Ethnomedicinal Properties of Wild Edible Fruit Plants and Their Horticultural Potential Among Indigenous Isan Communities in Roi Et Province, Northeastern Thailand

Abstract

Wild edible fruit plants are integral to the cultural, nutritional, medicinal, and economic practices of Indigenous Isan communities in Roi Et Province, northeastern Thailand, a region characterized by plateau and lowland topography and a tropical monsoon climate. This study aimed to document the diversity, traditional uses, phenology, and conservation status of these species to inform sustainable management and conservation efforts. Field surveys and ethnobotanical interviews with 200 informants (100 men, 100 women; random ages) were conducted across 20 local communities to identify species diversity and usage patterns, while phenological observations and conservation assessments were performed to understand reproductive cycles and species vulnerability between January and December 2023. A total of 68 species from 32 families were recorded, with peak flowering in March–April and fruiting in May–June. Analyses of Species Use Value (0.19–0.48) and Relative Frequency of Citation (0.15–0.44) identified key species with significant roles in food security and traditional medicine. Uvaria rufa had the highest SUV (0.48) and RFC (0.44). Informant consensus on medicinal applications was strong for ailments such as gastrointestinal and lymphatic disorders. Economically important species were also identified, with some contributing notable income through local trade. Conservation proposed one species as Critically Endangered and several others as Vulnerable. The results highlight the need for integrated conservation strategies, including community-based initiatives and recognition of Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs), to ensure the preservation of biodiversity, traditional knowledge, and local livelihoods.

1. Introduction

Wild edible fruit plants have long played a crucial role in the diets, traditional medicine, and cultural practices of Indigenous communities worldwide [1,2,3]. These plants serve as vital sources of essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds, contributing significantly to food security, health, and overall well-being, particularly in rural and forest-dependent populations [4,5]. In many Indigenous societies, knowledge of wild edible fruit plants has been passed down through generations, forming an integral part of local ecological and ethnobotanical traditions [6,7]. Beyond their nutritional value, many wild edible fruit plants possess medicinal properties and have been widely used in traditional medicine to treat ailments ranging from digestive disorders and infections to chronic conditions such as diarrhea and hypertension [8]. However, despite their importance, many of these plants remain underutilized and underexplored in modern scientific research, limiting their potential applications in sustainable agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and food industries [9,10]. This underrepresentation highlights the importance of localized studies to bridge the gap between traditional plant use and contemporary research.

Northeastern Thailand, commonly referred to as the Isan region, is a unique biogeographical zone characterized by diverse ecosystems, including dry dipterocarp forests, mixed deciduous forests, and seasonal wetlands [11]. This environmental diversity has contributed to the region’s rich botanical resources, including numerous wild fruit-bearing species that have been historically harvested and utilized by local communities [12,13]. Among the provinces in this region, Roi Et stands out due to its extensive agricultural landscapes and the deep-rooted reliance of its Indigenous Isan communities on wild plant resources [14]. Wild edible fruit plants have long served as supplementary food sources, particularly during seasonal food shortages, and are an essential part of the region’s subsistence strategies [15]. Additionally, many of these fruits are deeply embedded in traditional healing systems, where they are used to prepare herbal remedies, tonics, and therapeutic formulations [16]. This ethnomedicinal knowledge represents an invaluable asset, reflecting centuries of accumulated wisdom regarding plant properties, preparation methods, and applications in healthcare [17]. Despite the ethnobotanical richness of the Isan region, there remains a significant gap in documented research specifically focusing on wild edible fruit plants in Roi Et Province. Previous studies in Northeast Thailand and other countries have tended to focus on other regions or broader taxonomic groups, with limited attention given to localized traditions within Isan communities. This lack of targeted research underscores the novelty and necessity of the present study [8,12,13,14,15,16].

Despite the vital role of wild edible fruit plants in local food systems and medicinal traditions, their utilization is rapidly declining due to socio-economic and environmental changes [18]. The expansion of commercial monoculture farming, deforestation, urbanization, and shifting dietary habits toward processed foods have led to a reduced reliance on wild plant species [19]. Consequently, traditional knowledge associated with these plants is at risk of being lost, particularly among younger generations with limited exposure to foraging practices and traditional herbal medicine [20]. Furthermore, the lack of scientific documentation on wild edible fruit plants exacerbates challenges in preserving and promoting their sustainable use [21]. Many species remain poorly studied in terms of their phenology and conservation status, posing challenges for future sustainability [22,23]. This decline in use and transmission of knowledge makes documentation efforts both timely and urgent, especially in areas where traditional practices persist but are under threat. Global domestication efforts for tropical underutilized fruits increasingly use multi-trait selection to improve key agronomic and nutritional characteristics [22]. Additionally, metabolomic approaches offer powerful tools to prioritize candidate species for breeding and commercialization, linking ethnobotanical indices to selection pipelines [24].

Understanding the ethnomedicinal uses and horticultural potential of wild edible fruit plants is crucial for biodiversity conservation, food security, and sustainable development [24]. Many of these plants possess unique agronomic characteristics, such as resilience to drought, adaptability to poor soils, and resistance to pests and diseases, making them promising candidates for domestication and commercial cultivation [25]. Integrating wild edible fruit plants into agroforestry systems and small-scale farming could enhance rural livelihoods while reducing dependence on external food sources [26]. Additionally, scientific validation of their medicinal properties could pave the way for new pharmaceutical discoveries and functional food products that leverage traditional botanical knowledge [27]. Furthermore, involving local communities in the conservation and sustainable use of these resources can empower knowledge holders and contribute to biocultural resilience.

This study aims to document and analyze the ethnomedicinal knowledge associated with wild edible fruit plants among Indigenous Isan communities in Roi Et Province, Northeastern Thailand. It specifically seeks to identify and classify the wild edible fruit species traditionally used by Isan communities, examine their medicinal applications in local healing practices, and assess the horticultural potential of these species for sustainable cultivation and economic development. Additionally, this study will highlight conservation strategies to preserve traditional knowledge and promote the sustainable use of these wild edible fruit plants.

