Ethnobotanical uses, biocultural significance, and research trends of Nypa fruticans Wurmb.: An integrative review with evidence from Aceh, Indonesia

Abstract

Background: Nypa fruticans Wurmb. is a multipurpose mangrove palm associated with food, household materials, livelihoods, and traditional health practices across coastal communities. In Aceh, Indonesia, recent evidence documents continuing food, craft, livelihood, and medicinal uses of the species, although the depth and geographical coverage of species-focused ethnobotanical documentation remain uneven.

Methods: This integrative review used critical narrative synthesis as the primary interpretive approach, supported by bibliometric mapping of the global scientific literature. Scopus records retrieved on 22 April 2026 were analyzed using Bibliometrix/Biblioshiny and VOSviewer. A supplementary Aceh-focused search incorporated Indonesian-language publications and institutional-repository materials using explicit location- and species-specific inclusion criteria.

Results:  Bibliometric mapping of 469 English-language articles published during 1939–2026 showed that research was dominated by ecological, materials, biomass-utilization, and laboratory-oriented themes. In contrast, Aceh-specific evidence documents active people–palm relationships. In East Aceh, N. fruticans had a Use Value and Relative Frequency of Citation of 0.96. In Nagan Raya, the fruit was recorded as boiled for fever reduction and thrush. Other sources document roofing, cigarette wrappers, weaving, fruit processing, and livelihood products. Species-specific information on dosage, harvesting, gender-differentiated use, knowledge transmission, and customary management remains uneven.

Conclusions: Available evidence identifies N. fruticans as a multipurpose biocultural resource in Aceh. Further ethnobotanical research should compare uses across localities and connect community knowledge with sustainable management, conservation, and equitable benefit-sharing.

Keywords: Nypa fruticans; Aceh; ethnobotany; ethnomedicine; biocultural knowledge; coastal livelihoods; mangrove palm