medicinal plant and there uses

Sassafras

Other Names: Ague tree, Saxifrax, Cinnamonwood, Saloop, Smelling-stick

Habitat
Red Clover is a perennial herb, origin believed to be Britain where it is abundant, now a world wide escape, naturalized in nearly every country, even the Arctic Circle and high up into mountains. Cultivation: Red Clover is an easily grown plant, from seed or root cuttings, requires little attention. The long root is rhizome, and sends out runners, producing several stems 1 to 2 feet high, slightly hairy; leaves ternate, leaflets ovate, slightly toothed, ending in long point often lighter colored V shape in center, flowers red to purple, fragrant, in dense terminal ovoid or round heads. Blooming from April thought out the summer months. Harvest flowers and dry for later herb use as it comes into bloom. Harvest edible leaves for salad before flowers fully bloom.

Properties
Red Clover is edible and medicinal, the young leaves and new flowers are harvested, and are used in salads, soups, or as a pot herb. The sprouted seeds are edible in salads and have a crisp texture and robust flavor. A delicate sweet and medicinal tea is made from the fresh or dried flowers, it is alterative, antiscrofulous, antispasmodic, aperient, detergent, diuretic, expectorant, sedative and tonic. Red Clover has also shown anticancer activity, poultices of the herb have been used as local applications to cancerous growths. Internally, the Red Clover plant is used as an alternative medicine for skin complaints such as eczema and psoriasis, cancers of the breast, ovaries and lymphatic system, chronic degenerative diseases, gout, whooping cough and dry coughs. Red clover is now involved in research for a certain medicinal alkaloid 'slaframine' which is often found in diseased clover, this substance has shown antidiabetic and anti-AIDS activity.

Folklore
In the middle ages the clover was considered a charm warn to ward off evil spirits and witches. The four leaf clover was said to have even more power against evil, a five leaf clover was said to be warn by witches to give them evil powers, and a two leaf clover would give a maiden the power to see her future lover.

Recipe
"Medicinal" tea: To 1 tbls. dry flowers or herb add 1 cup boiling water, steep 10 min., sweeten to taste, drink warm for cough and upset stomach.

Habitat
Sassafras is a deciduous tree native to eastern North America From Maine to Ontario, south to Florida and Texas. In the North it is a shrub growing only to 7 or 8 feet, but in the Southern States it sometimes attains a height of 100 feet. Found growing in thickets, rich woods, forest openings and edges, roadsides and fence rows. Root sprouts grow vigorously and colonize the area around the main tree. The leaves are alternate, simple, with smooth margins and different in shape, some with three lobes and others with one lobe on the side looking like a mitten and some with none, turning yellow to bright red in autumn. The yellow-green fragrant flowers bloom in clusters in early spring. The fruit is a dark blue berry, about the size of a pea, in a red cup, on a red stalk, in a cluster, ripening in Aug.-Oct.. All parts of the tree are aromatic. Gather the root bark anytime, dry for later use.

Properties
Sassafras was used extensively for food and medicine by Native Americans long before European settlers arrived. Sassafras bark was one of the first exports of the New World. In the southern U.S., the roots were boiled, then combined with molasses, and allowed to ferment into the first ROOT BEER. The young leaves can be added to salads and have a mild aromatic flavor.

Sassafras tea is made from the root bark, it is refreshing and tonic. The root bark and root pith are used in alternative medicine as an alterative, anodyne, antiseptic, aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, stimulant and vasodilator. An Infusion is used to treat gastrointestinal complaints, colds, liver and kidney ailments, rheumatism skin eruptions and as a blood purifier. The essential oil (Safrole) from the root bark is used as an antiseptic and anodyne in dentistry. The production of sassafras oil by distillation of the root and root bark is a small industry in the southeastern section of the country. Now prohibited for use as a flavoring or food additive because it is said to have carcinogenic properties, though it is less likely to cause cancer than alcohol. A sassafras tree repels mosquitoes and other insects. All parts of the tree contain essential oils and give off a pleasant spicy aroma when crushed.

Skullcap

Habitat
Skullcap is a Native N. American perennial herb, found from New York to West Virginia and southward to South Carolina, Alabama and Missouri. Growing in rich woods, thickets, bluffs and along roadsides. Cultivation: Skullcap is easy in a sunny position and any ordinary garden soil. Sow seed in early spring after danger of frost is past. The root is a creeping short rhizome, which sends up hairy, square stems, 6 to 18 inches high, branched, or, in small specimens, nearly simple, with opposite downy leaves, heart-shaped at the base, 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches long, scalloped or toothed edges. The blue to lavender flowers are in racemes and grow from the leaf axils of the upper plant. They are hooded, tube shaped, and two lipped the upper lip being the hood and the lower lip having two shallow lobes. Flowers bloom from May to August, gather above ground parts, in the summer as flowers bloom, dry and store for later herb use.

