ten best philippine medicinal plants v3[1].doc

7/28/2019 Ten Best Philippine Medicinal Plants V3[1].doc

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HERBALS AND FOOD SUPPLEMENTS

The 10 Best Philippine Medicinal Plants

Jaime Z. Galvez Tan MD, MPH

Professor, University of the Philippine College of Medicine

Food Supplement

Foodstuffs meant to supplement the normal diet and which are concentrated sources of nutrientsor other substances with a nutritional or physiological function, alone or in combination,marketed in dose form.

EU Food Supplement Directive 2002/46/CE

Functional Food

A functional food is "consumed as part of a usual diet that is similar in appearance to, or may be,a conventional food, and is demonstrated to have physiological benefits and/or reduce the risk of chronic disease beyond basic nutritional functions."

National Research Council Canada

Nutraceutical

A product isolated or purified from food that is generally sold in medicinal forms not usuallyassociated with food. A nutraceutical has been demonstrated to have a physiological benefit or

provide protection against chronic disease.

National Research Council Canada

When a functional food aids in the prevention and/or treatment of disease(s) and/or disorder(s)(except anemia), it is called a nutraceutical. The proposed definition can help form distinction

between functional foods, nutraceuticals, and dietary supplements.

Kalra, EK. Nutraceutical Definition and Introduction. AAPS PharmSci 2003; 5 (3) Article 25(http://www.pharmsci.org)

Introduction to Herbal Medicine

Plants may have been used for medicinal purposes since prehistoric times, as evidenced by eightspecies of plants found buried with the remains of a Neanderthal man living 60,000 years ago inthe Shanidar Cave in Iraq. These same plants are still being widely used in ethnomedicinearound the world today.


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The number of higher plant species on earth is 250,000, and it is estimated that 35,000 to 70,000species have, at one time or another, been used in some cultures for medicinal purposes. TheWorld Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 80 percent of the world's population presentlyuses herbal medicine for some aspect of primary health care.

Herbal medicine is a major component in all traditional medicine systems. In fact, the worddrug as we know it today has been, according to some sources, derived from the Swedishdruug which means dried plant. It is only during the rapid development of physical sciencesin the 20 th century that herbal medicine was slowly replaced by chemical drugs as the dominantform of pharmacotherapy. But the past several years have witnessed an increasing demand for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) with herbal medicine being the mostcommonly used CAM therapy (18.9% - with exclusion of the use of prayer) according to asurvey released in May 2004 by the National Center for Complementary and AlternativeMedicine.

Phytochemicals

Phytochemicals are chemical compounds produced by plants as part of their normal metabolicactivities. These include primary metabolites such as carbohydrates, fats, and pigments, andsecondary metabolites which are substances found in particular plants serving various functionsranging from pheromones that attract pollinators to toxins that deter predators. Many of these

phytochemicals have been identified and isolated to produce about 25% of the modern drugs weknow today.

Plants produce a plethora of these pharmacologically active phytochemicals but most arederivatives of a few biochemical motifs:

1. Carbohydrates and Related CompoundsCarbohydrates are the first products of photosynthesis from which the plant builds itsstructural skeleton.Mannitol from Fraxinus ornus is used as an osmotic diuretic and laxative.Psyllium husk from Plantago psyllium is used as a bulk-forming laxative.Pectin from citrus rind has gastric protectant and toxin adsorbent properties.

2. LipidsLipids primarily serve to store energy for the plantCastor oil from Ricinus communis is a stimulant cathartic.Various seed and vegetable oils are used as dietary supplements, emollients and basesin various topical drugs and cosmetics.

3. GlycosidesGlycosides are sugar ethers that play an important role in the regulatory, protective,and sanitary functions of the plant.Barbaloin from Aloe barbadensis , sennosides from Cassia acutifolia , cascarosidesfrom Rhamnus purshianus have cathartic properties.The anticoagulant dicumarol is derived from coumarin from Melilotus officinalis.Psoralens from Ammi majus is used to treat vitiligo.


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Digitoxin from Digitalis purpurea is used to treat congestive heart failure andarrythmias.

4. Volatile OilsVolatile oils are odorous principles found in various plant parts which may serve asinsect repellants for protection or insect attractants for pollination.Peppermint oil is a widely used flavoring with carminative, stimulant, andcounterirritant properties.Clove oil is employed as a toothache remedy with antiseptic and carminative

properties.Wintergreen oil from Gaultheria procumbens has local irritant, antiseptic, andantirheumatic properties.Various aromatic oils such as chamomile and lavender are used in aromatherapy.

5. Resins and Resin CombinationsResins are complex amorphous end-products of plant metabolism.Cannabis resin contains tetrahydrocannabinol used to control nausea in cancer chemotherapy.Capsicum oleoresin is used as a rubefacient and stimulant.Myrrh from Commiphora molmol is used in mouthwashes as an astringent.Oleoresin from white pine has expectorant properties.

6. AlkaloidsAlkaloids are organic nitrogenous compounds occurring in various plant partsdistributed among certain plant families and genera.

Atropine, hyoscyamine and scopolamine are anticholinergic alkaloids found in certain plants of the family Solanacae.Cocaine from Erythroxylum coca served as the model for a large number of syntheticlocal anesthetics.Quinine from Cinchina succirubra continues to be used for malaria in many parts of the world.Tubocurarine from Strychnos castelnaei is employed as a skeletal muscle relaxant insurgical procedures.

References

Tyler VE et al, Pharmacognosy 9th

ed., 1988, Lea and Febiger, Philadelphia.


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LAGUNDI

Scientific Names Vitex negundo Linn.Vitex leucoxylon Blanco.Common Name Lagundi (Ibn., Tag., Bik., P. Bis.)English Name Five-leaved Chaste TreeLocaland Other Names

Dabtan (If.), Dangla (Ilk.), Kamalan (Tag.), Ligei (Bon.), Limo-limo(Ilk.), Sagarai (Bag.), Turagay (Bis.), Agno-casto (Span.)

