Province (PH);

In PH, two species, Floscopa scandens and Tradescantia zebrina, are employed in traditional medicine for the treatment of a range of diseases and symptoms, such as obstetric and gynecological ailments, musculoskeletal system complaints, and overall nourishment. Floscopa scandens is specifically employed for musculoskeletal and obstetric/gynecological problems, whereas Tradescantia zebrina is exclusively utilized for nourishment. The informant agreement ratio (IAR) for the symptom categories of Commelinaceae in PH is 1.00 for all categories. This means that each symptom category is associated with just one species, as shown in

Table 8. The IAR of medicinal categories of Commelinaceae in PH.

No.	Categories Symptoms	Nur	Nt	IAR
1	Musculoskeletal system symptoms	11	1	1.00
2	Nourishment	5	1	1.00
3	Obstetrics gynecology symptoms	5	1	1.00

.

• The IAR of Commelinaceae in Na-khua-nok village, Parkading District, Bolikhamxay Province (NN):

Commelina diffusa and Floscopa scandens, two species found throughout NN, have been traditionally employed in medicinal practices to alleviate a range of ailments and conditions, such as musculoskeletal disorders and obstetric/gynecological concerns. Commelina diffusa is specifically employed for obstetric and gynecological problems, while Floscopa scandens is utilized for both musculoskeletal and obstetric/gynecological symptoms. The informant agreement ratio (IAR) for obstetric and gynecological symptoms is 0.95, while for musculoskeletal system complaints, the IAR is 1.00 (as shown in

Table 9. The IAR of medicinal categories of Commelinaceae in NN.

No.	Categories Symptoms	Nur	Nt	IAR
1	Musculoskeletal system symptoms	7	1	1
2	Obstetrics gynecology symptoms	22	2	0.95

).

• The IAR of Commelinaceae in Tham-tem village, Khamkhoun District, Khammuan Province (TT):

Commelina diffusa and Tradescantia zebrina, two species found in TT, have long been utilized in traditional medicine for the treatment of a wide range of ailments and conditions, such as obstetric and gynecological issues, as well as for nutritional purposes. Commelina diffusa is specifically employed for obstetric and gynecological symptoms, whereas Tradescantia zebrina is exclusively utilized for feeding. The informant agreement ratio (IAR) for the symptom categories of Commelinaceae in TT is 1.00 for all categories. This means that each symptom category is addressed by only one species, as shown in

Table 10. The IAR of medicinal categories of Commelinaceae in TT.

No.	Categories Symptoms	Nur	Nt	IAR
1	Nourishment	9	1	1
2	Obstetrics gynecology symptoms	14	1	1

.

• The IAR of Commelinaceae use as traditional medicinal in central Laos:

An assessment was conducted to determine the informant agreement ratio (IAR) of Commelinaceae species among three research locations located in central Laos. Three species, namely Commelina diffusa, Floscopa scandens, and Tradescantia zebrina, are employed in traditional medicine for the treatment of several ailments and symptoms, encompassing musculoskeletal disorders, nutrition, and obstetric/gynecological difficulties. The incidence rate (IAR) for musculoskeletal system symptoms and nutrition is 1.00, but the IAR for obstetric and gynecological problems is 0.98 in

Table 11. The IAR of medicinal categories of Commelinaceae in central Laos.

No.	Categories Symptoms	Nur	Nt	IAR
1	Musculoskeletal system symptoms	18	1	1
2	Nourishment	14	1	1
3	Obstetrics gynecology symptoms	46	2	0.98

.

3.2.3. The Fidelity Level (%FL)

Three species frequently used in traditional medicine in central Laos, namely Commelina diffusa, Floscopa scandens, and Tradescantia zebrina, had the highest fidelity level (%FL) of 100%. Both Commelina diffusa and Tradescantia zebrina have a 100% therapeutic efficacy because they are solely utilized for the treatment of a particular ailment. Floscopa scandens has a 63.64% efficacy rate for treating back pain and a 36.36% efficacy rate for postpartum recovery, as seen in

Table 12. The %FL of traditional medicinal of Commelinaceae in central Laos.

No.	Categories Symptoms	Disorder and Treatments	Species	%FL
1	Musculoskeletal system symptoms	Back pain	Floscopa scandens	63.64
2	Nourishment	Nourish the body	Tradescantia zebrina	100
3	Obstetrics gynecology symptoms	Retraction of the uterus	Commelina diffusa	100
		Postpartum recovery	Floscopa scandens	36.36

.

4. Discussion

The diversity of Commelinaceae recorded in this research includes 17 species. Compared to previous studies [8,9], one species, Callisia fragrans, is newly recorded as a cultivated plant in Laos. The traditional uses of Commelinaceae cover eight species, which are utilized for edible, medicinal, ornamental, or animal feed purposes.

The new report on the traditional utilization of Commelinaceae, in line with previous studies [10,11,12,13,14], indicates that Callisia fragrans and Murdannia spectabilis are used as ornamental plants, Commelina benghalensis is used as an edible plant, Cyanotis axillaris and Floscopa scandens are used as animal feed, and Tradescantia zebrina is used as a medicinal plant.

For medicinal plant information, three species have been documented in combination with previous studies. Commelina diffusa is used for defervescence, detoxification, treatment of leucorrhea, health protection [14], and uterine retraction. Floscopa scandens is used to treat skin diseases, wounds [12], and back pain and for postpartum recovery. Tradescantia zebrina is used for nourishing the body.

5. Conclusions

This research highlights the diversity and utilization of Commelinaceae in central Laos. While the Commelinaceae family is commonly used as ornamental plants, they are also utilized as edible plants, medicinal plants, and animal feed. Most of the ornamental species are introduced (cultivated) species, including Callisia fragrans, C. repens, Tradescantia pallida, T. spathacea, and T. zebrina. Only one native species, Murdannia spectabilis, is used ornamentally, presenting the challenge of promoting the use of native species over introduced ones.

Further study is needed on the traditional medicinal use of Commelinaceae, particularly to identify the chemical compounds in three species, namely Commelina diffusa, Floscopa scandens, and Tradescantia zebrina, to confirm their efficacy in improving human health.