1.AKAPULKO / ACAPULCO (CASSIA ALATA)

Akapulko or Acapulco in English is a shrub found throughout the Philippines. It is known under various names in different regions in the country. Locals call the plant katanda, andadasi, and palochina in Tagalog, Ilocos and in the Visayas regions, respectively. The shrub belongs to the family ofLeguminosae, and grows about one to two meters tall. It has thick branches and the leaves are embraced with 8 to 20 leaflets that are oblong-elliptical in shape. The flowers of the Akapulko have oblong sepals, and its fruits are tetragonal, which are also winged and glabrous. A medicinal herb that contains chrysophanic acid, a fungicide used to treat fungal infections, like ringworms, scabies, and eczema. Akapulko also contains saponin, a laxative that is useful in expelling intestinal parasites.

The primary part used for herbal purposes are the leaves, although the roots and flowers are also used for certain preparations with medicinal value. The extracts from the Akapulko plant is commonly used as an ingredient for lotions, soaps, and shampoos.

BENEFITS & TREATMENT OF AKAPULKO 

EXTERNAL USE Treatment of skin diseases: Tinea infections, insect bites, ringworms, eczema, scabies and itchiness. Mouthwash in stomatitis

INTERNAL USE Expectorant for bronchitis and dyspnoea Alleviation of asthma symptoms Used as diuretic and purgative For cough & fever As a laxative to expel intestinal parasites and other stomach problems.

Note: A strong decoction of Akapulko leaves is an abortifacient. Pregnant women should not take decoction of the leaves or any part of this plant.

PREPARATION & USE 

For external use, pound the leaves of the Akapulko plant, squeeze the juice and apply on affected areas.

As the expectorant for bronchitis and dyspnoea, drink decoction (soak and boil for 10 to 15 minutes) of Akapulko leaves. The same preparation may be used as a mouthwash, stringent, and wash for eczema.

As laxative, cut the plant parts (roots, flowers, and the leaves) into a manageable size then prepare a decoction Note: The decoction loses its potency if not used for a long time. Dispose leftovers after one day.

The pounded leaves of Akapulko has purgative functions, specifically against ringworms.

It should be noted that the pounded leaves of this plant may be applied thinly on the affected part twice a day. Marked improvement may be expected after two to three weeks of continuous application to the affected area(s) where the prepared Akapulko leaves were applied.

2.AMPALAYA (MOMORDICA CHARANTIA)

Ampalaya (Bitter Melon) with a scientific name Momordica charantia, is a climbing vine and the tendrils of which grow up to 20 centimeters long. This herbal plant belongs to the family of Cucurbitaceae, and it is a tropical as well as a subtropical vine. Ampalaya leaves are heart-shaped, which are 5 to 10 centimeters in diameter. The fruits of the ampalaya vine are fleshy green with pointed ends at length. It can never be mistaken for any other variety because its ribbed and wrinkled surface had always

been ampalaya’s distinct physical structure. The bitter taste of the ampalaya fruit had also been the distinguishing factor from the rest of the fruits with medicinal value, and this is due to the presence of a substance known as momorcidin.

Ampalaya has been a folkloric cure for generations but has now been proven to be an effective herbal medicine for many aliments. Most significant of which is for Diabetes. The Philippine variety has proven to be most potent. Ampalaya contains a mixture of flavanoids and alkaloids make the Pancreas produce more insulin that controls the blood sugar in diabetics. Aside from Ampalaya's medicinal value, it is good source of vitamins A, B and C, iron, folic acid, phosphorous and calcium.

Ampalaya has been for used even by the Chinese for centuries. The effectively of Ampalaya as an herbal medicine has been tried and tested by many research clinics and laboratories worldwide. In the Philippines, the Department of Health has endorsed Ampalaya as an alternative medicine to help alleviate various ailments including diabetes, liver problems and even HIV. Aside from these, ampalaya also helps treat skin diseases and cough. Its herbal value extends to increasing the sterility of women, in parasiticide, antipyretic, and has purgative functions, as well. Note: In large dozes, pure Ampalaya juice can be a purgative and abortifacient..