The Plant

Lagundi is an erect, branched tree or shrub, 2 to 5 meters in height. Its leaves are usually five-foliate, palmately-arranged, rarely with 3 leaflets. The middle leaflet is larger than the others anddistinctly stalked. The numerous flowers are blue to lavender, 6 to 7 millimeters long. The fruitis globose, black when ripe, about 4 millimeters in diameter.

The plant is widely distributed in the Philippines at low and medium altitudes, in thickets and inwaste places; it flowers year-round. It also occurs in tropical East Africa, Madagascar, India toJapan, and southward through Malaya to western Polynesia.

Medicinal Uses

The leaves, bark, roots and seeds of Lagundi are used for medicinal purposes by Filipinotraditional healers as an antiseptic. Modern-day use takes advantage of the plants antitussive andanti-inflammatory properties.

Folkloric Uses

The first record of the use of Lagundi as medicine was made by a priest, who affirmed thatLagundi leaves and seeds were used by Filipinos to disinfect wounds and in cleansing ulcers.The leaves are likewise used in aromatic baths to prevent insect bites. Alternatively, the seeds are

boiled in water and eaten, or the water is drunk, to prevent the spreading of toxin from bites.

Oil prepared with the juice of plant parts can be rubbed onto the sinuses and to scrofulous soresof the neck. It is found to effect marvelous cures of sloughing wounds and ulcers. There is a verynoteworthy account of the cure with this oil of an old and deep gangrenous wound in the arm of a patient. This patient was given up by allopathic doctors after three months of medicaltreatment, cure having been considered hopeless without amputation of the arm.


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According to some authors, febrile, catarrhal, and rheumatic affections can be treated usingdifferent preparations of plant plants. A tincture of the root-bark is recommended in cases of rheumatism. The powdered root is prescribed for hemorrhoids as a demulcent, and also for dysentery. In Indo-China, a decoction of the root is prescribed for intermittent fevers.

The leaves are known to reduce inflammatory and rheumatic swellings of the joints andswellings of the testes due to gonorrheal epidymitis and orchitis. They are also effective for sprained limbs, contusions, and leech bites; the fresh leaves are put into an earthen pot, heatedover a fire, and applied as hot as can be borne without pain; or the leaves are bruised and appliedas a poultice to the affected part. A pillow stuffed with the leaves is placed under the head for relief of catarrh and headache. A decoction of the leaves as a warm bath in the puerperal state of women who suffer much from after-pains has also been described.

Common Kitchen Preparations

Decoction for fever and toothaches: boil 6 tablespoons of the chopped leaves in 2 glasses of

water for 15 minutes; strain and cool. Divide the decoction in 3 parts and take one part every 3-4hours. For asthma and cough, take 1/4 of the decoction three times a day. For aromatic bath or sponge bathing: boil 4 handfuls of leaves in a pot of water for 5 minutes; use the lukewarmdecoction for sponge bathing.

Treatment of Cough, Asthma, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anti-Convulsant Properties

Lagundi has been proven to be an effective antitussive (prepared as a pleasant-tasting coughsyrup) and has been considered as a replacement for dextromethorphan in the public healthsystem. Studies have shown benefit through reduction of coughing and relaxation of the

bronchial smooth muscles. As such, the plant is being promoted by the Department of Health(DOH) for cough and asthma. It is actually one of a few herbs recently registered with theBureau of Foods and Drugs (BFAD) in the Philippines as medicines and is already availablelocally commercially in tablet form (Ascof by AlterMed/Pascual Laboratories), teas, and syrup.

The antitussive and anti-asthma effects of Lagundi are attributed to its anti-inflammatoryactivity. Observations from an experimental study revealed that the fresh leaves of Vitexnegundo have anti-inflammatory and pain-suppressing activities possibly mediated via

prostaglandin synthesis inhibition, antihistamine, membrane-stabilizing and antioxidantactivities. The antihistamine activity can produce the anti-itching effect claimed in Ayurvedamedicine of the herbal medicine (Dharmasiri et al, 2003)

Another study conducted in India has confirmed the potentiation of anti-inflammatory activitiesof drugs phenylbutazone and ibuprofen by Vitex negundo , indicating that it may be useful as anadjuvant therapy along with standard antiinflammatory drugs (Tandon and Gupta, 2006).

The same researchers conducted a study in 2005 on the anticonvulsant activity of Vitex negundo and observed that although the Vitex negundo is not as effective as standard drugs in protectingagainst maximal electroshock seizures in rats, it showed 50% protection in clonic seizures and24-hour mortality against pentylenetetarazole-induced seizures. Vitex negundo was also found to


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potentiate the anticonvulsant action of diphenylhydantoin and valporic acid, thus it may be usefulas an adjuvant therapy along with standard anticonvulsants and can possibly be used to lower therequirement of diphenylhydantoin and valporic acid.

References

Tandon VR, Gupta RK.An experimental evaluation of anticonvulsant activity of Vitex negundo .Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 2005 Apr;49(2):199-205.

MEDLINE Citations

Tandon VR, Gupta RK.

Vitex negundo Linn (VN) leaf extract as an adjuvant therapy to standard anti-inflammatory drugsIndian J Med Res. 2006 Oct;124(4):447-50.PMID: 17159267 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Dharmasiri MG, Jayakody JR, Galhena G, Liyanage SS, Ratnasooriya WD.Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of mature fresh leaves of Vitex negundo .J Ethnopharmacol. 2003 Aug;87(2-3):199-206.PMID: 17159267 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


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SAMBONG

Scientific Names Blumea balsamifera (Linn.) DC.Conya balsamifera Linn.Common Name Sambong (Tag.)