Properties
Skullcap is a powerful medicinal herb, it is used in alternative medicine as an anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, slightly astringent, emmenagogue, febrifuge, nervine, sedative and strongly tonic. Some valuable constituents found in the plant are Scutellarin, Catalpol, other Volatile oils, bitter iridoids and Tannins. Scientific studies are proving this to be a valuable plant in many areas for mental disorders. Skullcap is used in the treatment of a wide range of nervous conditions including epilepsy, insomnia, hysteria, anxiety, delerium tremens, withdrawal from barbiturates and tranquilisers. A medicinal infusion of the plant is used to promote menstruation, it should not be given to pregnant women since it can induce a miscarriage, the infusion is also used in the treatment of throat infections. The infusion is given for nervous headaches, neuralgia and in headache arising from incessant coughing, pain, and inducing sleep when necessary, without any unpleasant symptoms following. Skullcap is currently being used as an alternative medicine to treat ADD and a number of nerve disorders. Should be used with some caution since in overdose it causes giddiness, stupor, confusion and twitching.

Folklore
Well known among the Cherokee and other Native American tribes, as a strong emmenagogue and female medicinal herb. Used in some tribes as a ceremonial plant to introduce young girls into womanhood. Once believed of use in the treatment of rabies and schizophrenia. Also used to induce visions.

Recipe
"Medicinal" tea: To 1 oz. of the powdered herb add a pint of boiling water, steep 10 min. give in 1/2 teacup doses, every few hours.

Laterifolia is the species most often used by herbalists, Its flowers are small and leaves triangular. However, you can use any species of skullcap for herbal teas and tinctures.

All Skullcaps have this unique seed pod and distinctive hooded flowers. Skullcap leaf size and shapes vary widely amongst the species. Color of flowers range from red-violet to blue-violet often with white markings.

Soapwort

Other Names: Soaproot, Bouncing Bet, Latherwort, Fuller's Herb, Bruisewort, Crow Soap, Sweet Betty

Habitat Soapwort is a perennial European native herb which has become thoroughly naturalized in the United States. Found growing in moist ditches, along roadsides, waste places, near old home sites, in meadows, and as a planted ornamental. Cultivation: propagate Soapwort with seeds or by division done in early spring. Soapwort spreads vigorously it has many attractive and aromatic flowers and can be used as a ground cover. Succeeds in any moderately fertile well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade. Prefers a neutral to alkaline soil. The fragrant flowers have five white to pinkish or red showy petals, each notched and refluxed, about an inch in diameter and are borne in large clusters in the axils of leaves and at the tip of the stems. Flowers bloom from June to October. The leaves are opposite, sessile, slightly hairy, simple and entire, the stem is smooth and swollen at the joints. It forms colonies from underground rhizomes. The root is harvested in the spring and can be dried for later herb use. Use flowers and leaves fresh as body soap.

Properties
Soapwort root, has been used as an alternative medicine since the time of Dioscorides. It is medicinal as an alterative, antiscrophulatic, cholagogue, depurative, diaphoretic, mildly diuretic, expectorant, purgative and tonic. A decoction of the herb is applied externally to treat itchy skin. One of the saponins in this plant is proving of interest in the treatment of cancer. A soap can be obtained by boiling the whole plant (but especially the root) in water. It is a gentle effective cleaner, used on delicate fabrics that can be harmed by synthetic soaps. The best soap is obtained by infusing the plant in warm water. Soapwort is sometimes recommended as a hair shampoo, though it can cause eye irritations.
Caution is advised, when taken in excess, this plant is POISONOUS, it destroys red blood cells and causes paralysis of the vasomotor center.

Solomon’s Seal

Other Names: American Solomon's Seal, King Solomon's Seal, King Solomon's-seal, Small Solomon's Seal, Lady's Seals. St. Mary's Seal.