By integrating ethnobotanical research with horticultural science, this study contributes to ongoing efforts to bridge traditional plant wisdom with modern agricultural and medicinal advancements. The findings will provide valuable insights into the potential of wild edible fruit plants as functional foods, medicinal resources, and sustainable crops, ultimately supporting biodiversity conservation and the well-being of Indigenous communities. In doing so, this study not only fills a critical research gap but also lays the foundation for future efforts to safeguard and revitalize traditional knowledge systems in the face of rapid environmental and cultural change.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Study Area

Roi Et Province is located in the central part of Northeast Thailand (Figure 1), covering an area of approximately 8317 km². It shares borders with the provinces of Kalasin, Mukdahan, Yasothon, Sisaket, and Surin. The province’s general topography is characterized by a plateau, ranging from 120 to 160 m above mean sea level. In the northern region, mountains connect to the Phu Phan Mountain range, while the central area consists of a rolling plain. The southern part of the province features a flat plain along the banks of the Mun River and its tributaries, including the Chi River, Plap Phla River, and Tao River. This extensive lowland area, known as Thung Kula Rong Hai, forms a basin-shaped plain. The region experiences a tropical monsoon climate, with heavy rainfall typically occurring from June to October, while the period from March to May is marked by hot and dry weather.

2.2. Ethnomedicinal Information

This study involved interviews with a diverse group of local informants, including community members, folk philosophers, herbalists, and local ethnobotanists. A total of 200 interviewees—equally divided between 100 males and 100 females from 20 Indigenous Isan communities in Roi Et Province—were interviewed to ensure balanced representation and inclusivity. Informants were selected based on a minimum of 5 years’ experience in wild plant collection, home gardening, or traditional medicinal practices. To ensure representativeness, participants were chosen to reflect gender balance and geographic coverage across the 20 districts of Roi Et Province. The goal was to gather in-depth knowledge about regional plant use. Structured questionnaires were used to collect detailed information on key aspects of each plant, such as local names, traditional uses, and perceived medicinal properties. This approach captured both practical knowledge and cultural perspectives, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the plants’ ethnobotanical significance in the local context. However, since participants were randomly selected and the interviews focused solely on gathering information about plant names, parts used, and purposes of use, no personal or demographic data—including age—were recorded. On average, each informant mentioned approximately 7–10 plant taxa during the interviews. The interviews followed the ethical principles of the International Society of Ethnobiology Code of Ethics (ISE). Since no personal or sensitive information was collected, formal ethical approval was not required.

Field surveys were conducted from January 2023 to December 2023 to collect specimens and document wild edible fruit species throughout Roi Et Province. These surveys focused on collecting specimens in community forests. In protected areas and national parks, efforts were made to minimize ecological impact, with only photographic documentation and field notes being collected, and no specimens were taken. Specimens preserved in 70% ethanol were stored at the Vascular Plant Herbarium, Mahasarakham University (VMSU) in Thailand.

The morphological features of the collected wild edible fruit specimens were analyzed using a stereo microscope. These specimens were compared to protologue descriptions or other established species references, such as those found in the flora of Thailand, to confirm accurate species identification.

This process involved reviewing the primary taxonomic literature and major research databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Additional information was gathered from the Kew Herbarium, the Plants of the World Online (accessed on 25 June 2025), and online collections, such as the Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle (https://www.mnhn.fr/en) (accessed on 25 June 2025). Furthermore, digital images and data from several renowned herbarium collections—including those at Aarhus University Herbarium (AU), The Forest Herbarium (BKF), Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Herbarium (E), Faculty of Forestry Herbarium (FOF), Royal Botanic Gardens Herbarium (K), National Museum of Natural History (P), Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden Herbarium (QBG), and Singapore Botanic Gardens Herbarium (SING)—were reviewed to ensure that the comparative analysis is based on reliable, accurate, and comprehensive data.

The purpose of this comparison was to highlight any changes that may have occurred between the existing literature and current medicinal data, as well as to identify the key species for future phytochemical, pharmaceutical, and nutritional analysis.

2.3. Phenology Study

This study on the phenology of wild edible fruit plants in Roi Et Province focused on documenting the flowering and fruiting patterns of these plants. Monthly field trips were conducted throughout the study year (January to December 2023), during which the phenological state (flowering and/or fruiting) of individual plants was recorded. For each species encountered, all individuals observed in flowering or fruiting stages were noted, and their phenological status was documented. Each month was assigned a numerical value from 1 to 12, corresponding to January through December, and phenological data were analyzed in relation to rainfall records and presented graphically to explore their connections. The number of individuals observed per species varied according to availability during field surveys.

2.4. Conservation Status Assessment

The conservation status of the wild edible fruit species in Roi Et Province was evaluated based on the criteria outlined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List [28]. This assessment involved a thorough review of the species’ population sizes, distribution ranges, and potential threats to their survival, including habitat loss, over-exploitation, and environmental changes.

2.5. Data Analysis

This study employed multiple ethnobotanical indices to evaluate the importance of wild edible fruit plants from various dimensions. The Species Use Value (SUV) reflects the relative importance of each species based on the frequency of mention by informants. The Informant Consensus Factor (Fic) measures the level of agreement among informants regarding the use of plants for specific ailment categories. The Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) indicates how commonly each species is mentioned across the sample population. Fidelity Level (FL) identifies the specificity of a plant’s use for a particular purpose. Together, these indices provide a multidimensional framework for prioritizing species with the greatest potential for further agronomic trials and sustainable utilization.

2.5.1. Species Use Value (SUV)

The Species Use Value (SUV) indicates the importance of a wild edible plant species as understood by the people of Roi Et Province. The SUV is calculated using the method outlined by Hoffman and Gallaher [29] and is expressed by the following formula:

$$\mathrm{SUV} = {\displaystyle \frac{\sum {\mathrm{UV}}_{\mathrm{is}}}{{\mathrm{N}}_{\mathrm{i}}}}$$

(1)

In this equation, UV_is represents the use values provided by individual informants for a specific wild edible plant species, while N_i represents the total number of informants. The SUV is calculated by adding the use values reported by all informants for a given species and dividing the sum by the total number of respondents.

2.5.2. Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC)

The Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) was utilized to quantify the significance of various plant species based on the number of informants who recognized their use. The RFC index was calculated using the following formula [30]:

RFC = FC/N

(2)

where FC represents the number of informants who mentioned a particular wild edible plant and N is the total number of participants surveyed. The RFC values range from 0 to 1, with higher values indicating greater recognition and importance of a species within the community. This index was instrumental in ranking the studied wild edible plants according to their relative significance, providing insights into the extent of their ethnobotanical use and local relevance.

