Universidad de Zamboanga – Pagadian Campus

Zone 4, Barangay Tiguma, Pagadian City

7016 Pagadian City, Phlippines

Pharmaceutical Botany with

Taxonomy
(BABY PLANTS)

SUBMITTED BY:
JULMAYLYN T. TUGAS JANNAH MAEGAN L. PACURA
RAHILAH L. SINSUAT CHESKA JADE M. HISOLER
SHEHANNA M. ALAD MARINELLE J. ARNOZA

NICHOLE S. GALA

SUBMITTED TO:
MR. AZIZ T. INSANI, RPH, MPA
BABY PLANTS

HERBAL MEDICINES IN THE PHILIPPINES

As part of Primary Health Care and because of the increasing use of locally available
medicinal plants has been advocated by the Department of Health.
Many local plants and herbs in the Philippines backyard and field have been found to be
effective in the treatment of common ailments as attested by the National Science
Development Board, other government and private agencies/persons engaged in
research.
Herbal Medicine is defined as the use of natural herbs and plants for the or prevention
of diseases, disorders and for the promotion of good health.
LEGAL BASIS
Republic Act 8423: "Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA) of 1997."
An act creating the Philippine Institute of traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC)
to accelerate the development of traditional and alternative health care in the Philippines,
providing for a traditional and alternative health care development fund and for other
purposes
To improve the quality and delivery of health care services to the Filipino people through
the development of traditional and alternative health care and its integration into the
national health care delivery system.
OBJECTIVES
(a) To encourage scientific research on and develop traditional and alternative health
systems that has direct impact on public health care
(b) To promote and advocate the use of traditional, alternative, preventive and curative
health care modalities that has been proven safe, effective, cost effective and consistent
with government standards on medical practice
(c) To develop and coordinate skills training courses for various forms of traditional and
alternative health care modalities;
(d) To formulate standards, guidelines and codes of ethical practice appropriate for the
practice of traditional and alternative health care as well as in the manufacture, quality
control and marketing of different traditional and alternative health care materials, natural
and organic products, for approval and adoption by the appropriate government agencies
(e) To formulate policies for the protection of indigenous and natural health resources and
technology from unwarranted exploitation, for approval an adoption by the appropriate
government agencies
(f) To formulate policies to strengthen the role of traditional and alternative health care
delivery system
(g) To promote traditional and alternative health care in international and national
conventions, seminars and meetings
How to make Decoction
A decoction is an herbal preparation similar to an herbal infusion except that it is more
potent in its strength and therapeutic properties.
Preparation of decoction
Once the herb is soaked in warm water for some time, slowly raise the level of the water
to a height of about 3 cm, just above the top layer of herbs. Start boiling the mix over a
strong flame of fire and bring the mixture to boiling point. When the water starts boiling,
reduce the heat so that water temperature is reduced. Stew the mixture for about 45
minutes while constantly stirring the contents. Once the boiling is over, strain the mix to
prepare fine looking decoction.
BABY PLANTS

Tips on preparing herbal decoctions

➢ Making a good decoction takes some time and patience, and it also requires
techniques of considerable experience. Make sure that you seek an expert
herbalist's opinions and advice before trying out this process.
➢ If possible, use the same herbs again the second time round so that you are
extracting the full contents of the herb. Never overcook the herbs because you
may loose the precious therapeutic properties of the herb.
➢ Burnt herbs are not be used for decoction purpose because they have insignificant
therapeutic values in them.
➢ Herbal decoctions are excellent potions for treating many diseases and illnesses
of ordinary nature. With careful planning and by ensuring a hygienic process, you
can make a good herbal decoction that is not only beneficial to your body but also
extremely therapeutic in value.

10 HERBAL PLANTS APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

(B-A-B-Y P-L-A-N-T-S)

1.) BAYABAS (Psidium Guajava)

➢ Guava in English
➢ Is a small tree that can grow up to 4-5 meters high 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.
➢ Is a plant, which is locally known for its edible fruit; common in backyards;
propagation by seeds, budding, grafting, and marcotting; Root cuttings have
been tried with success.
➢ 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.
➢ 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.
BABY PLANTS

USES and PREPARATIONS :

(G-A-D)

❖ Gargle and relieve toothache

✓ Warm decoction is used for gargle.
✓ Freshly pounded leaves are used for toothache. Guava leaves are to be
washed well and chopped. Boil for 15 minutes at low fire. Do not cover pot.
Cool and strain before use.
❖ Antiseptic (washing wounds)
✓ 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.
✓ 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.
❖ Diarrhea
✓ Boil the chopped leaves for 15 minutes in water, and strain. Let cool, and
drink a cup every three to four hours.
✓ May be taken 3-4 twice a week .