Habitat
Perennial native herb found growing in moist sandy, loamy or rocky woods and thickets, N. America from New Brunswick to Michigan, south to Tennessee and Florida. Cultivation: a very hardy plant, it prefers a light soil and a shady situation. Seeds, or transplants, if taken up with plenty of soil. The creeping root, rhizome, or underground stem, is thick and white, twisted and full of knots, with large circular scars at intervals, these scars give Solomon's Seal it's name. Stems grow to a height of from 18 inches to 2 feet, or even more and bend over gracefully. Large, light green, and broad ovate leaves grow alternately on the stem, clasping it at the bases. The flowers are tubular, succulent and thick, light yellow- green, and hang in little drooping clusters of two to five, growing from the leaf axils. Flowers bloom April to June. The fruit is a small berry about the size of a pea, blackish-blue, fruit is not edible, said to be poisonous. Gather roots in fall as flows fade, dry for later herb use.

Properties
Solomon's Seal is edible and medicinal, the young edible shoots are an excellent vegetable when boiled and eaten like Asparagus. The root is edible after boiling in three changes of water or sun baked, and is a good source of starch. This herb has a long history of use in alternative medicine dating back to the time of Dioscorides and Pliny. The main constituents are saponins (similar to diosgenin), flavonoids, and vitamins. A medicinal infusion of root or rhizome, is used in alternative medicine as an astringent, demulcent, and tonic. The dried herb is taken as a laxative and restorative, and is good in inflammations of the stomach, indigestion, profuse menstruation, lung ailments, general debility, bowels, piles, and chronic dysentery. A medicinal poultice of the fresh roots is said to fade bruises, also applied to cuts and sores.

Folklore
Once believed to have aphrodisiac properties, and used in love potions. More than likely due to its ability to stop profuse menstruation.: 'The roots of Solomon's Seal, stamped while it is fresh and greene and applied, taketh away in one night or two at the most, any bruise, blacke or blew spots gotten by falls or women's wilfulness in stumbling upin their hastie husband's fists, or such like.'

Recipe
"Medicinal" tea: To 1 tsp. dried herb add 1 cup boiling water, steep for 10 min. sweeten to taste, take in the morning as laxative.

Spearmint
Mentha spicata

Other Names: Garden Mint, Menthol Mint, Mint, Sage Of Bethlehem, Silver Mint, Spear Mint

Habitat
Perennial herb native to Central Europe now naturalized throughout the U.S. and Canada. Found growing on roadsides and in waste places, usually in damp soils and sunny positions. Cultivation: Spearmint is easily grown, it succeeds in most soils and situations so long as the soil is not too dry. Prefers a sunny position for production of essential oils, but it also succeeds in partial shade. Division can be easily done at almost any time of the year. A matted creeping root system, sends up erect, square stems to about 2 feet high. The leaves are short-stalked, lance-shaped, wrinkled, and bright green, with finely serrate edges. The small flowers are arranged in whorls or rings on spikes in the axils of the upper leaves, pinkish or lilac in color, flowers bloom in late June through August. Gather the above ground plant when first starting to bloom, the stalks should be cut a few inches above the root, on a dry day, after the dew has disappeared, and before the hot sun has taken any oil from the leaves, and dried for later herb use.

Properties
Spearmint is edible and Medicinal, the leaves and flowers are edible raw or cooked. A strong flavor, they are used in salads or added to cooked foods. A medicinal herb tea made from the fresh or dried leaves has a very pleasant and refreshing taste, leaving the mouth and digestive system feeling clean. Also great for mint jelly, an old favorite.

The proven medicinal constituents in spearmint are 1,8-cineole, acetic-acid, acetophenone, alpha-pinene, alpha-terpineol, apigenin, arginine, benzaldehyde, benzyl-alcohol, beta-carotene, beta-sitosterol, borneol, calcium, carvacrol, carvone, caryophyllene, diosmin, ethanol, eugenol, farnesol, geraniol, hesperidin, limonene, luteolin, menthol, methionine, niacin, oleanolic-acid, perillyl-alcohol, pulegone, rosmarinic-acid, terpinen-4-ol, thiamin, thymol, tryptophan, ursolic-acid, and many vitamins and minerals. An essential oil from the leaves and flowers is used as a flavoring in candy, gum, ice cream, drinks and commercially prepared hygen products (toothpaste, mouthwash, etc). Spearmint has been used as an alternative medicine for centuries on many different continents. It is antiemetic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, restorative, stimulant, stomachic and tonic. The medicinal herb tea made from the leaves is used in the treatment of fevers, bronchitis, chills, cramps, chronic gastritis, common cold, headaches, indigestion, morning sickness, motion sickness, nasal congestion, nausea, halitosis, painful menstruation, and various minor ailments. Externally the stems are crushed and used as a medicinal poultice on bruises. The essential oil in the leaves, is a great rub for stiffness, muscle soreness and rheumatism, the oil also a powerful antiseptic and should not be taken in large doses. Futher research is proving the plant to be of use in many diseases.