HERBAL BENEFITS OF AMPALAYA Good for rheumatism and gout

And diseases of the spleen and liver Aids in lowering blood sugar levels Helps in lowering blood pressure

Relives headaches Disinfects and heals wounds & burns  Can be used as a cough & fever remedy Treatment of intestinal worms, diarrhea  Helps prevent some types of cancer Enhances immune system to fight infection For treatment of hemorrhoids Is an antioxidant and parasiticide Is antibacterial and antipyretic

PREPARATION & USE OF AMPALAYA For coughs, fever, worms, diarrhea, diabetes, juice Ampalaya leaves and drink a

spoonful daily. For other ailments, the fruit and leaves can both be juiced and taken orally. For headaches wounds, burns and skin diseases, apply warmed leaves to afflicted

area.Powdered leaves, and the root decoction, may be used as stringent and applied to treat hemorrhoids.

Internal parasites are proven to be expelled when the ampalaya juice, made from its leaves, is extracted. The ampalaya juice, and grounded seeds is to be taken one spoonful thrice a day, which also treats diarrhea, dysentery, and chronic colitis.

3. Bawang, Bauang | Garlic (Allium sativum)

Bawang or Garlic with scientific name Allium sativum, is a low herb, which only grows up to sixty centimeters high. Its leaves are flat and linear, with bulbs that consist of several tubers. This herb is one of the most widely used herbal medicines in the Philippines and can also be found commonly in the kitchen of Filipino households as it is used to spice up food preparations. The Philippine bawang or garlic variety is more pungent than the imported ones. Its medicinal properties have been known for a long time and have been especially proven during World War II

when it was used to treat wounds and infections of soldiers. Garlic’s antibacterial compound known as allicin, saved many lives of the soldiers as this property prevented the wounds from being infected and developing into gangrene at a later stage by extracting the juice of bawang or garlic and applying to the wounds.

Bawang, sometimes spelled as bauang or in English, garlic is known as nature's antibiotic. Its juices inhibit the growth of fungi and viruses thus, prevent viral, yeast, and infections. The preliminary test conducted on this medicinal herb showed some positive results in the treatment of AIDS. Several clinical tests that followed and published studies have shown the efficacy of garlic in lowering cholesterol in the blood and is beneficial to the circulatory system of the body. Today, as more research is done on garlic, more

medicinal and therapeutic properties become more evident. As of the present time, lowering of the blood pressure, reduction of platelet aggregation, and the boosting of fibrinolytic activities are among the list of herbal functions of garlic, which is supported by medical findings. Although more clinical studies are needed to support the contention stronger, marked improvements in benign breast diseases have been traced to make progress because of the regular intake of supplements, of which the primary ingredient is garlic.

Although controlled trials in terms of anti-cancer activities of garlic have been performed in medical research, it has been proven through population-based studies that substances contain in garlic help in reducing the risk of some types of cancer. These would include colorectal malignancies, and gastric cancer. Regular consumption of raw garlic has been proven to aid in many bleeding cases, especially those cases that are associated with procedures in surgeries and dental activities. All these considered, it appears that garlic have no concrete scientific basis to claim a significant effect in the level of glucose in our blood. It is remarkable to note though that the Philippine Department of Health has endorsed garlic as one of the top ten Philippine herbs with therapeutic value and the department recommends its use as an alternative herbal medicine in view of the positive results of thorough research and testing, which had been conducted on this herbal plant. Juice extracted from garlic bulbs can be used as tick and mosquito repellant when applied to skin.

Bad breath, due to the strong odor of garlic, is the most common side effect

of taking this herb. Fresh garlic applications to the skin have been reported to cause skin burns and rashes. This goes true both for those who are in the initial stages of their garlic therapies, and those who consume it as an ingredient in food preparations.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF BAWANG-GARLIC 

Good for the heart Helps lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL) Aids in lowering blood pressure Remedy for arteriosclerosis May help prevent certain types of cancer Boosts immune system to fight infection

With antioxidant & antibacterial properties Cough and cold remedy Relives sore throat Aids in the treatment of tuberculosis Helps relieve rheumatism pain Relief of toothaches Kills skin fungus i.e. athlete’s foot With anticoagulant properties

PREPARATION OF BAWANG-GARLIC For disinfecting wound, crush and juice the garlic bulb and apply. You may cover the

afflicted area with a gauze and bandage. For sore throat, peal the skin and chew for several minutes. Swallow the juice. For toothaches, crush then bite garlic. For athlete’s foot, soak feet in salty water then apply garlic juice. Do this 3X day for a

week. Cloves of garlic may be crushed and applied to affected areas to reduce the pain

caused by arthritis, toothache, headache, and rheumatism. Decoction of the bawang bulbs and leaves are used as treatment for fever.