English Names Blumea Camphor Ngai Camphor Plant

Localand Other Names

Alibum (P. Bis.), Alimon (P. Bis.), Ayoban (Bis.), Bukadkad (S. L. Bis.),Bukodkud (Bis.), Dalapot (C. Bis.), Gabuen (Bis.), Gintin-gintin (Bis.),Hamlibon (Bis.), Kaliban (Tagb.), Kalibura (Tagb.), Kambibon (Bis.),Labulan (Sub.), Lakad-bulan (Bis., Sul.), Lalakdan (Bis.), Lakdanbulan(Bis.), Sambun (Sul.), Sambong (Tag.), Sob-sob (Ilk.), Subusub (Ilk.),Subsob (Ilk.), Sobosob (Ig.), Takamain (Bag.)

The Plant

Sambong is a tall, softly hairy, half woody, strongly aromatic shrub, 1 to 4 meters high. It hassimple, alternate, broadly elongated leaves, 7 to 20 centimeters long, with toothed margin. The plant has two types of discoid flowers: peripheral ones are tiny and more numerous; centralflowers are few and large. The fruit is dry, single-seeded, 10-ribbed, and hairy at the top.

Sambong is found from northern Luzon to Palawan and Mindanao, in all or most island provinces. It is usually common in open grasslands and fields at low and medium altitudes. It isalso reported from India to southern China and through Malaya to the Moluccas. It flowers fromFebruary to April. The leaves are sometimes smoked in Sumatra in place of Indian hemp.

Medicinal Uses

Parts of the plant have folkloric medicinal use as a vulnerary (for the treatment of wounds),antidiarrheal, antigastralgic, expectorant, antispasmodic, astringent, and anthelmintic. Recently,the plant has found new use as a diuretic and in the treatment of renal stones and in themanagement of gout. The leaves contain primarily contain oil and camphor. The leaves areofficial in the Dutch and Indian Pharmacopeias.

Folkloric Uses

The juice of the powdered leaves is used traditionally in the treatment of wounds. They can also be applied to the forehead to relieve headache. An infusion is used as a bath for women in

childbirth, while a tea is made from the leaves is used for stomach pains. A decoction of theleaves can be used as an antidiarrheal and antigastralgic. The decoction is used also for aromatic baths in rheumatism.

The plant is in very general use among the Javanese and Chinese as an expectorant. SeveralEuropean doctors practicing in Asia in the past had reported that they had repeatedly employed itin catarrhal affections. There are reports that the fresh juice of the leaves is dropped into the eyesfor chronic, purulent discharges. Internally, the decoction is both astringent and anthelmintic. It


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is given for worms and also in dysentery and chronic uterine discharges. In the case of fever, adecoction of the leaves is often given, or a decoction of the leaves and roots together. A lotionmade from boiled leaves is used as a sitz bath for lower back pain (lumbago) and rheumatism,for bathing women after childbirth, and for soothing the skin of children.


For fever: decoction of roots; boil 2 to 4 handfuls of the leaves. Use the lukewarm decoction as asponge bath. For gaseous distention: boil 2 teaspoons of the chopped leaves in 1 cup of water for 5 minutes. Drink the decoction while warm. Also used for upset stomach. Can also be used for mothers' bath after childbirth. As diuretic: boil 2 tablespoons of chopped leaves in 2 glasses of water for 15 minutes. Take half of the decoction after every meal, 3 times a day.

Treatment of Renal Stones, Hypertension, and Gout

The new use of the medicinal plant is as a diuretic and for dissolution of renal stones. It can be

used in hypertension and fluid retention states. Some clinical studies, including double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized studies have shown encouraging results for Sambong to be bothsafe and effective in the treatment of kidney stones and hypertension. The National Kidney andTransplant Institute (NKTI) has promoted the use of this herbal medicine for many renal patientsto avert or delay the need for dialysis or organ transplantation. It is also being promoted by theDepartment of Health (DOH) for this purpose. It is registered with the Bureau of Foods andDrugs (BFAD) as a medicine, and is available commercially in tablet form (Re-Leaf byAltermed/Pascual Laboratories)

In a pharmacological study of 96 medicinal plants used in Vietnam for the treatment of gout andits associated symptoms, Blumea balsamifera was found to have strong xanthine oxidaseinhibitory activity (Nguyen et al, 2004).

MEDLINE Citation

Nguyen MT, Awale S, Tezuka Y, Tran QL, Watanabe H, Kadota S.Xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity of Vietnamese medicinal plants.Biol Pharm Bull. 2004 Sep;27(9):1414-21.PMID: 15340229 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


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Pounded leaves are used for scalds and an infusion of leaves or leaf juice can be used for fevers.The whole plant, pulverized, is good externally applied in leprosy and malignant ulcers. It iscommon to pound the leaves and apply them to skin disease in India, Malaya, and elsewhere inAsia. They are also applied in cases of burns and scalds and as a poultice for headaches. Someauthors report that the olive or almond oil infusions of the fruit are applied to chapped hands,

hemorrhages, and burns, and that the mashed fruit is used in the preparation of poultices.

It is reported that juice expressed from the green fruit can be given for chronic colitis. It is alsofound to be good for bacillary dysentery. It is considered tonic and stomachic, and is useful inrheumatism and gout and in diseases of the spleen and liver. It probably acts as an astringent. InIndia, this astringent is applied externally to hemorrhoids. The sap of the leaves is used as a

parasiticide, and the fruit, when macerated in oil, as a vulnerary.


Steam ampalaya tops (upper four leaves) and eat half a cup twice daily. As a decoction, boil six

tablespoons of finely chopped leaves in two glasses of water over low fire (for 15 minutes).Drink 1/3 cup, three times a day, 30 minutes before meals. Use clay or enamel pots only.

Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus and Management of Dyslipidemia

Ampalaya is an herb that has recently gained international recognition for its benefits in thetreatment of diabetes mellitus. Thus the plant is increasingly recommended as an adjunct or supplement to traditional therapeutic regimens for this condition. It is available commercially intablet form (Amargozin by Altermed/Pascual Laboratories), in capsule formulation, (CharagenAmpalaya), and as teas.

Recent experimental investigation (2007) with respect to the mechanism of action of Momordicacharantia extract in diabetic rats suggest that it enhances insulin secretion by the islets of Langerhans, reduces glycogenesis in liver tissue, enhances peripheral glucose utilisation andincreases serum protein levels. Furthermore, treatment restores the altered histologicalarchitecture of the islets of Langerhans. Hence, the biochemical, pharmacological andhistopathological profiles of Momordica charantia extract clearly indicate its potentialantidiabetic activity and other beneficial effects in amelioration of diabetes associatedcomplications. Further, an evaluation of the plants antilipidemic activity in old obese ratsdemonstrated significant lowering of cholesterol and triglyceride levels while elevating HDL-cholesterol levels. Also, the extract lowered serum lipids in diabetic rats, suggesting itsusefulness in controlling metabolic alterations associated with diabetes (Fernandes et al, 2007).

MEDLINE Citation

Fernandes NP, Lagishetty CV, Panda VS, Naik SR.An experimental evaluation of the antidiabetic and antilipidemic properties of a standardized

Momordica charantia fruit extract.BMC Complement Altern Med. 2007 Sep 24;7:29.PMID: 17892543 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


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PANSIT-PANSITAN

Scientific Names Peperomia pellucida Linn. Piper pellucida Linn., Micropiper pellucidum Miq., Peperomiahymenophylla Miq., Peperomia bilineata Miq., Micropiper tenellum Klotz

Common Names Pansit-pansitanUlasiman-batoEnglish NameLocaland Other Names

Ulasimang-bato, Ikmo-ikmohan, Sida-sida, Sinaw-sinaw, Tagulinaw,Tangon-tangon

The Plant

Pansit-pansitan is an annual herb; it is shallow-rooted, may reach 40 centimeters high, withsucculent stems. Leaves are alternate, heart-shaped and turgid, as transparent and smooth ascandle wax. Tiny dotlike flowers scatter along solitary and leaf-opposed stalks (spike); naked;

maturing gradually from the base to the tip; turning brown when ripe. Numerous tiny seeds dropoff when mature and grow easily in clumps and groups in damp areas.

The herb favors shady, damp and loose soil. It often grows in groups in nooks in the garden andyard and conspicuously in rocky parts of canals and stone walls. The leaves and stems may beeaten as vegetable. In salads, the fresh plant has the crispness of carrot sticks and celery.

Medicinal Uses

Traditionally, the plant is used for the treatment of infected wounds and for the management of avariety of dermatologic conditions. It is similarly used in Tropical West Africa for this purpose.

Recently, the anti-inflammatory activity of the plant has been studied, especially in relation tothe treatment of arthritis and gout.

Folkloric Uses

Infusion and decoction of leaves and stems are used for gout and arthritis even by traditionalhealers. Externally, the plant is used as a facial rinse for acne and complexion problems.Pounded whole plant is used as warm poultice for boils, pustules and pimples.


Preparation for arthritis: the leaves and stems of the fresh plant may be eaten as salad. Or, as aninfusion, put 20 centimeters of plant material in 2 glasses of boiling water; half a cup of thisinfusion is taken morning and evening.


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Treatment of Arthritis and Gout, Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesia

The plant belongs to the "preferred list" of Philippine medicinal plants; it is being studied for itsuse in the treatment of arthritis and gout. An aqueous extract of Peperomia pellucida when testedfor anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity in rats and mice concluded that the plant has anti-

inflammatory activity (based on interference with prostaglandin synthesis, as confirmed by thearachidonic acid test), and analgesic activity. Furthermore, the LD(50) showed that Peperomia pellucida had very low toxicity (de Ftima Arrigoni-Blank, 2004).

MEDLINE Citations

de Ftima Arrigoni-Blank M, Dmitrieva EG, Franzotti EM, Antoniolli AR, Andrade MR,Marchioro M.Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of Peperomia pellucida (L.) HBK (Piperaceae).J Ethnopharmacol. 2004 Apr;91(2-3):215-8.PMID: 15120441 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


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BALBAS-PUSA

Scientific Names Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq.Ocimum aristatum Blume, Orthosiphon stamineus Benth.

Common Names Balbas-pusa (Tag.)

Kabling-gubat (Tag.)English Name Cats Whisker Localand Other Names

Kabling-parang (Tag.)Indian kidney tea (Engl.)

The Plant

Balbas-pusa is a slender, smooth or hairy undershrub, 30 to 60 centimeters high. Leaves are indistant pairs, narrowed into the stalk, ovate, 5 to 10 centimters long, pointed at both ends, withcoarsely-toothed margins. The flowers are borne in very lax racemes. The calyx is bell-shaped,with a naked throat and two slender lower teeth. The corolla is 2.5 centeimeters long, smooth,

white or purplish, slender in the tube, and thrice as long as the calyx. Nutlets are oblong andcompressed.

The plant is found in thickets, at low and medium altitudes in the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Bulacan, and Rizal Provinces in Luzon; and in Coron, Palawan. Itoccurs also in India through Malaya to tropical parts of Australia.

Medicinal Uses

The leaves contain a high percentage of potassium salts (0.7 grams in 100 grams of fresh leaves).From dried leaves, a small amount of volatile oil and a bitter alkaloid, orthosiphonin, is found.

The leaves are official in the Pharmacopoeia of Netherland. Traditional folkloric use includesdiuresis. Recently, the plant has been studied for its antihypertensive effects.