Folklore
Both the essential oil and the stems are used in folk remedies for cancer. A poultice prepared from the leaves is said to remedy tumours. The plant repels insects, rats, mice and was formerly used as for strewing (thrown about).

Recipe
Easy Mint Jelly: Steep a handful of mint leaves in one of the various kinds of sweetened gelatin. The jelly should be a delicate shade of green and make about a pint of jelly. Some like to strain the liquid through a cheese cloth to remove all particles of mint before allowing to set, I kinda like the little green specks.

medicinal plants

Adelfa

English: Oleander, Aldelfa ; Tagalog: Aldelfa

Scientific name: Nerium Indicum Mil ;

Erect, smooth shrub, 1.5 to 3 mteters high with a cream-colored sticky resinous juice. Leaves are in whorls of 3 or 4, linear-lanceolate, 10-15 cm long, with numerous horizontal nerves. Flowers are showy, sweet-scented, single or double, 4-5 cm in diameter, white, pink or red, borne in termianl inflorescense (cymes). Fruit is cylindric, paired, with deep linear striations, 15-20 cm long. Seeds are numerous and compressed, with a tuft of fine, shining, white, silky hairs.

Application:
- Herpes zoster (skin): Crush leaves, mix with oil and apply on lesions. Do not apply on raw surface. Milky juice of the plant is irritating. Caution: Not to be taken internally.
- Herpes simplex: Mix 1 cup of chopped leaves and bark with 2 tablespoons of oil. Apply to lesions 3 times daily.
- Ringworm: Chop a foot long branch and mix with 1 cup chopped fresh young leaves. Mix the juice with 5 drops of fresh coconut oil. Apply 3 times daily.
- Snake bites: Pound 10 leaves and a piece of branch. Apply poultice to the wound.
- Root, locally and internally, used for abortion.
- Roots, made into paste with water, used for hemorrhoids.
- Roots and bark used externally for eczema, snake bites and as insecticide.
- Fresh leaves applied to tumors to hasten suppuration.

Constituents and properties
Glycoside, oleadrin; tannin; volatile oil, 0.25%.
Nerium oleander's leaves contain two principles: neriin and oleandrin, glucosides with properties similar to digitalin.
The seeds contain phytosterin and l-strophnathin. The bark contains toxic glycosides: rosaginin and nerlin, volatile oil, fixed oil.

Nerium odorum's bark yielded two toxic bitter principles­neriodorin and neriodorein. Another toxic principle is karabin. Both karabin and neriodorin are probably resins, rather than glucosides.

The pharmacologic actions of of neriin and oleandrin resemble those of digitalis glucosides. In human beings, toxicity manifests as nausea, vomiting, colic, decreased appetite, dizziness, drowsiness, bradycardia and irregular heart beats, pupillary dilation, and sometimes unconsciousness attributed to digitalis poisoning.

Distribution
Cultivated for its flowers; now where established.

Akapulko

Scientific name: Cassia alata L
English: Ringworm bush or shrub
Tagalog: Akapulko

Akapulko is a shrub that grows wild on Mt. Banahaw. The leaves contain chrysophanic acid. The leaves are reported to be sudorific, diuretic and purgative, being used in the same manner as senna. The leaves are commonly used for ringworm and other skin diseases. The leaves in decoction are also used to treat bronchitis and asthma.

Traditional Uses:

For fungal skin infections: Ring worm, tinea (white spots), athlete's foot

How to Use:

As anti fungal, apply juice from the pounded leaves on affected areas of the skin. Strong decoction of leaves and flowers for cleansing eczema and other skin itch.

As an ointment: Prepared from the leaves and apply twice a day.

Precaution: apply thinly on affected skin. Improvement will be noticed after 2 to 3 weeks of treatment.