For nasal congestion, steam and inhale: vinegar, chopped garlic, and water.

Aside from being an alternative herbal medicine for hypertension, arteriosclerosis and other ailments, garlic is also recommended for maintaining good health - eat raw garlic bulbs if you can, and include bawang regularly in the food you eat. Garlic is healthy and taste good on a variety of dishes.

4.Bayabas or Guava (Psidium guajava)

Bayabas or guava is a tropical plant, which is locally known for its edible fruit. In the backyards of Filipino homes in the country, this plant is commonly seen, and grown because of its many uses as fruit and as traditional remedy to treat various ailments. As shown by many research studies, almost all of the parts of this plant have medicinal qualities and value, and

thus, making it as one of the most popular therapeutic plants in the Philippines. Bayabas is a small tree that can grow up to 3 meters tall with greenish-brownish smooth bark. The round globular bayabas fruit starts as a flower and is usually harvested and eaten while still green. The fruit turns yellowish-green and soft when ripe.

The bayabas fruit bark and leaves are used as herbal medicine. Its leaves decoction is recognized for its effectiveness to cure several ailments, including the treatment of uterine hemorrhage, swollenness of the legs and other parts of the body, of chronic diarrhea, and gastroenteritis, among others. The most common use of the leaves is for cleaning and disinfecting wounds by rinsing the afflicted area with a decoction of the leaves. In the same way, such leaves are being used to aid in the treatment of dysentery and the inflammation of the kidneys. The bark and leaves can be used as astringent. It can also be used as a wash for uterine and vaginal problems, and is good for ulcers. The medicinal uses of Bayabas appear infinite, as it is also a suggested natural cure for fevers, diabetes, epilepsy, worms, and spasms. The fruit, aside from being delicious, contains nutritional values with a very high concentration of vitamin A and vitamin C.

USES OF BAYABAS 

Antiseptic, astringent & anthelminthic  Kills bacteria, fungi and ameba Used to treat diarrhea, nosebleeding For Hypertension, diabetes and Asthma Promotes menstruation

The fresh leaves are used to facilitate the healing of wounds and cuts. A decoction (boiling in water) or infusion of fresh leaves can be used for wound cleaning to prevent infection. Bayabas is also effective for toothaches. Note: Bayabas can cause constipation when consumed in excess.

PREPARATION 

Boil one cup of Bayabas leaves in three cups of water for 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool. 

Use decoction as mouthwash, gargle. Use as wound disinfectant - wash affected areas with the decoction of leaves 2 to

3 times a day. Fresh leaves may be applied to the wound directly for faster healing.

For toothaches, chew the leaves in your mouth. For diarrhea, boil the chopped leaves for 15 minutes in water, and strain. Let cool,

and drink a cup every three to four hours. To stop nosebleed, densely roll Bayabas leaves, then place in the nostril cavities.

5.Lagundi (Vitex negundo)

Lagundi (scientific name: Vitex negundo) is a shrub that grows in the Philippines. It is one of the ten herbal medicines endorsed by the Philippine Department of Health as an effective herbal medicine with proven therapeutic value. Commonly known in the Ilocos region as dangla, lagundi has been clinically tested to be effective in the treatment of colds, flu, bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, and pharyngitis. Studies have shown that Lagundi can prevent the body's production of leukotrienes, which are released during an asthma attack. Lagundi contains Chrysoplenol D, a substance with anti-histamine and muscle relaxant properties. Even in Japan, lagundi is becoming recognized as an effective herbal medicine, especially since researches have shown that it contains properties that make it an expectorant and it has been reported to function as a tonic as well. More than that, most of the parts of the lagundi plant have medicinal value.