Folkloric Uses

A decoction of leaves is traditionally used for kidney and bladder problems and other afflictionsof the urinary tract, due to its diuretic effect. It is similarly used in the treatment of diseases of the kidney and bladder in Java and Malaysia, and in Holland and France. The high potassiumcontent and the orthosiphonin are postulated to act on the kidneys.

Antihypertensive Action

Recent studies isolating methylripariochromene A (MRC) from the leaves of Orthosiphonaristatus indicate that the plant or its MRC component possesses some actions related to adecrease in blood pressure (vasodilating action, a decrease in cardiac output, and diuretic action)when administered to stroke-prone hypertensive rats. These studies confirm the traditional use of the plant in Javanese traditional medicine for the management of hypertension and for diuresis(Matsubara et al, 1999 and Ohashi et al, 2000)


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MEDLINE Citations

Matsubara T, Bohgaki T, Watarai M, Suzuki H, Ohashi K, Shibuya H.Antihypertensive actions of methylripariochromene A from Orthosiphon aristatus , an Indonesian

traditional medicinal plant.Biol Pharm Bull. 1999 Oct;22(10):1083-8.PMID: 10549860 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Ohashi K, Bohgaki T, Shibuya H.[Antihypertensive substance in the leaves of kumis kucing ( Orthosiphon aristatus )in Java Island]Yakugaku Zasshi. 2000 May;120(5):474-82. Review. Japanese.PMID: 10825811 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


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LUYANG DILAW

Scientific Names Curcuma longa Linn.Curcuma xanthorrhiza NavesCommon Name Luyang Dilaw (Tag.)

English Name Long Tumeric


Angay (Pamp.), Dilaw (Tag.), Dulaw (S.L. Bis.), Kalabaga (Bis.), Kalawag(Mbo., Bis.), Kalauag (Mbo., Bis.), Kinamboy (Bis.), Kinamboi (Bis.),Kulalo (Bis.), Kulyaw (Ilk.), Kunig (Ilk.), Kunik (Ibn.), Lampuyang (P.Bis.), Lawag (Sub.), Pangar (Pamp.), Pangas (Pamp.), Parak (Kuy.),Salampawyan (Bag.), Salampauyan (Bag.)

The Plant

The plant is leafy, 1 to 1.5 meters tall and with 5 to 6 leaves. The rhizome is bright yellow inside,thick and cylindric. Leaves are green, the blade oblong, 30 to 45 centimeters long and 10 to 15

centimeters wide. The petioles are as long as the blade. Flowers have a peduncle 15 centimetersor more in length and borne within the tuft of leaves. There are spikes 10 to 20 centimeters inlength and about 5 meters in diameter. Floral bracts are pale green, ovate, 3 to 4 cm long, coma

bracts tinged with pink. Flowers pale yellow, as long as the bracts.

The plant is widely distributed in the Philippines in and about towns, sometimes in open waste places and sometimes planted. The utilized part, the rhizome, can be collected the whole year round. Luyang Dilaw rhizomes are commonly sold in the Manila markets, and are used as acondiment, as an ingredient of curry powder, and for coloring food and other materials. Turmericis one of the best known of material dyes, being used for dyeing silk, wool, and cotton.

Medicinal Uses

The rhizome contains volatile, fat, starch, resin, and curcumin pigment. It is pungent and bitter tasting, warming, thus is said to improve Qi circulation in traditional Chinese medicine. The

plant is believed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cholesterol-lowering, and anti-carcinogenic activity. Its anti-inflammatory activity has been compared to topical hydrocortisoneand has recently been studied to treat gastritis and gastric ulcers. The plant is approved byGerman health authorities for the treatment of dyspeptic complaints.

The rhizomes have been reported official in the following Pharmacopoeias: Austrian, Belgian,Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Indian, Mexican, Norwegian, Rumanian, Russian,

Serbian, Spanish, Swedish, Swiss, United States, and Venezuelan.

Folkloric Uses

The plant is traditionally used for fevers, dysentery, abdominal pain, flatulence, abdominalspasm, and arthritis. For these indications, a decoction of the rhizome is taken as tea. Other usesinclude the treatment of menstrual irregularities, as an anti-contusion and analgesic for its


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associated painful swelling. Crushed rhizome can be applied as an antiseptic for wounds.Externally, rhizomes can also be applied to insect bites, ringworm, bleeding.

In India, the juice of the fresh rhizome is applied externally to recent wounds, bruises, and leech- bites. Mixed with gingerly oil, it is applied to the body to prevent skin eruptions. Turmeric paste

mixed with a little lime and saltpeter and applied hot is a popular application to sprains and bruises. In smallpox and chickenpox a coating of turmeric powder or thin paste is applied tofacilitate the process of scabbing. Other reports indicate that the plant can be used for ringwormand other parasitic skin diseases, in purulent conjunctivitis, in catarrhal and purulent ophthalmia,and in neuralgia and rheumatism.

Traditional Chinese medicine dictates that the plant improves Qi (chi) circulation. In Chinese parlance, Qi means 'spirit.' In this system, good health is synonymous with free-flowing energythrough meridian pathways. A blocked Qi flow is associated with disease or ill-health. Luyangdilaw is said to improve circulation, thus avoiding blocked Qi and disease states.


For wounds and swelling as ointment: Wash the unpeeled ginger. Chop the rhizomes to fill half aglass of water. Saut with one glass of coconut oil on low heat for five minutes. Place in a clean

bottle and label. As antiseptic for wounds: Extract juice of the fresh rhizome and apply directlyon the wound or swelling. For gas pain in adults: Decoction from thumb-sized rhizome in a glassof water reduced to half.

Treatment of Dyspepsia and Peptic Ulcers

It was observed in recent studies that when Curcuma longa extract was administered to rats, itreduced gastric acid secretion and protected against the formation of gastric mucosal lesions.Findings suggest that the extract from Curcuma longa specifically inhibits gastric acid secretion

by blocking H2 histamine receptors in a competitive manner (Kim et al, 2005).