2.5.3. Informant Consensus Factor (F_ic)

The Informant Consensus Factor (F_ic) is calculated using the following formula [31]:

$${\mathrm{F}}_{\mathrm{i}\mathrm{c}}={\displaystyle \frac{{\mathrm{n}}_{\mathrm{u}\mathrm{r}}- {\mathrm{n}}_{\mathrm{t}}}{{\mathrm{n}}_{\mathrm{u}\mathrm{r}}-1}}$$

(3)

In this formula, n_ur refers to the total number of use reports for each disease category, and n_t represents the number of species used within that category. F_ic provides insight into the degree of agreement among informants regarding the use of edible wild fruits and assesses their consensus in selecting specific edible wild fruits for treating reported diseases. A high F_ic value, approaching 1, suggests that widely recognized species are used by a significant portion of the local population due to their proven effectiveness in disease treatment. Conversely, a low F_ic value, closer to 0, indicates a lack of agreement among informants, with species being chosen randomly to treat diseases.

2.5.4. Fidelity Level (%FL)

The Fidelity Level (FL) indicates the preference for a specific plant species in treating a particular disease or syndrome, as understood by the people of the region. The FL is expressed by the following formula [32]:

$$\mathrm{FL} = {\displaystyle \frac{{\mathrm{I}}_{\mathrm{p}}}{{\mathrm{I}}_{\mathrm{u}}}} \times 100$$

(4)

Here, I_p represents the number of informants who linked the plant to a specific health condition, while I_u denotes the total number of informants who acknowledged the plant’s medicinal use for any ailment.

2.5.5. The Economic Value of Wild Edible Fruits (EVWF)

The Economic Value of Wild Edible Fruits (EVWF) reflects the economic importance of wild edible plant species as perceived by traders and consumers in the study region. It is calculated using the following formula [33]:

$$\mathrm{EVWF} = \mathrm{AP} \times \mathrm{SM} \times \mathrm{SP}$$

(5)

where AP is the average price (THB/kg) of the species, SM is the total quantity sold by traders per month (kg), and SP is the number of months the species is traded annually. Multiplying these factors provides an estimate of the total annual economic value of each wild edible fruit species traded in the region.

3. Results

3.1. Diversity of Wild Edible Fruit Plants in Roi Et Province

This study identified a diverse range of wild edible fruit plants used in ethnomedicine by Indigenous Isan communities in Roi Et Province, comprising 68 species from 32 families (

Table 1. Diversity of wild edible fruit plants used in ethnomedicine in Roi Et Province, Thailand, together with their vernacular name, distribution, flowering and fruiting periods, used parts, group of symptoms, SUV, RFC, conservation status, and voucher specimen numbers.