The roots of this shrub are also used as treatment for rheumatism, dyspepsia, boils, and leprosy. The leaves, flowers, seeds, and root of Lagundi can all be used as herbal medicine. A decoction is made by boiling the parts of the plant and taken orally. Today, Lagundi is available in capsule form and syrup for cough. For its part, the flowers are recommended as a cardiac tonic, as cure for liver diseases, and other internal disorders such as diarrhea and cholera. The lagundi plant also has anti-inflammatory functions, and its cooling effects are ideal as treatment for skin diseases such as leprosy. Plant Description: The Lagundi plant can grow up to five meters tall. It can be described as a cross between a shrub and a tree with a single woody stem (trunk). One of Lagundi's distinctive features is its pointed leaves with five leaflets set like a hand.

Lagundi tablets (300 mg) are available from the Department of Health's Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC) 

HERBAL BENEFITS OF LAGUNDI Relief of asthma & pharyngitis Recommended relief of rheumatism, dyspepsia, boils, diarrhea  Treatment of cough, colds, fever and flu and other bronchopulmonary disorders Alleviate symptoms of Chicken Pox  Removal of worms, and boils

PREPARATION & USE Boil half cup of chopped fresh or dried leaves in 2 cups of water for 10 to 15

minutes. Drink half cup three times a day. For skin diseases or disorders, apply the decoction of leaves and roots directly on

skin.  The root is specially good for treating dyspepsia, worms, boils, colic and

rheumatism.

A decoction (boiling in water) of the roots and leaves of Lagundi are applied to wounds, and used as aromatic baths for skin diseases. Boiled seeds are eaten in order to prevent the spreading of toxins and venom from bites of poisonous animals. Juice extracted from the flowers of Lagundi plant is taken in as an aid for disorders like fever, diarrhea, liver disorders, and even cholera. While a decoction of the plant leaves is suggested to be taken by individuals to help increase the flow and production of milk, as well as to induce menstruation.

6.Niyog-niyogan

Niog-niogan is a large climbing, woody shrub reaching a length of 2 to 8 meters. Brown hairs give the younger parts a rusty appearance. Leaves are oblong to elliptic, opposite, 7 to 15 cm long, rounded at the base and pointed at the tip. Flowers are fragrant, tubular, showy, first white, then becoming red, reddish-purple or orange, exhibiting the range of colors in clusters, on the same

flower stalk. Fruit is narrowly ellipsoid, 2.5 to 3 cm long, with five, sharp, longitudinal angles or wings; the taste resembling coconuts. Seeds are pentagonal and black.

DistributionIn thickets and secondary forests, throughout the Philippines.Ornamentally planted for its flowers.

Parts utilizedSeeds (dried nuts) and leaves.

ConstituentsPlant yields a fatty oil, 15%; gum; resin.The nut yields 12.96 percent moisture; a yellow oil, 28.37 percent of the original nut.Studies yield quisqualic acid, quisqualin A.An analysis of the seed reported the presence of oleic and palmitic acids in the oil, in addition to sitosterol, and an acetyl derivative from the saponifable matter.

PropertiesOil from the seeds are purgative.Considered anthelmintic, antiinflammatory.Study on ascariasis reported the plant to possess anthelmintic properties.Excessive dosing reported to cause hiccups.Fruit is considered tonic and astringent.

Uses Nutrient  Flowers are edible.  Folkloric   Anthelmintic: Dried seeds preferable for deworming.o Adults: Dried nuts-chew 8 to 10 small- to medium-sized dried nuts two hours

after a meal, as a single dose, followed by a half glass of water. If fresh nuts are used, chew only 4-5 nuts. Hiccups occur more frequently with the use of fresh nuts. 

o Children 3-5 years old: 4-5 dried nuts; 6 - 8 years old: 5-6 dried nuts; 9-12 years old: 6-7 dried nuts

Caution:   Adverse reactions - diarrhea, abdominal pain, distention and hiccups more likely if nuts are eaten in consecutive days or when fresh nuts are eaten.o Roasted seeds for diarrhea and fever.o Plant used as a cough cure.o Leaves applied to the head to relieve headaches. o Pounded leaves externally for skin diseases.o Decoction of boiled leaves used for dysuria.o Ifugao migrants use it for headache.o Ripe seeds roasted and used for diarrhea and fever.o In Thailand, seeds used as anthelmintic; flowers for diarrhea.o In India and Ambonia, leaves used in a compound decoction to relieve flatulent

distention of the abdomen. Leaves and fruits are reported to be anthelmintic; also used for nephritis.