In a randomized, double-blind study, it showed significant alleviation of the symptoms of aciddyspepsia, flatulent dyspepsia or atonic dyspepsia. Two other clinical trials tested C. longa inthe treatment of peptic ulcers and demonstrated that administered orally it promoted ulcer healing and decreased abdominal pain. 1

Anti-inflammatory Properties

The major active component of Curcuma longa, cucurmin, was also investigated as an anti-inflammatory drug in two double blind studies with phenylbutazone, and was found tosignificantly improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and reduce post-operative inflammation. 1

Treatment of Alzheimers Disease

Dietary cucurmin was also found to decrease the biomarkers of inflammation and oxidativedamage and to decrease amyloid plaque burden in the brain and amyloid beta-induced memory


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deficits in animal models of Alzheimers disease. Cucurmin injected peripherally wasdemonstrated to cross the blood-brain barrier in an animal model of Alzheimers disease, but it isnot yet known if cucurmin taken orally can cross the blood brain barrier and inhibit the

progression of Alzheimers disease in humans. The results are nevertheless promising andseveral human clinical trials are currently under way. 2

References

1. WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants , Vol. 1, 1999, World HealthOrganization, Geneva.

2. Higdon, J. Linus Pauling Institute, Oregon State University. 2006.lpi.oregonstate.edu/infocenter/phytochemicals/curcumin

MEDLINE Citation

Kim DC, Kim SH, Choi BH, Baek NI, Kim D, Kim MJ, Kim KT.

Curcuma longa extract protects against gastric ulcers by blocking H2 histamine receptors.Biol Pharm Bull. 2005 Dec;28(12):2220-4.PMID: 16327153 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


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TAKIP-KOHOL

Scientific Names Centella asiatica Linn. Hydrocotyle asiatica Linn.Common Name Takip-kohol

English Names PennyworthGotu Kola, Asian pennywort, Indian pennywort, Indian hydrocotyle


Hahanghalo (C. Bis.), Panggaga (Sub.), Pispising (Bon.), Tagaditak (Iv.),Takip-suso (Tag.), Taingan-daga (Tag.), Tapigan-daga (Tag.), Yahong-yahong (S-L. Bis.), Chi-hsueh Ts'ao (Chin.)

The Plant

Takip-kohol is a prostrate, creeping, sparingly hairy or nearly smooth perennial herb. The stemsare rooting at the nodes, delicate, slender and creeping. The leaves are rounded to reniform, 2 to5 centimeters wide, horizontal, more or less cupped, rounded at the tip, and kidney-shaped or

heart-shaped at the base, palmately veined, margins undulate-crenate, with the rounded lobesoften overlapping. Petioles are erect, 3 to 20 centimeters long. Flowers are purple and axillary,ovate, and about 1 centimeter long. Peduncles occur in pairs or threes, less than 1 centimeter long and usually bear 3 sessile flowers. The plant flowers from October to May.

The plant is found in gardens, thickets, open, damp grasslands, on rice paddy banks, and streamsthroughout the Philippines. The entire plant can be used for medicinal purposes and can begathered throughout the year. It is a rich source of Vitamin B and can be eaten as a salad or avegetable dish.

Medicinal Use

Chemical analysis of the plant shows the presence of vallarine, high vitamin B content in theleaves and roots, and a miscellany of other constituents such as carbohydrates, resins, proteins,ash, alkali, alkaline salts, phosphates, and tannins. The leaves are official in the followingPharmacopoeias: Dutch, French, Mexican, Spanish, and Venezuelan, Indian. The stem andleaves are official in the Materia Medica of the ancient Chinese.

Folkloric Uses

The plant has been used in the treatment of infectious hepatitis, measles, respiratory tractinfections - colds, tonsillitis, laryngopharyngitis, bronchitis. For these indications, fresh or dried

material is taken in the form of decoction. As a counterirritant, the plant is pound, mixed withvaseline or oil and applied over affected area as poultice. In India and Fiji, roots are used for foreskin inflammation, to improve blood circulation, to treat bloating, congestion and depression.

The leaves of Takip-kohol have been widely regarded as having tonic and stimulant propertiesand have been recommended for many complaints. The plant is reputed to have a direct action onlowering blood pressure. It is also known as a rejuvenating medicament. For this, the leaves aresometimes eaten raw, but more usually a decoction or tea is made from them.


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According to some reports, judging from its physiological action, the drug should be principallyvaluable as a stimulant to the cutaneous circulation in skin diseases; and, indeed, for this purposeit is chiefly employed. It is thus useful in the treatment of chronic and obstinate eczema. It hasalso been prescribed with excellent results in cases of secondary and tertiary syphilisaccompanied by gummatous infiltration and ulceration, in chronic and callous ulcers, as a

stimulant to healthy mucous secretion in infantile diarrhea, in cases of scrofulous ulceration andenlargement of glands and abscess, and in chronic rheumatism.

Cognitive-enhancing, Neuroprotective, and Anti-oxidant Properties

The plant is considered to be a brain and memory stimulant, and may be used for Alzheimer'sdisease and senility.

In one study, Centella asiatica has been described as possessing central nervous system activity,such as improving intelligence. In addition, the study confirms the cognitive-enhancing and anti-oxidant properties of extracts of the plant in normal rats. These findings are significant since

oxidative stress or an impaired endogenous anti-oxidant mechanism is an important factor thathas been implicated in Alzheimer's disease and cognitive deficits seen in the elderly humans(Veerendra and Gupta, 2003). As such, the plant has been recognized by scientists as anootropic, cognitive, and neuroprotective with fewer undesirable effects and the sameeffectiveness as the classic therapy for Alzheimers disease and other forms of dementia(Cervenka and Jahodr, 2006).