No.	Family	Scientific Name	Vernacular Name	Distribution	Phenology		Used Parts	Group of Symptoms	SUV	RFC	Conservation Status		Voucher Specimens
					Flowering Period	Fruiting Period					IUCN	Proposed by Authors
1.	Achariaceae	Hydnocarpus castaneus Hook.f. & Thomson	Bak Ka Bao	Native	1–6	1–6	Fr, Hw, Le, Ro, Se, St	Can, Inf, Mus, Ski	0.33	0.29	LC	VU	JT101
2.	Anacardiaceae	Buchanania siamensis Miq.	Bak Lam Sai	Native	10–12	1–3	Ba, Ro, St,	Gas, Poi	0.31	0.3	LC	LC	JT102
3.	Anacardiaceae	Mangifera caloneura Kurz	Bak Muang Pa	Native	12–2	2–5	Ba, Fl, Fr, Se	Gas, Inf, Nut, Obs	0.38	0.33	LC	LC	JT103
4.	Annonaceae	Artabotrys spinosus Craib	Bak Now Nam	Native	1–8	6–12	Ba	Inf	0.31	0.29	NE	LC	JT104
5.	Annonaceae	Dasymaschalon lomentaceum Finet & Gagnep.	Bak Koey Ling	Native	4–8	6–10	St	Mus	0.25	0.24	NE	LC	JT105
6.	Annonaceae	Polyalthia debilis (Pierre) Finet & Gagnep.	Bak Kon Krok	Native	6–9	7–10	Fr, Ro, St	Ant, Nut, Obs, Ski	0.25	0.23	NE	LC	JT106
7.	Annonaceae	Polyalthia evecta (Pierre) Finet & Gagnep.	Bak Tong Laeng	Native	2–6	4–10	Ro	Gas	0.25	0.21	NE	LC	JT107
8.	Annonaceae	Uvaria ferruginea var. cherrevensis (Pierre ex Finet & Gagnep.) Meade & J.Parn.	Bak Tit Tang	Native	3–8	6–12	Ro	Obs	0.19	0.18	NE	LC	JT108
9.	Annonaceae	Uvaria rufa (Dunal) Blume	Bak Phee Puan	Native	3–5	5–7	Fr, Hw, Ro	Ant, Obs, Poi, Ski	0.48	0.44	NE	VU	JT109
10.	Annonaceae	Uvaria siamensis (Scheff.) L.L.Zhou, Y.C.F.Su & R.M.K.Saunders	Bak Lam Duan	Native	2–3	5–7	Fl, Hw	Ant, Car, Nut	0.31	0.3	LC	VU	JT110
11.	Annonaceae	Xylopia vielana Pierre	Bak Gluei Noi	Native	3–5	5–9	Fl	Car	0.44	0.41	LC	LC	JT111
12.	Apocynaceae	Finlaysonia pierrei (Costantin) Venter	Bak Tam Yarn	Native	3–4	4–5	Fl	Ant	0.44	0.4	NE	LC	JT112
13.	Apocynaceae	Urceola polymorpha (Pierre ex Spire) D.J.Middleton & Livsh.	Bak Som Lom	Native	3–4	5–6	Wh, Ro, St	Ant, Gas, Ski	0.38	0.3	NE	LC	JT113
14.	Apocynaceae	Willughbeia edulis Roxb.	Bak Yaang	Native	2–3	2–5	Ba, Fr, La, Ro, St	Ant, Gas, Inf, Nut, Ski	0.38	0.31	NE	LC	JT114
15.	Arecaceae	Calamus caesius Blume	Waai	Native	5–7	7–9	Ro, St	Ant, Nut	0.35	0.33	NE	LC	JT115
16.	Burseraceae	Canarium subulatum Guillaumin	Bak Leam	Native	1–5	5–12	Ba, Fr, Hw, La	Gas, Nut, Obs, Ski	0.33	0.3	LC	VU	JT116
17.	Burseraceae	Protium serratum (Wall. ex Colebr.) Engl.	Bak Fan	Native	1–5	5–12	Ro	Ant	0.31	0.31	NE	LC	JT117
18.	Celastraceae	Salacia chinensis L.	Bak Ta Gai	Native	1–3	4–6	Fl, Hw, Le, Ro, St	Gas, Inf, Mus, Nut, Obs	0.23	0.21	LC	VU	JT118
19.	Chrysobalanaceae	Parinari anamensis Hance	Bak Pork	Native	3–4	5–7	Ba, Hw	Res, Ski	0.24	0.23	LC	VU	JT119
20.	Clusiaceae	Garcinia cowa Roxb. ex Choisy	Bak Mong	Native	2–6	4–6	Fl, Hw, Le Ro	Ant, Gas, Inf, Mus	0.25	0.25	LC	VU	JT120
21.	Combretaceae	Terminalia chebula Retz.	Bak Som Mor	Native	4–6	9–12	Ba, Fl, Fr, Se	Car, Gas, Inf, Obs, Ski	0.36	0.31	LC	VU	JT121
22.	Dilleniaceae	Dillenia ovata Wall. ex Hook.f. & Thomson	Bak Saan	Native	2–4	3–5	Hw, Ro	Ant, Gas	0.24	0.19	LC	VU	JT122
23.	Ebenaceae	Diospyros decandra Lour.	Bak Chan	Native	6–9	6–9	Hw	Ant	0.34	0.25	NE	VU	JT123
24.	Ebenaceae	Diospyros filipendula Pierre ex Lecomte	Bak Kan Jorng	Native	1–3	2–4	Ro	Nut	0.21	0.16	NE	LC	JT124
25.	Ebenaceae	Diospyros mollis Griff.	Bak Kluea	Native	1–9	5–12	Ba, Fr, Hw, Ro	Gas, Inf, Poi	0.25	0.24	CR	CR	JT125
26.	Ebenaceae	Diospyros rhodocalyx Kurz	Bak Go Naa	Native	3–4	3–5	Ba, Hw	Can, Gas, Nut	0.23	0.2	NE	VU	JT126
27.	Elaeagnaceae	Elaeagnus latifolia L.	Bak Lord	Native	11–2	11–3	Fl, Fr, Le, Wh	Ant, Car, Gas, Ski	0.24	0.21	NE	LC	JT127
28.	Elaeocarpaceae	Elaeocarpus hygrophilus Kurz	Bak Saew	Native	4–5	5–8	Ba, Fr	Gas, Obs	0.35	0.26	LC	LC	JT128
29.	Euphorbiaceae	Suregada multiflora (A.Juss.) Baill.	Bak Dook	Native	3–5	4–6	Ba, Hw, Ro, St	Can, Lym, Nut, Obs	0.24	0.21	LC	VU	JT129
30.	Fabaceae	Adenanthera pavonina L.	Bak E-Lam Ta Daeng	Native	1–10	1–10	Le, Ro, Se, St,	Gas, Inf, Res	0.21	0.15	NE	LC	JT130
31.	Fabaceae	Cajanus cajan (L.) Huth	Bak Tua Hae	Introduced	6–10	7–12	Fr, Le, Ro, Se, Wh	Ant, Mus, Nut, Obs	0.36	0.16	NT		JT131
32.	Fabaceae	Dialium cochinchinense Pierre	Bak Keng	Native	9–12	6–9	Fr	Gas	0.34	0.26	LC	VU	JT132
33.	Fabaceae	Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth.	Bak Kham Pae	Introduced	6–9	9–12	Ba, Fr, Ro, Se	Inf, Lym, Nut, Ski	0.33	0.25	LC		JT133