o In India and the Moluccas, seeds are given with honey as electuary for the expulsion of entozoa in children.

o In Indo-China, seeds are used as anthelmintic and for rickets in children.o The Chinese and Annamites reported to use the seeds as vermifuge. In China,

seeds are also used for diarrhea and leucorrheal discharges of children. Seeds macerated in oil are applied to parasitic skin diseases.

o In Bangladesh, used for diarrhea, fever, boils, ulcers and helminthiasis.

Studies

Polyphenols / Antioxidant: Flower extract yielded high polyphenol contents and showed strong antioxidant acitivity. 

Anti-Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor: Acetylcholine is one of the most important neurotransmitters in the central or peripheral nervous system. The methanolic extract of Q indica flower dose-dependently inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity. 

Fixed Oil Storage Effect: Study showed one year storage does not significantly affect the physical constants of the fixed oil.

Larvicidal Activity: In a study screening 11 plant species of local flora against the IV instar larvae of Aedes aegypti, Quisqualis indica was one of the plants that showed some larvicidal activity against Ae aegypti, albeit, at comparatively higher doses.

7.Sambong (Blumea balsamifera L.)

Sambong (scientific name: Blumea balsamifera) is an amazing medicinal plant. Coming from the family of Compositae, it goes by several names locally. It is known in the Visayas as bukadkad and as subsob in Ilocos. The plant is a strongly aromatic herb that grows tall and erect. Its height ranges from 1.5 to 3 meters, with stems that grow for up to 2.5 centimeters. It is an anti-urolithiasis and work as a diuretic. It is used to aid the treatment of kidney disorders. The Sambong leaves can also

be used to treat colds and mild hypertension. Since it is a diuretic, this herbal medicine helps dispose of excess water and sodium (salt) in the body.

Sambong is one herbal medicine (of ten) approved by the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) as an alternative medicine in treating particular disorders. This plant possesses a multitude of properties that make it worthy of the DOH approval. It functions as an astringent and as an expectorant, and has been found to be anti-diarrhea and anti-spasm. As an astringent, preparations made of sambong leaves may be used for wounds and cuts. It is also suggested to be incorporated to post-partum baths, as well as considerable immersion of particular body areas that are afflicted with pains caused by rheumatism. Its expectorant properties make it as a popular recommendation to be taken in as tea to treat colds.

Powdered Sambong leaves are available in 250 mg tablets at the DOH's Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC)

HEALTH BENEFITS OF SAMBONG Good as a diuretic agent Effective in the dissolving kidney stones Aids in treating hypertension & rheumatism Treatment of colds & fever Anti-diarrheic properties Anti-gastralgic properties Helps remove worms, boils Relief of stomach pains Treats dysentery, sore throat

PREPARATION & USE A decoction (boil in water) of Sambong leaves as like tea and drink a glass 3 or 4

times a day. The leaves can also be crushed or pounded and mixed with coconut oil. For headaches, apply crushed and pounded leaves on forehead and temples. Decoction of leaves is used as sponge bath. Decoction of the roots, on the other hand, is to be taken in as cure for fever.

8. Tsaang Gubat or Wild Tea (Ehretia microphylla Lam.)

Tsaang Gubat is one of the 10 herbs that is endorsed the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) as an antispasmodic for abdominal (stomach) pains. And is registered as a herbal medicine at the Philippine Bureau of Food & Drug (BFAD).

Tsaang Gubat is a shrub (small tree) that grows (from 1 to 5 meters) abundantly in the Philippines. In folkloric medicine, the leaves has been used as a disinfectant wash during child birth, as cure for diarrhea, as tea for general good heath and because Tsaang Gubat has high fluoride content, it is used as a mouth gargle for preventing tooth decay. Research and test now prove it's efficacy as an herbal medicine. Aside from the traditional way of taking Tsaag Gubat, it is now

available commercially in capsules, tablets and tea bags.