Treatment of Burns, Wounds, Ulcers, and Venous Insufficiency

Extracts of the Centella asiatica applied topically have been shown to effectively treat second-and third-degree burns, chronic infected skin ulcers, indolent leg ulcers, and perforated leproticleg lesions, and accelerate healing in post-surgical and post-trauma wounds. Oral administrationof extracts of Centella asiatica have been used to successfully treat peptic and duodenal ulcers,with 93% improvement in subjective symptoms and with healed ulcers in 73% of subjectsevidenced endoscopically and radiologically. Centella asiatica extracts taken orally alsosignificantly improved venous distension and edema in patients suffering from venousinsufficiency.

The WHO monograph recommends an oral dose of 0.33-0.68g or by oral infusion of similar amount three times daily.

References

WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants , Vol. 1, 1999, World Health Organization,Geneva.

MEDLINE Citations

Cervenka F, Jahodr L.[Plant metabolites as nootropics and cognitives]


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Ceska Slov Farm. 2006 Sep;55(5):219-29. Review. Czech.PMID: 17128592 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Veerendra Kumar MH, Gupta YK.Effect of Centella asiatica on cognition and oxidative stress in an intracerebroventricular

streptozotocin model of Alzheimer's disease in rats.Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 2003 May-Jun;30(5-6):336-42.PMID: 12859423 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


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BANABA

Scientific Names Lagerstroemia speciosa Linn. Munchausia speciosa Linn., Lagestroemia reginae Roxb., Lagerstroemia flos-reginae Retz.

Common Name Banaba (Tag.)English Name


Agaro (Sbl.), Bugarom (S. L. Bis.), Duguam (S. KL. Bis.), Kauilan (P.Bis.), Makablos (Pang.), Mitla (Pamp.), Nabulong (Neg.), Pamalauagon (S.L. Bis.), Pamarauagon (S. L. Bis.), Parasabukung (Sub.), Tabangau (Ibn.,

Neg.), Tauagnau (Ibn.)

The Plant

Banaba is a deciduous tropical flowering tree, 5 to 10 meters high, but sometimes growing to aheight of 20 meters. The leaves are large, spatulate, oblong to elliptic-ovate, 2-4 inches in width,

5-8 inches in length. The plant sheds its leaves the first months of the year. Before shedding, theleaves are bright orange or red during which time it is thought to contain higher levels of corrosolic acid. Flowers are racemes, pink to lavender; flowering from March to June. After flowering, the tree bears large clumps of oval nutlike fruits.

The plant grows wild and is widely distributed in the Philippines, in the secondary forests at lowand medium altitudes. It is also usually cultivated for its beautiful flowers. It is also reported tooccur in India to southern China and southward through Malaya to tropical Australia.

Medicinal Uses

The plant is rich in tannin; the fruit has 14 to 17 %; leaves, 13 %; bark, 10%. Traditionally, the plant is used in the treatment of stomach ailments. Recently, the plants corrosolic acid content is being studied for glucose lowering effect.

Folkloric Use

Roots have been used for a variety of stomach ailments. Leaf decoction is used for diabetes; alsoas a diuretic and purgative. For this, a decoction of old leaves and dried fruit (dried from one totwo weeks) is mixed to 50 grams to a pint of boiling water; 4 to 6 cups daily has been used for diabetes. Old leaves and ripe fruit are preferred, which are believed to have greater glucoselowering effect. A decoction of 20 grams of old leaves or dried fruit in 100 cc of water was

found to have the equivalent effect to that of 6 to 7.7 units of insulin.

Bark decoction has been used for the treatment of diarrhea. The bark, flowers and leaves are usedto facilitate bowel movements. A decoction of fruits or roots can be gargled for aphthousstomatitis, while a decoction of leaves and flowers can be used for fevers and as diuretic. Leaf decoction or infusion is usually used for bladder and kidney inflammation, dysuria, and other urinary complaints.


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Treatment of Diabetes and Obesity

Banaba is being studied for its application in the treatment of diabetes. Its ability to lower bloodsugar is attributed to its corrosolic acid content. The plant is commercially available as tablets,extracts, capsules, powders and teas.

Studies in mice suggest that extracts of Lagerstroemia speciosa have beneficial effects oncontrol of the level of plasma glucose in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, for example,hemoglobin A1C was found to be suppressed at the end of the experiment in the group treatedwith Banaba extract (Kakuda et al, 1996). Mice fed with Banaba extract also showed asignificant decrease, to 65% of the control level in total hepatic lipid contents. This decrease wasattributed by the studies to a reduction in the accumulation of triglyceride. These results suggestthat Lagerstroemia speciosa has antiobesity effects as well (Suzuki et al, 1999).

MEDLINE Citations

Kakuda T, Sakane I, Takihara T, Ozaki Y, Takeuchi H, Kuroyanagi M.Hypoglycemic effect of extracts from Lagerstroemia speciosa L. leaves in genetically diabeticKK-AY miceBiosci Biotechnol Biochem. 1996 Feb;60(2):204-8.

Suzuki Y, Unno T, Ushitani M, Hayashi K, Kakuda T.Antiobesity activity of extracts from Lagerstroemia speciosa L. leaves on female KK-Ay miceJ Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 1999 Dec;45(6):791-5.PMID: 10737232 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


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used for constipation. A decoction of boiled roots is used to wash sores and ulcers, while adecoction of the bark may be used for excitement and restlessness.

Pounded roots can be used as poultice for inflammatory swelling. Juice of roots is used for otalgia. A decoction of roots is used as gargle for hoarseness and sore throat. Seeds have been

prescribed for hypertension, gout, asthma, hiccups, and as a diuretic. For rheumatic complaints, adecoction of seeds or powdered roasted seeds can be applied to the affected area. The juice of theroot with milk is used for asthma, hiccups, gout, and lumbago. Poultice of leaves is applied for glandular swelling. Pounded fresh leaves mixed with coconut oil can be applied to wounds andcuts. The flowers boiled with soy milk are thought to have aphrodisiac quality.