Ampalaya

Scientific name: Momordica charantia L. Amargoso English: Bitter gourd, Bitter Melon Tagalog: Ampalaya

Ampalaya is a vegetable grown throughout the Philippines. It is mostly cultivated, although wild forms can be found. It grows wild in the remote areas of Mt. Banahaw. As the English name suggests, the melon has a bitter taste due to the presence of momordicin. There has been much research done on the effectiveness of using Momordica Charantia in the treatment of diabetes. It has been shown to increase production of beta cells by the pancreas, thereby improving the body’s ability to produce insulin. It has been recommended by the Department of Health of the Philippines, as one of the best herbal medicines for it's ability to help with liver problems, Diabetes and HIV. It is a common herb used in Chinese herbology. In the Philippines, the leaves are often used for children's coughs. It is also used in the treatment of skin diseases, sterility in women, as a parasiticide, as an antipyretic, and as a purgative.

Herba Buena

Scientific name: Mentha cordifolia Opiz
English: Marsh mint
Tagalog: Herba Buena

Herba Buena is cultivated throughout the Philippines, although it does well at higher altitudes. It is grown on Mt. Banahaw. This mint is known as a remedy for weakness of the stomach and for diarrhea. It is valuable as an antiseptic, and has been used in alcohol solutions for asthma.

Duhat

Scientific name: Syszygium jambolanum
English: Black plum, java plum
Tagalog: Duhat

Duhat is a fruit tree found mostly wild throughout the Philippines. Duhat seeds are known for the treatment of diabetes, as are the leaves and the juice from the fruit. The bark is astringent and in decoction is used as a mouthwash and as a gargle for ulcerations of the mouth.

Gugo

Scientific name: Entada phaseikaudes K Meer
Tagalog: Gugo

This plant is very large tree found throughout the Philippines. It grows wild on Mt. Banahaw. Gugo is used extensively in the Philippines for washing hair and for hair tonics. When the bark is soaked in water and rubbed, it produces a lather which cleanses the scalp very effectively. The active principle of the bark is saponin.

Ipil-ipil

Scientific name: Leucaena glauca L.;
Tagalog: Ipil-ipil

Small plant up to 8 m high; leaves alternate, twice compound, 15-25 cm, base of petiole enlarged; leaflets 9 to 18 pairs, 7 to 12 mm long, linear-oblong, unequilateral; flowering stalks axillary, 3.5 to 5 cm long; flowers in dense globule heads 2 to 3 cm in diameter, white; fruit a pod, strap-shaped, falttened, 12 to 18 cm long, 1 to 2 cm wide, papery, green turning brown and splits open along two edges when mature, several fruits develop from each flower head; seeds obovate, 5 to 8 mm long, 3 to 5 mm wide, shiny, brown.

Constituents:
Fat, 8.68%; crude fiber, 22.59%; nitrogen-free material other than fiber, 9.78%; nitrogen, 6.42%; sucrose; water, 14.8%; ash, 4.2%.

Uses:

Intestinal parasitism: ascaris and trichinosis.
Adults: 1 teasppon of powdered dried seeds, alone or mixed with condensed milk and followed by half a glass of water, taken as a single dose 2 hours after a meal; repeated after one week as needed.
Children: 7-8 years old: 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon; 9-12 years old: 1/2 to 2/3 teaspoon.
Adverse effects: Abdominal pain, diarrhea.

Recent Studies and Uses
R&D on seed gum for a pharmaceutical substitute for the imported guar gum used as a binder in tablet formulation. In 1996, ipil-ipil was found to be an excellent liquid excipient as a suspending and thickening agent.

Kaymito

Scientific name: Chrysophyllum cainito L.;
English: Star apple; Tagalog: Kaymito

Spreading crown, grows to a height of 15 meters with numerous slender branches. Young tips are copper-collored and covered with hairs. Leaves are leathery, pointed at the tip, blunt or rounded at the base and covered with silky, golden-brown soft hairs.

Medicinal properties
Tonic, refreshing, antihelminthic

Distribution
Cultivated for its edible fruit.

Parts used and preparation
Seeds, leaves, bark, fruit.

Medicinal uses:
Dysentery: Decoction of the bark.
Tonic: Infusion of the bark is tonic and refreshing.
Abscesses: Latex.
Antihelminthic: Dried latex.

Medicinal Plant of the Philippines

BALIMBING

Local names: Balimbing (Sul.); balimbing (Tag., Bik.); balingbing (Bik., C. Bis.); balimbin (Tag.); daligan (Ilk.); dalihan (Ibn.); galangan (P. Bis.); galuran (Ibn.); garahan (Bis.); garulan (Ibn.); malimbin (S. L. Bis.); sirinate (Ting.).

Balimbing occurs in a cultivated or semicultivated state throughout the Philippines. It was introduced from tropical America and is now pantropic in cultivation.