34.	Fabaceae	Sindora siamensis Teijsm. ex Miq.	Bak Tae	Native	1–12	1–12	Ba, Se	Gas, Inf	0.23	0.19	LC	VU	JT134
35.	Fabaceae	Tamarindus indica L.	Bak Kham	Introduced	3–5	6–9	Ba, Fl, Fr, Hw, Le, Ro, Se	Ant, Car, Eye, Gas, Inf, Obs, Poi	0.4	0.25	LC		JT135
36.	Fabaceae	Xylia xylocarpa (Roxb.) W.Theob.	Bak Daeng	Native	12–3	1–3	Ba, Hw, Fl	Ant, Can, Obs	0.28	0.24	LC	VU	JT136
37.	Fagaceae	Castanopsis piriformis Hickel & A.Camus	Bak Kor	Native	2–4	10–2	Se	Nut	0.34	0.24	NE	LC	JT137
38.	Irvingiaceae	Irvingia malayana Oliv. ex A.W.Benn.	Bak Bok	Native	1–3	2–5	Ba, Hw, Se, St	Inf, Mus, Res, Ski	0.41	0.29	LC	VU	JT138
39.	Malvaceae	Grewia hirsuta Vahl	Bak Khaow Jee	Native	4–11	9–1	Ro	Ant	0.33	0.26	LC	LC	JT139
40.	Malvaceae	Microcos tomentosa Sm.	Bak Kom	Native	5–9	5–9	Ba, Fr, Hw	Nut, Obs, Res	0.31	0.24	LC	VU	JT140
41.	Melastomataceae	Melastoma malabathricum L.	Bak Klong Kleng	Native	6–8	7–12	Fl, Le, Ro	Ant, Gas, Nut, Obs	0.34	0.16	NE	LC	JT141
42.	Meliaceae	Sandoricum koetjape (Burm.f.) Merr.	Bak Tong	Introduced	3–4	5–8	Ba, Fl, Fr, Ro,	Ant, Inf, Poi	0.4	0.31	LC	LC	JT142
43.	Moraceae	Artocarpus lacucha Buch.-Ham.	Bak Hat	Native	2–4	3–5	Ba, Hw, Ro	Inf, Obs, Mus	0.36	0.25	NE	VU	JT143
44.	Moraceae	Ficus hispida L.f.	Bak Duea	Native	1–3	4–5	Ba, Le, Ro, St,	Ant, Gas, Inf, Obs	0.34	0.24	LC	LC	JT144
45.	Moraceae	Streblus asper Lour.	Bak Khoi	Native	1–7	3–9	Ba, Fr, Le, Ro, St	Can, Car, Gas, Nut, Obs	0.2	0.16	LC	LC	JT145
46.	Myrtaceae	Syzygium antisepticum (Blume) Merr. & L.M.Perry	Bak Mek	Native	3–4	5–6	Ba, Le, Ro	Poi, Ski	0.24	0.19	LC	LC	JT146
47.	Myrtaceae	Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels	Bak Wa	Native	3–4	6–7	Ba, Fr, Le, Se	Inf, Obs, Gas	0.36	0.25	NE	LC	JT147
48.	Passifloraceae	Adenia viridiflora Craib	Bak E-Noon	Native	3–4	4–5	Ro, St	Ant, Obs	0.35	0.26	NE	LC	JT148
49.	Passifloraceae	Passiflora foetida L.	Bak Ka Tok Rok	Introduced	5–9	9–12	Se	Nut	0.39	0.31	NE	LC	JT149
50.	Phyllanthaceae	Antidesma ghaesembilla Gaertn.	Bak Mao Nok	Native	2–4	5–7	Ba, Fr, Le, Ro, St	Ant, Mus, Nut, Obs	0.36	0.29	LC	LC	JT150
51.	Phyllanthaceae	Baccaurea ramiflora Lour.	Bak Fai	Native	12–3	3–5	Fr, Le, Ro	Gas, Inf, Mus	0.35	0.3	LC	LC	JT151
52.	Phyllanthaceae	Hymenocardia punctata Wall. ex Lindl.	Bak Hoo Ling	Native	2–6	7–10	Hw, Ro, St	Inf, Mus, Poi	0.3	0.25	LC	VU	JT152
53.	Phyllanthaceae	Phyllanthus emblica L.	Bak Kham Pom	Native	2–5	5–12	Ba, Fl, Fr, Le, Ro, Se	Ant, Can, Car, Eye, Gas, Obs, Res	0.38	0.29	LC	LC	JT153
54.	Rhamnaceae	Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.	Bak Tan	Native	2–3	5–7	Ba, Le, Fr	Ant, Gas, Inf	0.38	0.31	LC	LC	JT154
55.	Rhamnaceae	Ziziphus oenopolia (L.) Mill.	Bak Leb Maew	Native	7–8	9–12	Ba, Fr, Ro	Gas, Nut, Obs	0.36	0.26	LC	LC	JT155
56.	Rubiaceae	Canthium berberidifolium E.T.Geddes	Bak Ngiang Pla Duk	Native	4–7	6–9	Ro	Inf	0.21	0.19	NE	LC	JT156
57.	Rubiaceae	Ridsdalea wittii (Craib) J.T.Pereira	Bak Mhor	Native	3–7	4–8	Hw, Fr, Ro, St	Ant, Gas, Inf, Nut	0.25	0.16	NE	VU	JT157
58.	Rutaceae	Aegle marmelos (L.) Corrêa	Bak Toom	Introduced	3–6	12–2	Ba, Fr, Le, Ro	Ant, Eye, Gas, Inf, Res	0.48	0.28	NT		JT158
59.	Rutaceae	Feroniella lucida (Scheff.) Swingle	Bak Sang	Native	1–12	1–12	Hw, Fr, Le, Ro	Ant, Nut, Obs	0.33	0.21	NE	VU	JT159
60.	Rutaceae	Limonia acidissima L.	Bak Kwit	Introduced	1–3	5–12	Fr, La, Le	Gas, Obs	0.31	0.24	NE		JT160
61.	Salicaceae	Flacourtia indica (Burm.f.) Merr.	Bak Ben	Native	1–7	8–11	Ba, Fr, Hw, La, Le, Ro, Se	Ant, Gas, Inf, Mus, Obs	0.31	0.23	LC	VU	JT161
62.	Sapindaceae	Cardiospermum halicacabum L.	Bak Kok Ka Aom	Native	1–12	1–12	Fl, Le, Se, Wh	Ant, Eye, Nut, Obs, Res	0.35	0.25	LC	LC	JT162
63.	Sapindaceae	Lepisanthes rubiginosa (Roxb.) Leenh.	Bak Huat Kha	Native	1–3	4–6	Ba, Fr, Le, Ro, Se	Ant, Gas, Inf, Mus, Ski	0.35	0.26	LC	LC	JT163
64.	Sapindaceae	Lepisanthes senegalensis (Poir.) Leenh.	Bak Mhaa Wor	Native	7–11	1–4	Fr, Ro	Ant, Gas	0.23	0.19	LC	LC	JT164
65.	Sapindaceae	Nephelium hypoleucum Kurz	Bak Ngaew	Native	12–1	3–5	Ba, Fr, Hw, St	Inf, Nut	0.38	0.31	LC	VU	JT165
66.	Sapotaceae	Chrysophyllum cainito L.	Bak Nam Nom	Introduced	6–8	11–5	Ba, Fr	Gas, Nut	0.31	0.26	LC		JT166
67.	Sapotaceae	Madhuca thorelii (Pierre ex Dubard) H.J.Lam	Bak Dueay Gai	Native	11–12	1–3	Fr, Hw	Gas, Ski	0.31	0.23	LC	VU	JT167
68.	Vitaceae	Ampelocissus martini Planch.	Bak E-Goey	Native	3–4	7–8	Le, Ro, St	Gas, Obs, Res	0.44	0.29	NE	LC	JT168