2.) AKAPULKO (Cassia Alata)

➢ Also known as Bayabas-Bayabasan in Tagalog and Ringworm Bush in

English
➢ The shrub belongs to the family of Leguminosae, 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 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.
➢ 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.
➢ A strong decoction of Akapulko leaves is an abortifacient. Pregnant women
should not take decoction of the leaves or any part of this plant.
BABY PLANTS

USES and PREPARATIONS :

❖ Anti-fungal infections: Tinea flava, ringworm, athlete's foot and scabies

✓ Treatment of skin diseases: Tinea infections, insect bites, ringworms, eczema,
scabies and itchiness.
✓ Pound the leaves of the Akapulko plant, squeeze the juice and apply on
affected.
✓ Fresh matured leaves are pounded; apply as soap to affected part 1-2 times a
day.
✓ The pounded leaves of Akapulko has purgative functions, specifically against
ringworms.

3.) BAWANG (Allium Sativum)

➢ Popularly known as Garlic

➢ Is a low herb, which only grows up to sixty centimeters high. Bulbs are broadly
ovoid, 2 to 4 cm in diameter, consisting of several, densely crowded, angular and
truncated tubers. Leaves are linear and flat. Umbels are globule, many flowered.
Sepals are oblong, greenish white, slightly tinged with purple.
➢ Commercially grown in Batangas, Nueva Ecija, Ilocos Norte, Mindoro, and
Cotobato.
➢ Garlic's antibacterial compound known as allicin. 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.
➢ Its juices inhibit the growth of fungi and viruses thus, prevent viral, yeast, and
infections. Bad breath, due to the strong odor of garlic, is the most common side
effect of taking this herb.

USES and PREPARATIONS :

(H-A-R)

❖ Headache
✓ Cloves of garlic may be crushed and applied to affected areas to reduce the
pain.
✓ Crush one clove and apply to both temples as poultice.
❖ Aids in lowering blood cholesterol, control of blood pressure and hypertension.
✓ Helps lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL) in the blood
✓ May be fried, roasted, soaked in vinegar for 30 minutes, or blanched in
boiled water for 5 minutes. Take two pieces 3x a day after meals.
✓ Take on a full stomach to prevent stomach and intestinal ulcers.
❖ Relives sore throat, toothache.
✓ For sore throat and toothache, peal the skin and chew. Swallow the juice.
✓ Pound a small piece and apply to affected part.
BABY PLANTS

4.) YERBA (HERBA) BUENA (Mentha cordifella/cordifelia)

➢ Commonly known as Peppermint

➢ 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 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".
➢ 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.
➢ 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.

USES and PREPARATIONS :

(Co-Me-To-Pa-Rheu-N-I-P-S - Come to parheunips )

❖ Cough and Colds
✓ Get about 10 fresh leaves and soak in a glass of hot water. Drink as a tea.
✓ Act as expectorant
❖ Menstrual pain and gas pain

✓ Soak a handful of leaves in a glass of boiling water; drink infusion.

✓ It induces menstrual flow and sweating.
❖ Toothache
✓ Cut fresh plant and squeeze sap; soak a piece of cotton in the sap and
insert this in aching tooth cavity. Mouth should be rinsed by gargling salt
solution before inserting the cotton.
✓ To prepare salt solution: add 5g of table salt to 1 glass of water
❖ Pain in different parts of the body as headache and stomachache
✓ Yerba buena leaves may be heated over fire and placed over the forehead
for headache.
✓ Boil chopped leaves in 2 glasses of water for 15 minutes. Cool and strain.

✓ Divide decoction into 2 parts and drink one part every 3 hours.
❖ Rheumatism, arthritis
✓ Crush the fresh leaves and squeeze the sap. Massage sap on painful part
with eucalyptus.

❖ Nausea and fainting

BABY PLANTS

✓ Crush leaves and apply at nostrils of patients.

❖ Insect bites
✓ Crush leaves and apply juice on affected part or pound leaves until paste-
like and rub this on affected part.
❖ Pruritus
✓ Boil plant alone or with eucalyptus in water; use decoction as a wash on
affected area.
❖ Swollen gums
✓ Steep 6 gm of fresh plant in a glass of boiling water for 30 minutes; use
solution as gargle.

5.) PANSIT- PANSITAN / ULASIMANG BATO (Peperomia pellucida)

➢ Known in Tagalog as Pansit-Pansitan

➢ It is a small herb that grows from 1 to 1 1/2 feet. Pansit-pansitan can be found wild
on lightly shaded and damp areas such as nooks, walls, yards and even roofs.
Pansit- pansitan has heart shaped leaves, succulent stems with tiny flowers on a
spike. When matured, the small fruits bear one seed which fall of the ground and
propagate.

USES and PREPARATIONS :

❖ Lowers uric acid (Rheumatism and Gout)
✓ Wash the well; one and a half cup leaves are boiled in two glassfuls of water
over low fire. Do not cover pot. Cool and strain. Divide into 3 parts and drink
each part 3x a day after meals.
✓ May also be eaten as salad; wash the leaves well. Prepare one and a half
cups of leaves (not closely packed) divide into 3 parts and take as salad 3x
a day.