This plant is a small tree growing to a height of 6 meters or less. The leaves are pinnate, about 15 centimeters long. The leaflets are quite smooth. There are usually about 5 pairs of leaflets which are ovate to ovate-lanceolate, the upper ones about 5 centimeters long and the lower ones smaller. The panicles are small, axillary and somewhat bell-shaped 5 to 6 millimeters long. The calyx is reddish purple. The petals are purple to rather bright purple, often margined with white. The fruit is fleshy green or greenish yellow, and usually about 6 centimeters long, with 5 longitudinal, sharp, angular lobes. The seeds are arillate.

The fruit is fleshy, acid, green or greenish-yellow, and edible. It is eaten with or without salt rather extensively by Filipinos and the juice is often used for seasoning. As in kamias the juice is used in washing clothes and removes spot or stains. The fruit is made also into pickles and sweets. Burkill says that the flowers are used in salads in Java.

Analyses of the fruit show it to be a fairly good source of iron but deficient in calcium. Hermano and Sepulveda report that it is a fair source of vitamin B. Read adds the fruit also contains vitamin C. According to Correa, the fruit contains oxalic acid, and potassium oxalate. Sanyal and Ghose say that the seeds contain an alkaloid, harmaline (C13H14N2O).

According to Kamel, a decoction of the leaves is good for aphtha and angina. Crevost and Petelot say that in Tonkin the flowers are considered to have a vermifuge action. Burkill and Haniff record the crushed leaves or shoots are used by the Malays as an application for chicken-pox, ringworm, and headache. A decoction of the leaves and fruit is given to arrest vomiting. Menaut states that the leaves are applied in fevers.

Regnault reports that the Chinese and Annamites use the flowers against cutaneous affections.

The fruit is laxative, a refrigerant, and an antiscorbutic excites appetite, is a febrifuge and antidysenteric, and is a sialogogue and antiphlogistic. It is good

remedy for bleeding piles, particularly internal piles. The fruit is also given in fevers. The fruit will also benefit haematemesis, melaema, and some other forms of haemorrhage. It is given, in syrup, as a cooling drink in fevers in the Philippines. Safford states that eating the uncooked fruit causes hiccoughs. Regnault states that the Chinese and Annamites employ the fruit in the form of eye-salve against affections of the eyes.

Sanyal and Ghose report that the drug acts an as a stimulant to the reproductive organs in both male and the female. In the female it also increases the fluid of milk and the menstrual fluid. In large doses, it acts as an emmenagogue like ergot, and produces abortion. It is generally administered in the form of an infusion or decoction of the crushed seeds through it may also be given in the form of a tincture. Like Cannabis indica, it has slight intoxicating properties.

According to Dey, the seeds may be regarded as a narcotic, anodyne, emetic, and emmenagogue. The powder, in doses of ½ to 3 drams, is a good anodyne in asthma, colic, and jaundice, and the watery infusion id similarly useful.

BALABAT

Local names: Balabát (P. Bis.); ugsáng (Sul.)

Balabát is found near the sea, in thickets at low altitudes in Culion, in Balabac, and in the Calamianes Islands. It sometimes occurs also immediately back of the mangrove in brackish mud. It is now cultivated in Manila for ornamental purposes. It also occurs in the Malay Peninsula and Archipelago to the Mollucas.

The stems are stout, roughened with fallen leaf scars, clustered, 2 to 3 maters high, 5 to 10 centimeters in diameter. The leaves are about 1 meter across, deeply divided, 9- to 13-partite, and horizontally spreading fan shaped. The spadix is a axially, elongated, with the branches adnate to the orifice of the spathes, ultimately with many finely pubescent, densely flowered spikes. The flowers are sessile, placed in two rows or three, small and nearly oval shape. The calyx is suboval, divided at the middle into three rounded teeth. The corolla is a little longer than the calyx and is divided below the middle into three broad, lanceolate segments. The fruit is obovoid, and 5 to 8 millimeters long, pedicelled by the calyx tube; red when mature, and one-seeded. The seed is ovoid, with horny albumen on a transverse section, horseshoe-shaped.

According to Caius in Cambodia the bark is used in combination with other drugs for the treatment of tuberculosis with spitting of blood.

BANABA

Local names: Agaro (Sbl.); bugarom (S.L. Bis.); banaba (Tag., and many other dialects); duguam (S.L. Bis.); kauilan (P. Bis.); makablos (Pang.); mitla (Pamp.); nabulong (Neg.); pmalauagon (S.L. Bis.); pamarauagon (S.L. Bis.); parasabukung (sub.); tabañgau (Ibn., Neg.); tauagnau (Ibn.).