Note: the gray background color of the cell indicates that the species is not found in the wild in Roi Et Province.

and Figure 2). The Annonaceae family exhibited the highest diversity, with eight species, demonstrating its essential role in local diets. The Fabaceae family followed closely, with seven species, reflecting the importance of legumes in the community’s ethnobotanical practices. Other families with notable diversity included Ebenaceae, Phyllanthaceae, and Sapindaceae, each represented by four species. Additionally, the Moraceae and Burseraceae families contributed three and two species, respectively, indicating their significance in traditional uses. Other families, such as Anacardiaceae, Apocynaceae, Burseraceae, Malvaceae, Myrtaceae, Passifloraceae, Rhamnaceae, Rubiaceae, and Sapotaceae, were each represented by two species, while a few families contributed one species each.

Some representative examples of wild edible fruit plants documented in Roi Et Province are illustrated in Figure 3.

3.2. Phenology of Wild Edible Fruit Plants in Roi Et Province

The phenological patterns of wild edible fruit species in Roi Et Province exhibited distinct seasonal variations in both flowering and fruiting periods (Figure 4). The flowering period peaked in March and April, with the highest number of species (~45–50) recorded. Following this peak, the number of flowering species gradually declined, reaching the lowest point in October and November before showing a slight increase in December. The fruiting period showed a different trend, with a steady increase from January to May, reaching its highest point in May and June (~40 species). After this peak, fruiting remained relatively stable until August, followed by a gradual decline from September to December. The lowest fruiting activity was observed in October and November, corresponding with the lowest flowering activity.

3.3. Species Use Value (SUV) of Wild Edible Fruit Plants in Roi Et Province

A detailed list of medicinal plant species and their corresponding Species Use Values (SUVs) is provided in Table 1. The high Species Use Value (≥0.40) category is dominated by plants that play significant roles in traditional medicinal practices, with a high frequency of use for treating various health conditions. Among the most highly valued species is Aegle marmelos (SUV = 0.48), followed closely by Uvaria rufa (SUV = 0.48), both of which are crucial for their medicinal properties. Other plants with high SUV values (≥0.40) include Irvingia malayana (SUV = 0.41), Tamarindus indica (SUV = 0.40), and Mangifera caloneura (SUV = 0.38). These species are considered vital in local healthcare systems, being frequently used for a variety of ailments.

The medium Species Use Value (0.30–0.39) category includes plants that have a moderate but important role in traditional medicine. These species are commonly used in various regions but are not as universally essential as those in the high-use category. Notable species in this category include Phyllanthus emblica (SUV = 0.38), Ziziphus mauritiana (SUV = 0.38), and Xylopia vielana (SUV = 0.44), indicating their moderate yet notable presence in medicinal applications. Other species such as Diospyros decandra (SUV = 0.34), Cajanus cajan (SUV = 0.36), and Castanopsis piriformis (SUV = 0.34) are also valued for their therapeutic properties, though they may not be as frequently used as high SUV species.

The low Species Use Value category (<0.30) comprises medicinal plants that have relatively limited use in traditional healing systems. While these species may hold local significance and are sometimes used for specific treatments, their overall contribution to medicinal practices is minimal. These species include Streblus asper (SUV = 0.20), Adenanthera pavonina (SUV = 0.21), and Diospyros filipendula (SUV = 0.21). Although these plants may have specialized uses in certain cultures or regions, their overall medicinal utility is restricted when compared to species with higher SUV values.

3.4. Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) of Wild Edible Fruit Plants in Roi Et Province

Based on the interview data (

Table 2. Comparison of the Top 12 RFCs with the SUV of wild edible fruit plants in Roi Et Province.

Scientific Name	SUV	RFC
Uvaria rufa (Dunal) Blume	0.48	0.44
Xylopia vielana Pierre	0.44	0.41
Finlaysonia pierrei (Costantin) Venter	0.44	0.40
Mangifera caloneura Kurz	0.38	0.33
Calamus reinwardtii Mart.	0.35	0.33
Willughbeia edulis Roxb.	0.38	0.31
Protium serratum (Wall. ex Colebr.) Engl.	0.31	0.31
Terminalia chebula Retz.	0.36	0.31
Sandoricum koetjape (Burm.f.) Merr.	0.40	0.31
Passiflora foetida L.	0.39	0.31
Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.	0.38	0.31
Nephelium hypoleucum Kurz	0.38	0.31

), the results indicate that certain wild edible fruit species hold significant cultural and practical importance in Roi Et Province. The Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) values highlight the most frequently mentioned species, while the Species Use Value (SUV) reflects the extent of their applications within the community.

Among the species documented, Uvaria rufa had the highest SUV (0.48) and RFC (0.44), suggesting that it is widely recognized and frequently utilized. Xylopia vielana and Finlaysonia pierrei also exhibited high RFC values (0.41 and 0.40, respectively), indicating their strong presence in local knowledge systems. These species are commonly used for both dietary and medicinal purposes, reinforcing their importance in traditional practices.

Species such as Mangifera caloneura (SUV = 0.38, RFC = 0.33) and Calamus reinwardtii (SUV = 0.35, RFC = 0.33) were also frequently cited but had slightly lower SUV values, suggesting that while they are well known, their specific uses may be more limited compared to the highest-ranking species. Similarly, Terminalia chebula and Protium serratum had moderate and identical RFC (0.31) values, indicating their consistent presence in local practices, albeit with less versatility in usage.

Several other species, including Sandoricum koetjape, Passiflora foetida, Ziziphus mauritiana, and Nephelium hypoleucum, shared an RFC of 0.31 and similar SUV values, highlighting their steady but somewhat lower prominence within the community. The results suggest that species with high RFC values are more frequently mentioned, whereas those with higher SUV values are recognized for their multiple applications.

3.5. Informant Consensus Factor (F_ic) of Wild Edible Fruit Plants in Roi Et Province

The Informant Consensus Factor (F_ic) offers insight into the level of consensus among informants regarding the use of species for different health conditions (

Table 3. F_ic for medical categories of wild edible fruit plants in Roi Et Province.

No.	Medical Categories	Number of Use Report (nur)	Number of Species (nt)	Fic
1.	Antipyretics	172	29	0.84
2.	Cancer	32	6	0.84
3.	Cardiovascular system	29	6	0.82
4.	Eyes	11	4	0.70
5.	Gastrointestinal	234	35	0.85
6.	Infection, parasite, and immune system	177	28	0.85
7.	Lymphatic system	12	2	0.91
8.	Musculoskeletal and joint diseases	81	13	0.85
9.	Nutrition and blood	165	25	0.85
10.	Obstetrics, gynecology, and urinary disorders	145	26	0.83
11.	Poisoning and toxicology	46	7	0.87
12.	Respiratory system	48	8	0.85
13.	Skin system	122	15	0.88

). The IAR values across various medical categories, along with the number of species used, indicate varying degrees of agreement.