Antioxidant Activity and Prevention of Carcinogenesis

In studies using hepatocytes as a free radical model, it was shown that administration of Moringaoleifera extract and silymarin significantly decreased hepatic marker enzymes and lipid

peroxidation with a simultaneous increase in the level of anti-oxidants (Ashok Kumar and Pari,

2003).In another study identifying promising sources of antioxidants, the leaves of Moringa oleifera were found to have kaempferol, and antioxidant properties (Bajpai et al, 2005).

Other findings are suggestive of a possible chemopreventive potential of Moringa oleiferadrumstick extract against chemical carcinogenesis. The modulating effect of the plantscomponents on drug metabolising Phase I (Cytochrome b(5) and Cytochrome p(450) ) and PhaseII (Glutathione-S- transferase) enzymes, anti-oxidant enzymes, glutathione content and lipid

peroxidation are postulated to be the mechanism for this chemopreventive action of Malunggay(Bharali et al, 2003).

MEDLINE Citations

Bharali R, Tabassum J, Azad MR.Chemomodulatory effect of Moringa oleifera , Lam, on hepatic carcinogen metabolisingenzymes, antioxidant parameters and skin papillomagenesis in mice.Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2003 Apr-Jun;4(2):131-9.PMID: 12875626 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Ashok Kumar N, Pari L.Antioxidant action of Moringa oleifera Lam. (drumstick) against antitubercular drugs inducedlipid peroxidation in rats.J Med Food. 2003 Fall;6(3):255-9.PMID: 14585192 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Bajpai M, Pande A, Tewari SK, Prakash D.Phenolic contents and antioxidant activity of some food and medicinal plants.Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2005 Jun;56(4):287-91.PMID: 16096138 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


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VIRGIN COCONUT OIL

Scientific Names Cocos nucifera Linn.Cocos mamillaris Blanco.Common Name VCO (Virgin Coconut Oil)

English Names VCO (Virgin Coconut Oil)Localand Other Names

Coco (Span.), Lubi (C.Bis., P. Bis.), Ogot (Ibn.), Gira-gira (Sbl.),Ponlaing (Sub.), I-ing (It.), Punlaing (Yak.), Iniug (Ibn.), Ugut (Pamp.),Lobi (S.L. Bis.)

The Plant

The plant is an unarmed, erect, tall palm reaching a height of 25 meters. The trunk is stout, 30-50centimeters in diameter, thickened at the base; marked with annular scars. The leaves arecrowded at the apex, 3 to 6 meters long, with a stout petiole. Leaflets are bright green, numerous,linear-lanceolate, 60 to 100 centimeters long. Spadix is about 1 meter long, erect, drooping,

simply branched. Fruit is variable in size, shape and color, obovoid to subglobose, oftenobscurely 3-angled, 15-25 centimeters long. Endosperm forms a thick layer of fleshy substanceadherent to the testa which is adherent to the shell. The shell is covered by a fibrous husk. It isextensively cultivated in the Philippines.

It is considered the most versatile of all palms with its wide range of utility: as lumber, food,drink, alcohol, vinegar, thatching material, manufacture of baskets, rope, hats, brooms; shell for making charcoal and utensils as cups, bowls, spoons; oil for food, massage, and as base for medications for external use; cooking, illumination, soap making; it is also decorative for celebrations and religious rituals.

Medicinal Uses

The flesh of the fruit and its oil are used in the treatment of many conditions. Water from theyoung coconut has been used as a substitute for dextrose infusion in emergent situations duringWorld War II. Recently, the use of Virgin Coconut Oil, now available commercially as refinedoil has been advocated for its nutritional and anti-dyslipidemic properties.

Folkloric Uses

The oil is used traditionally for dandruff: massaged onto the scalp and left overnight, the oilreduces flakes and itching. For dry skin, the oil is massaged onto the affected area. The oil is also

much used in the Philippines as a vehicle for liniments in skin medicines and for other externalapplications. It is also used for strengthening the hair; hence it is used with gogo to make ashampoo. It is much used in India as a local application in alopecia.


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Nutritional Use

Increasingly popular, natural coconut oil is now being touted as the most beneficial of all oils.Although high in saturated fat, it is the richest natural source of health-promoting MCFAs (or medium-chain fatty acids). The recommendation is to take 3 teaspoons (about 50 grams) of

coconut oil daily, estimated from the amount equivalent to the MCFAs found in human breastmilk, known to be effective in nourishing and protecting infants.

Highly refined coconut oil may be used as a substitute for the imported Wesson oil or olive oil.The high-grade oil is nearly colorless, has a bland taste, and gives off the peculiar odor of coconuts. It consists largely of the glyceryl ester of lauric and myristic acids and contains also anumber of other fats which are the glyceryl esters of still other fatty acids, such as caproic,capryllic, capric, and oleic acids. The oil is official in the Dutch, German, Indian, Mexican,Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Venezuelan Pharmacopoeias.

Antioxidant and Anti-dyslipidemic Properties

In one study, virgin coconut oil was shown to have a beneficial effect in lowering lipidcomponents compared to copra oil. It reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids,LDL, and VLDL cholesterol levels and increased HDL cholesterol in serum and tissues. The

polyphenol fraction of virgin coconut oil was also found to be capable of preventing LDLoxidation with reduced carbonyl formation. The results demonstrated the potential beneficiaryeffect of virgin coconut oil in lowering lipid levels in serum and tissues and LDL oxidation by

physiological oxidants (Nevin, 2004).

MEDLINE Citations

Nevin KG, Rajamohan T.Beneficial effects of virgin coconut oil on lipid parameters and in vitro LDL oxidation.Clin Biochem. 2004 Sep;37(9):830-5.PMID: 15329324 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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