Tsaang Gubat is also knows as: Wild Tea, Forest Tea, Alibungog (Visayas Region), Putputai (Bicol Region) and Maragued (Ilocos Region). Scientific name: Ehretia Microphylla Lam.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF TSAANG GUBAT• Stomach pains• Gastroenteritis• Intestinal motility• Dysentery• Diarrhea or Loose Bowel Movement (LBM)• Mouth gargle• Body cleanser/wash

PREPARATION & USE • Thoroughly wash the leaves of tsaang gubat in running water. Chop to a desirable size and boil 1 cup of chopped leaves in 2 cups of water. Boil in low heat for 15 to 20 minutes and drain.• Take a cupful every 4 hours for diarrhea, gastroenteritis and stomach pains.• Gargle for stronger teeth and prevent cavities.• Drink as tea daily for general good health.

9. Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii)

Yerba Buena is an herb of the mint family. It is an aromatic plant used as herbal medicine worldwide. This perennial plant’s growth ranges from 0.6 meters to 1 meter. It has elongated leaves and in summers, it bears small whitish or purplish flowers. Such flowers possess both male and female organs that allow it to be

pollinated by bees and animals of the same nature. The word Yerba Buena is Spanish for "good herb" and was the former name of the California city of San Francisco.

Before its medicinal value has been recognized, Yerba Buena was first used as an ingredient in numerous cuisines. It became popular because of its distinctively strong spearmint flavor, thus making it ideal for salads. The leaves are the source of this flavor, and they may be added to viands and meals, either raw or cooked. It has also been effective to drive away rats and other rodents, because of its strong smell of mint that it emits. Thus, besides its medicinal value, it has long been recognized to have strong commercial demand due to the variety of uses that the plant have.

Yerba Buena has been consumed for centuries as tea and herbal medicine as a pain reliever (analgesic). Native American Indians used it even before the "white men" colonized the Americas. Today, this folk medicine's efficacy has been validated by scientific research. In the Philippines, Yerba Buena is one of the 10 herbs endorsed by the Department of Health (DOH) as an effective alternative medicine for aches and pains. It has been recognized for its antiseptic, anti-cancer, diuretic, anti-spasm, anti-emetic activities. Properties of this herbal plant are also found to function as stimulant and to have restorative effects.

As an herbal medicine, a decoction (boil leaves then strain) of Yerba Buena is effective for minor ailments such as headaches, toothaches, and joint pains. It can also relive stomachaches due to gas buildup and indigestion. The fresh and dried leaves can both be used for the decoction. And because Yerba Buena belongs to the mint family, soaking fresh leaves in a glass of water (30 to 45 minutes) makes a good and effective mouth wash for a clean, fresh smelling breath.

YERBA BUENA MAY BE USED TO TREAT Arthritis Head aches Tooth aches Mouth wash Relief of intestinal gas Stomach aches Indigestion Drink as tea for general good health.

PREPARATION & USE 

Wash fresh Yerba Buena leaves in running water. Chop to size for dried leaves, crush) and boil 2 teaspoons of leaves in a glass of water. Boil in medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes.

As analgesic, take a cupful every 3 hours. For tooth aches, pound the fresh leaves, squeeze juice out and apply on a cotton

ball then bite on to the aching tooth.

Yerba buena leaves may be heated over fire and placed over the forehead for headaches.

Stems of Yerba Buena may be crushed and applied directly to bruises. Folkloric use include poultice preparation and the oil extracts from its stems are suggested to be a remedy for cancerous tumors. Caution should be observed in taking this herbal medicine as it can be toxic in large doses.

10. Ulasimang Bato (Peperomia pellucida)

What Is Pansit-Pansitan Herbal Medicine

Scientific Name: Peperomia pellucida Linn.

Pansit-pansitan is also knows as:Pansit-pansitan, Ulasimang bato, Clear weed, Shiny bush, Silver bush, Cao hu jiao

Pansit-pansitan (Peperomia pellucida Linn) is a common fleshy shallow rooted herb that grows to about 15 to 45 cm in height in damp and lightly shaded areas. Pansit-pansitan has been used as food item as well as a medicinal herb for its analgesic, anti-arthritic, diuretic activity. The entire plant is edible both cooked or raw.