The lymphatic system category showed the highest F_ic of 0.91, based on just two species, suggesting a strong consensus among informants. The categories of poisoning and toxicology (7 species, F_ic = 0.87) and gastrointestinal (35 species, F_ic = 0.85) also demonstrated notable agreement, reflecting a general alignment in the use of species for these conditions. Infection, parasite, and immune system (28 species, F_ic = 0.85) and musculoskeletal and joint diseases (13 species, F_ic = 0.85) followed with similarly strong agreement, indicating consistency in informants’ knowledge.

Moderate agreement was seen in categories like obstetrics, gynecology, and urinary disorders (26 species, F_ic = 0.83) and cancer (6 species, F_ic = 0.84), where some variation in responses was present. Other categories, such as the respiratory system (8 species, F_ic = 0.85) and skin system (15 species, F_ic = 0.88), showed relatively strong agreement, though slightly more variability among informants’ reports.

The eyes category had the lowest F_ic of 0.70, based on just four species, indicating less consensus compared to other conditions.

These findings reflect the varying levels of agreement across medical categories, showcasing the value of traditional ecological knowledge in the selection of species for health treatments. The results support the reliability of informant knowledge, although some categories show more variation than others.

3.6. Fidelity Level (FL) of Wild Edible Fruit Plants in Roi Et Province

A total of sixty-eight plant species were identified as medicinal in Roi Et Province. Among them, 14 species attained the highest FL value of 100, including Artabotrys spinosus, Dasymaschalon lomentaceum, Uvaria ferruginea var. cherrevensis, Xylopia vielana, Finlaysonia pierrei, Protium serratum, Diospyros decandra, Diospyros filipendula, Dialium cochinchinense, Castanopsis piriformis, Grewia hirsute, Passiflora foetida, and Canthium berberidifolium.

Tamarindus indica and Phyllanthus emblica are widely recognized for their medicinal properties, with different parts of these plants used for various health conditions. For T. indica, the bark exhibits the highest Fidelity Level (FL) at 18.92% and is primarily consumed for its antipyretic properties. The roots (16.22%) are used to treat infections, parasites, and immune system disorders, while the heartwood (13.51%) is consumed for obstetric, gynecological, and urinary issues. The inflorescences (13.51%) support cardiovascular health, and the seeds (13.51%) are used in cases of poisoning and toxicology. The leaves (10.81%) and fruits (5.41%) contribute to gastrointestinal health, while external applications (8.11%) are used for eye-related conditions. Similarly, Phyllanthus emblica is highly valued in traditional medicine. The bark (15.79%) is widely used for treating infections, parasites, and immune-related disorders, while the highest FL value is recorded for bathing applications (18.42%) to reduce fever. The inflorescences (15.79%) aid gastrointestinal health, and the fruits (13.16%) are beneficial for obstetric, gynecological, and urinary concerns. The leaves (13.16%) support cardiovascular health, while the roots (10.53%) are used in cancer treatment. External applications (5.26%) are used for eye-related conditions, and the seeds (7.89%) provide respiratory system benefits. Each part of these plants plays a significant role in traditional medicine, highlighting their importance in natural healing practices.

For the remaining plant species, fewer than eight categories of disease symptoms were documented, as shown in Table S1.

3.7. The Economic Value of Wild Edible Fruit Plants in Roi Et Province

This study identified 13 species of wild edible fruit plants harvested for trade (

Table 4. Scientific names of wild edible fruit plants and their prices and trading period in Roi Et Province, Thailand.

Scientific Name	Part of Trades	Price (THB/kg.)		Trading Periods (Months)	Average Yearly Income (THB/a Trader)
		Max	Min
Adenanthera pavonina L.	Fruits	40	35	1–10	1875
Aegle marmelos (L.) Corrêa	Fruits	120	90	12–2	100,800
Artocarpus lacucha Buch.-Ham.	Fruits	50	40	3–5	2025
Elaeocarpus hygrophilus Kurz	Fruits	80	75	5–8	18,600
Finlaysonia pierrei (Costantin) Venter	Fruits	120	100	4–5	7700
Irvingia malayana Oliv. ex A.W.Benn.	Fruits	120	100	2–5	8800
Mangifera caloneura Kurz	Fruits	50	45	2–5	3800
Nephelium hypoleucum Kurz	Fruits	70	60	12–1	5200
Phyllanthus emblica L.	Fruits	50	35	5–12	17,000
Sandoricum koetjape (Burm.f.) Merr.	Fruits	60	40	5–8	12,000
Tamarindus indica L.	Fruits	45	40	6–9	5100
Uvaria rufa (Dunal) Blume	Fruits	20	10	5–7	2700
Willughbeia edulis Roxb.	Fruits	40	35	2–5	4500

), with the fruit being the only part sold, representing 100% of the harvest. The wild edible fruit plants in Roi Et Province yield the highest value from Aegle marmelos, generating an average annual income of 100,800 THB per trader. This is attributed to its higher price range of 120 to 90 THB/kg and a trading period spanning around 3 months. Following this, Elaeocarpus hygrophilus, Phyllanthus emblica, and Sandoricum koetjape generate average annual earnings of 18,600 THB, 17,000 THB, and 12,000 THB per trader, respectively, with trading periods ranging from 4 to 8 months. These plants hold significant economic value primarily because they are cultivated as cash crops, enabling large-scale production and harvesting. Their abundance makes them readily available in the market, contributing to their widespread popularity and increasing demand for consumption. Other plants are also commonly consumed; however, the evaluation results indicate that they hold lower economic value. This is primarily due to the fact that they are not widely cultivated as large-scale cash crops, though they are grown on a smaller scale in some home gardens.

3.8. Conservation Status

Based on field surveys conducted in Roi Et Province, northeastern Thailand, Diospyros mollis is proposed to be assessed as Critically Endangered (CR C2a(i,ii), D1) under the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria [28]. This assessment is based on the extremely small population size, estimated at fewer than 50 mature individuals, all confined to a single locality, with continuing decline observed in both the number of mature individuals and subpopulations. In addition, 24 species (Table 1) recorded during this study are proposed as Vulnerable (VU C2a(i), D1) due to their restricted population sizes (fewer than 1000 mature individuals), small subpopulations, and observed declines. Meanwhile, 37 species are proposed to be categorized as Least Concern (LC), as they are relatively widespread and exhibit no significant threats or declining trends at present.

4. Discussion

Diversity and Cultural Relevance: The diversity of wild edible fruit plants in Roi Et Province underscores their significant role in the ethnomedicine of Indigenous Isan communities. The identification of 68 species from 32 families highlights the rich botanical knowledge and reliance on these plants for both nutritional and medicinal purposes. This biodiversity emphasizes the cultural and ecological relevance of wild edible fruit plants within the Indigenous Isan communities [14,34]. Their ethnomedicinal applications, ranging from treating various ailments to supplementing daily nutritional intake, showcase the intricate relationship between the community and their surrounding flora [35].

Seasonal Phenology Patterns: The phenological patterns of wild edible fruit species in Roi Et Province exhibit distinct seasonal variations, with flowering activity peaking in March and April, and fruiting reaching a maximum in May and June. These trends align with studies in tropical and subtropical climates where environmental factors such as temperature, rainfall, and photoperiod regulate plant phenology [36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43]. The observed seasonality implies a reproductive strategy synchronized with favorable climatic conditions [44,45,46,47,48].

Cultural and Medicinal Use Value: The Species Use Value (SUV) analysis reveals varying degrees of medicinal importance among wild edible fruit plants. High SUV species are frequently used for diverse ailments, indicating their integral role in traditional medicine [49,50,51]. Medium and low SUV species contribute to traditional healthcare with specialized or occasional roles, highlighting the spectrum of ethnobotanical knowledge [15,52,53,54]. Understanding these different use levels can help prioritize species for conservation and further scientific validation [55,56,57].

Ethnobotanical Significance Based on Citation: The Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) and SUV values jointly reveal species that are culturally prominent and functionally significant. Uvaria rufa, Xylopia vielana, and Finlaysonia pierrei scored high in both indices, emphasizing their role in food and medicine [58,59,60]. Species like Mangifera caloneura and Calamus reinwardtii, though slightly lower in SUV, are consistently referenced, suggesting cultural familiarity [61,62,63].

Informant Consensus and Medicinal Reliability: The Informant Consensus Factor (Fic) analysis shows high agreement in categories such as lymphatic and gastrointestinal disorders, indicating well-established medicinal applications [12,15,16,35,59,64,65,66,67,68,69,70,71]. A lower Fic in some categories, like eye-related conditions, may reflect limited knowledge or species availability. High Fic values suggest reliable traditional use and potential for future pharmacological studies [55,72]. The Informant Consensus Factor (Fic) values in this study show strong agreement among informants for most medicinal categories, with the highest consensus in the lymphatic system (0.91) and skin system (0.88). Lower Fic values for eyes (0.70) and cardiovascular system (0.82) suggest more diverse plant use or less uniform knowledge. Compared to the broader categories reported by Aswathi and Abdussalam [73], which had higher Fic values (0.92–0.97), our more specific medicinal categories naturally show slightly lower consensus due to greater diversity within each category. These high Fic values reflect reliable traditional knowledge and emphasize the value of detailed ethnobotanical studies to better understand plant use for specific ailments and guide future pharmacological research.

Fidelity Level and Species-Specific Applications: Fourteen species had a Fidelity Level (FL) of 100%, indicating consistent use for specific treatments. Tamarindus indica and Phyllanthus emblica stood out for their multiple medicinal applications using various plant parts, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of plant pharmacology in the community [74,75,76,77].

Economic Importance and Horticultural Potential: Thirteen species are actively traded, contributing to local economies. Aegle marmelos leads in economic value, followed by Elaeocarpus hygrophilus and Phyllanthus emblica. These species’ cultivation as cash crops enhances their availability and market presence. Understanding these economic dynamics supports better decision making in sustainable horticultural practices and commercialization strategies [15,33,41,78]. Their dual role as both medicinal and edible plants highlights their significant horticultural potential, warranting further investigation for sustainable cultivation and broader utilization.

Conservation Priorities and Community-Led Strategies: Among the species recorded, Diospyros mollis is proposed as Critically Endangered, with 24 others classified as Vulnerable. This reflects habitat degradation and unsustainable resource use. While 37 species are Least Concern, they still warrant ongoing monitoring. Given that many threatened species are outside protected areas, incorporating Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) such as community forests and sacred groves can offer inclusive conservation strategies that integrate traditional land management practices [79,80,81].

Conclusion and Future Directions: This study underscores the ethnobotanical, ecological, and horticultural importance of wild edible fruit plants in Roi Et Province. Their diverse roles in healthcare, food systems, and local economies emphasize the need for conservation, sustainable management, and further research. Future studies should include phytochemical screenings, climate impact assessments, and exploration of underutilized species to enhance their application in both traditional and modern contexts.

5. Conclusions

This study highlights the profound ethnobotanical importance of wild edible fruit plants in Roi Et Province, northeastern Thailand. The documentation of 68 species from 32 families underscores the deep cultural, medicinal, ecological, and economic significance these plants hold for Indigenous Isan communities. Through their roles in traditional medicine, food security, and seasonal foraging, these species contribute to both the health and livelihoods of local people, while also supporting biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.

The phenological observations reveal distinct reproductive patterns, with flowering peaking in March–April and fruiting in May–June, suggesting strong alignment with seasonal climatic cues. These insights not only inform sustainable harvesting and agroforestry planning but also highlight the potential vulnerability of these species to climate change. The variation in Species Use Value (SUV) and Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) further reflects the dynamic nature of traditional knowledge, where certain species serve as core elements in local healthcare and nutrition, while others fulfill more specialized roles.

Economic assessments indicate that some wild fruit species, particularly Aegle marmelos, contribute substantially to local income through small-scale trade, offering potential avenues for sustainable rural development. However, conservation assessments raise serious concerns, with species such as Diospyros mollis proposed as Critically Endangered and many others considered Vulnerable. These findings point to urgent threats from habitat loss, overharvesting, and land-use changes.

To safeguard this rich biocultural heritage, integrated conservation strategies are essential. The inclusion of Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs), such as community forests and sacred groves, offers a practical and culturally respectful path to expand biodiversity protection beyond formal reserves. Furthermore, continued ethnobotanical research, phytochemical studies, and participatory conservation planning are needed to ensure the sustainable use and transmission of traditional knowledge.

In conclusion, wild edible fruit plants in Roi Et Province are more than biological resources—they are integral to cultural identity, health systems, local economies, and ecological sustainability. Protecting and valuing this botanical diversity is not only a conservation imperative but also a means of empowering local communities and reinforcing traditional practices in the face of rapid environmental and social change.