Banaba is found n the Batan Islands and northern Luzon to Palawan, Mindanao, and the Sulu Archipelago, in most or all island and provinces, chiefly in secondary forest at low and medium altitudes. It is also reported to occur in India to southern China and southward through Malaya to tropical Australia.

This is a dangerous tree growing from 5 to 20 meters n height. The bark is smooth, grey to cream-colored, and peel off in irregular flakes. The leaves are smooth, oblong to elliptic-ovate, and 12 to 25 centimeters long. The flowers are 6-parted, purplish lilac or mauve-pink, rarely pink 5 to 7.5 centimeters across, and borne in large, terminal panicles up to 40 centimeters in length. The petals are oblong-obovate or obovate, shortly clawed, and 3 to 3.5 centimeters long; the margins are shortly clawed, and 3 to 3.5 centimeters long; the margins are undulate and hardly fimbriate. The fruit is large capsule, obovoid or ellipsoid, and 2 to 3.5 centimeters long. The seed is pale brown, with a wing 12 to 18 millimeters long.

Banaba is cultivated in Manila for its beautiful flowers. It makes an excellent avenue tree and very effective when massed in parks. Banaba is also useful as a timber tree.

Burkill and Haniff report that the bark contains much tannin. Pasupati reports that the fruit (Burmese) contains 14.26 to 17.28 per cent of tannin; the leaves, 12.83 to 13.3 per cent; and the bark 10 per cent. In the Philippines, Garcia carried out chemical and pharmacological studies of the leaves and reports that the principle constituents consist of a large amount of tannin, a moderate amount of glucose, and a small amount, if any, of glucoside. He summarizes his result as follows:

Oral administration of the deduction of banaba with doses equivalent to 1 or 2 gm. of dried leaves per kg. Body weight reduces blood sugar from 16 to 49 mg. Of glucose per 100 cc. of blood in normal rabbits.

The blood sugar reduction caused by the decoction of banaba was relatively greater when the initial blood sugar was high than when the initial amount was low.

The absence of important plant constituents suggest that the hypoglycemic principle is probably a hormone occurring in plants similar to insulin occurring in animals. This hypoallergenic principle, however, is not glucokinin, for the plant extracts prepared by Collip, which he considered to contain glucokinin, produces a delayed hypoglycemic effect twenty-one hours or more after administration of the extract. In case of the decoction of banaba, the hypoglycemic effect was immediate, similar to that produced by subcutaneous injection of insulin.

In Dr. Garcia’s subsequent paper, he calls the hypoglycemic principle an “insulin-like principle.” He summarizes his result as follows:

The old leaves and ripe fruits are the parts of banaba that contain the greatest amount of an insulin-like principle. Twenty grams of old leaves or fruit, dried from one to two weeks, in the from of 100 cc. of 20 per cent decoction were found to have the activity equivalent to form 6 to 7.7 units of insulin in lowering blood sugar.

The mature leaves, young leaves, and flowers have an activity that range from 4.4 to 5.4 units of insulin per 100 cc. of 20 per cent decoction, or equivalent to around 70 per cent of the activity of the leaves or fruit.

The wood does not contain the insulin-like principle while the bark and roots contain a very small amount.

The insulin-like principle deteriorates or disappears in the different parts of banaba kept in the laboratory under ordinary conditions. The rate of deterioration for every 20 gms. of the dried parts of banaba per week is approximately 0.15 unit for fruit; 0/3 unit for old leaves; 0.58 unit for flowers; 0.6 unit for young leaves, and 0.9 unit for mature leaves.

In the Philippines, banaba is popular medicinal plant. A decoction of the leaves of all ages is used for diabetes mellitus. It is prepared and taken like tea. Some Filipino physicians believe that a decoction of the dried fruit is even better.

Kirtikar and Basu quote Dr. Stewart, who considers the bark stimulant and febrifuge. Burkill and Haniff state that a decoction of it is used in Pahang for abdominal pains. Heyne says that an infusion is taken to stop diarrhea. According to Duchesne a decoction of the roots is used against small ulcers of the mouth. He also considers a decoction of the leaves a deobstruent and diuretic. Grin writes that the bark, leaves, and flowers are given as a purgative. The seeds possess narcotic properties and are employed against aphthae.