Pansit-pansitan plant can grow wild but also grown as ornamental foliage. Pansit-pansitan is characterized by its shiny heart shaped leaves about 4 cm in length, growing from an erect translucent green stalks. Pansit-pansitan has tiny dot-like flowers that grow from erect and slender green spikes that turn brown when matured. The fruits are also very small, round to oblong, ridged, first green later black. Tiny seeds drop off that grows easily in groups.

Pansit-Pansitan, Health Benefits And Uses

Pansit-pansitan is used as an herbal medicine for the treatment of:

Eye inflammation, Sore throat, Diarrhea, Prostate problems High blood pressure Arthritis Gout Skin boils, Wounds, Burns, Skin inflammation, abscesses, pimples, Headache Fever, Abdominal pains Renal problems Mental excitement disorder .

Pansit-Pansitan Benefits Supported By Scientific Study

Analgesic / Anti-inflammatory action of Pansit-pansitan

Pansit-pansitan has been traditionally used to treat fever, cough, common cold, headache and arthritis. In a study of aerial parts of peperomia extract in mice indicated that that it exhibited anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. The anti-inflammatory activity was attributed to interference with prostaglandin synthesis. In another study done on rabbits, pansit-pansitan extract exhibited an anti-pyretic activity which indicates that it is comparable to standard aspirin. (ref)

Anti-cancer Activity of Pansit-pansitan

A study have isolated compounds in P.Pellucida that has inhibitory actions against growth of some cancer cells. This shows its potential as an anti-cancer supplement. (ref)

Antioxidant activity of Pansit-pansitan

In a study done on P.Pellucida extract, it has shown that it has a strong scavenging activity against free radicals suggesting that pansit-pansitan is a good natural anti-oxidant (ref)

Anti-bacterial activity of Pansit-pansitan

A study has isolated a compound called patuloside A, a xanthone glycoside from P. pellucida that is found to have broad spectrum antibacterial activity (ref)

Anti-arthritic Activity of Pansit-pansitan

A study have shown that extracts from pansit-pansitan combined with ibuprofen treatment has significantly improved the symptoms associated with arthritis. Particularly that of knee joint rheumatism.(ref)

Uric Acid reduction in blood

In a controlled study involving rats, extracts from P. pellucida were administered and uric acid levels were monitored. The study have shown that rats that were subjected to pansit-pansitan extract indicated a 44% reduction of uric acid level in blood while those that are given allopurinol drug have shown 66% reduction in uric acid level. This results show that pansit-pansitan may contain compounds that maybe used as alternative to allopurinol to control uric acid levels in the blood. (ref)

Depressant activity of Pansit-pansitan

In a study done in Bangladesh, mice were given nikethamide to induce excitement. The mice were later administered with extracts from pepperomia pellucida to determine its depressant activity. The results of the study suggest that pansit-pansitan extract has a dose dependent depressant activity that is beneficial for treatment of excessive mental excitement.disorder. (ref)

Pansit-Pansitan Herb Availability, Dosage, Preparation

Pepperomia Pellucida or pansit-pansitan grows wild in nooks and corners in damp lightly shaded areas. The whole plant can be harvested fresh, eaten raw as in salad ingredient or cooked with other vegetables and meat

Pansit-pansitan juice can be prepared by collecting stems and leaves mixed with boiled water or formed into poultice to be applied topically over skin wounds and inflammation.

Pansit-Pansitan Herb Side Effects And Warning

Pepperomia Pellucida or pansit-pansitan use has no reported side effects. In a study done on pansit-pansitan extract overdose in mice, it was suggestive of a moderately wide margin of safety of the plant

Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation Candelaria Inc.Candelaria, Quezon

COLLEGE OF NURSING&

ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES

Submitted by:KIM B. LLADA

BSN – IV

Submitted To: MR. ARVIN G. ZARSUELO R.N.

Clinical Instructor

NOVEMBER 23, 2011

1. Akapulko (Cassia alata) 2. Ampalaya (Momordica charantia)3. Bawang (Allium sativum)4. Bayabas (Psidium guajava)5. Lagundi (Vitex negundo)6. Niyog-niyogan (Quisqualis indica L.)7. Sambong (Blumea balsamifera)8. Tsaang Gubat (Ehretia microphylla Lam9. Ulasimang Bato (Peperomia pellucid)10. Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii)