Automated identification of pattani local medicinal herbs based on deep learning techniques

Despite Pattani's rich biodiversity, there is a significant lack of digital datasets and automated tools to preserve local ethnomedicinal knowledge. Traditionally, herbal medicine plays a significant role in healthcare systems, especially in regions with rich biodiversity, such as Pattani, Thailand. However, the manual identification of medicinal herbs is often labor-intensive and disposed to inaccuracies. This study introduces an automated system for identifying Pattani's local medicinal herbs (Etlingera elatior, Euphorbia hirta, and Leucas aspera) using Deep Learning methods, specifically Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). The system uses image processing techniques to improve the accuracy and confidence in herb identification. The system uses a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architecture comprising feature-extraction layers with ReLU activation and max pooling, followed by a fully connected softmax classifier. Data augmentation techniques were employed to enhance model generalization on the collected dataset. It additionally protects traditional knowledge through scientific validation. Collecting and pre-processing a dataset of 600 images and using CNNs yielded an overall test accuracy of 97%. Such performance reinforces the system's capabilities in healthcare for traditional practitioners and pharmaceutical researchers who need precise herb identification. Integrating technology and local knowledge to use and conserve Pattani's medicinal plants and to harness local medicinal plant knowledge is a crucial step this research takes.