BAYABAS

Local names: Bagabas (Ig.); bayabas (Ibn., Ilk., Tag., C. Bis.); bayauas (Bik.); bayabo (Ibn.); biabas (Sul.); gaiyabat (If.); gaiyabit (If.); geyabas (Bon.); guayabas (Tag.); gaiyabat (Ilk.); kalimbahin (Tag.); tayabas (Tag.); guava (Engl.).

Bayabas is found throughout the Philippines in all islands and provinces and is usually very common in thickets and secondary forest at low altitudes, ascending to at least 1, 500 meters. It was introduced from tropical America, and become thoroughly naturalized. It is pantropic in distribution.

This plant, which is somewhat hairy reaches a height of 8 meters. The young branches are 4-angled. The leaves are opposite, oblong to elliptic, and 5 to 12 centimeters long, the apex, being pointed and the base usually rounded. The peduncles are 1- to 3-flowered. The flowers are white, 3 to 3.5 centimeters across, solitary or two to three together. The fruit is rounded, ovoid or obovoid, 4 to 9 centimeters long, and green, but yellowish when ripe, and contains many seeds embedded in aromatic, pink, edible pulp.

Bayabas is one of the commonest and the best known fruits in the Philippines. A wild tree, it grows abundantly in settled areas. The fruit is a favorite with the Filipinos and is extensively used in the manufacture of jellies owing to the presence of a considerable amount of pectin. The ripe fruit is eaten as a vegetable and used as seasoning for “singigang”, etc.

Wehmer records that the leaves contain fixed oil 6 per cent, and volatile oil 0.365 per cent. The essential oil contains eugenol, mallic acid, and tannin 8 to 15 per cent. The fruit contains “glykosen” 4.14 to 4.3 per cent, saccharose 1.62 to 3.4 per cent, protein 0.3 per cent, etc.; and the ash yields 75 per cent of CaCO3. The bark contains 12 to 30 per cent of tannin. The roots are also rich in tannin.

The roots are official in the Mexican (1-4) pharmacopoeia; and the leaves in the Dutch (4) and Mexican (1-4) Pharmacopoeias.

In the Philippines the astringent, unripe fruit, the leaves, the cortex of the bark and roots – through more often the leaves only – in the form of a decoction, are used for washing ulcers and wounds. Guerrero states that the bark and leaves are astringent, vulnerary, and when decocted, antidiarhetic.

Sanyal and Ghose states that the bark is used in the chronic diarrhea of children and sometimes adults; half an ounce of the bark is boiled down with six

ounces of water to 3 ounces; the dose (for children) is one teaspoonful 3 to 4 times a day. Dey says that the root-bark has been recommended for chronic diarrhea. In a decoction of ½ oz. in 6 oz. of water, boiled down to 3 oz. and given in teaspoonful doses; and also recommended as a local application in prolapsus and of children. Nadkarni states that a decoction of the root-bark is recommended as a mouthwash for swollen gums.

Kirtikar and Basu say that the leaves, when chewed, are said to be remedy for toothache. Martinez states that the decocted leaves are used in Mexico for cleansing ulcers. Nadkarni reports that the ground leaves make an excellent poultice. Dymock, Warden, and Hooper quote Descourtliz, who places this plant among the aromatic antispasmodics; a decoction of the young leaves and shoots is prescribed in the West Indies for febrifuge and antispasmodic baths, and an infusion of the leaves for cerebral affections, nephritis, and cachexia; the pounded leaves are applied locally for rheumatism; an extract is used for epilepsy and chorea; and the tincture is rubbed into the spine of children suffering from convulsions. Dymock, Warden, and Hooper and Rodriguez mention that the leaves have also been used successfully as an astringent in diarrhea. Standley states that in Mexico the leaves are said to be a remedy for itches. Rodriguez writes that in Uruguay, a decoction of the leaves is used as a vaginal and uterine wash, especially in leucorrhoea.

In Costa Rica, according to Pittier, a decoction of the flower buds is considered an effective remedy for diarrhea and flow of blood. Sanyal and Ghose report that the fruit is astringent and has a tendency to cause constipation. Martinez says that the fruit is anthelmintic in Mexico. Nadkarni states that guava jelly is tonic to the heart and good for constipation. The ripe fruit is good aperient, and should be eaten with the skin, for without it, costiveness results. The unripe fruit is said to be indigestible, causing vomiting and feverishness, but it is sometimes employed in diarrhea. Water in which the fruit is soaked is good for diabetes.