6.) LAGUNDI (Vitex Negundo)

➢ Known in English as the 5-leaved chastre tree

➢ A shrub growing wild in vacant lots and waste land; matured branches are planted;
the flowers are blue and bell shaped; the small fruits turn black when ripe. It is
better to collect the leaves when are in bloom.
BABY PLANTS

➢ 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.
➢ 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. 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.

USES and PREPARATIONS :

(S-H-A-R-A-D)
❖ Skin Diseases (dermatitis, scabies, ulcer, eczema) and wounds
✓ Lagundi plant has anti-inflammatory functions, and its cooling effects are
ideal as treatment for skin diseases.
✓ Prepare a decoction of the leaves.
✓ Wash and clean the skin/wounds with decoction.
❖ Headache
✓ Crushed leaves may be applied on the forehead.
❖ Asthma, cough and fever
✓ Lagundi can prevent the body's production of leukotrienes, which are
released during an asthma attack.
✓ It contains Chrysoplenol D, a substance with anti-histamine and muscle
relaxant properties.
✓ It contains properties that make it an expectorant and it has been reported
to function as a tonic as well.
✓ Boil chopped raw fruit or leaves in 2 glasses of water, left for 15 minutes
until the water left in only 1 glass (decoction).
✓ Strain the following dosages of the decoction are given according to age
group.
❖ Rheumatism, sprain, contusions, insect bites
✓ Pound the leaves and apply on affected part
❖ Aromatic bath for sick patient
✓ Prepare leaf decoction for use in sick and newly delivered patient.
❖ Dysentery, colds and pain in any part of the body as in influenza
✓ Boil a handful of leaves and flowers in water to produce a glass full of
decoction 3x a day.

7.) AMPALAYA (Mamordica charantia)

➢ Known as Bitter Gourd or Bitter Melon in English

➢ 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. 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. The
bitter taste of the ampalaya fruit had also been the distinguishing factor from the
BABY PLANTS

rest of the fruits medicinal value, and this is due to the presence of a substance
known as momorcidin.
➢ 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.

USES and PREPARATION :

(A-T)
❖ Aids in lowering blood sugar levels
❖ Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus (Mild Non-Insulin Dependent)
-gather and wash young leaves very well. Chop. Boil 6 tablespoons in 2 glassfuls
of water for 15 minutes under low fire. Do not cover pot. Cool and strain. Take 1/3
cup 3x a day after meals.

8.) NIYOG-NIYOGAN (Quisqualis indica L.)

➢ Is known as Chinese Honey Suckle

➢ It grows at least 2.5m long and reaches up to 8m long when it matures. This active
climber, which belongs to the combretaceae family grows best in tropical areas
➢ This vine starts as a shrub about 3-feet tall with branches growing from all
directions. The mother shrub seizes to grow and dies after six months allowing the
creeper to rapidly climb walls, trees, and the like. The branches of niyog-niyogan
are filled with oblong-shaped leaves growing on opposite sides attached to 6mm
to 10mm long petioles. The leaves of niyog-niyogan can grow up to 15cm long and
more than 5cm wide with a pointed tip. Its flowers grow in clusters and it blossoms
year-round. Its flowers open at night with five bright red petals and gives out a
distinct perfume. The young flowers of niyog-niyogan start with white-colored
petals that turn pink then red as it matures. It also bears fruits, which can grow up
to 3cm long with five angles on its sides.
➢ Almost all of its parts are used individually, or mixed with other ingredients, as
remedy to different ailments. These are taken to rid people of parasitic worms.
Some also use these to help alleviate coughs and diarrhea.
➢ Niyog-niyogan's leaves are used to cure body pains by placing them on specific
problematic areas of the body. Seeds of niyog-niyogan can be taken as an
anthelmintic. Decoctions of its roots are also sometimes used as a remedy for
rheumatism while its fruits are used as an effective way to relieve toothaches.

USES and PREPARATION :

❖ Anti-Helminthic
✓ Use to expel round worm ascariasis; the seeds are taken 2 hours after
supper.
✓ In no worms are expelled, the dose may be repeated after 1 week.
BABY PLANTS

✓ Should not be given to children below 4 years old

9.) TSAANG GUBAT (Carmona retusa)

➢ 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.

USES and PREPARATION :

(S-U-D)
❖ Stomachache
✓ Wash leaves and chop; boil chopped leaves in 1 glass of water for 15
minutes. Cool and filter/strain and drink

❖ Used as mouthwash
✓ Since the leaves of this shrub has high fluoride content.
✓ Gargle for stronger teeth and prevent cavities.
❖ Diarrhea
✓ Effective for treating intestinal motility.
✓ Boil the following amount of chopped leaves in 2 glasses of water for 15
minutes or until amount of water goes down to 1 glass. Cool and strain.

✓ Divide decoction into 4 parts. Let patient drink 1 part every 3 hours.
BABY PLANTS

10.) SAMBONG(Blumea balsamifera)

➢ Blumea camphona in English

➢ 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 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.
➢ 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 not a medicine for kidney infection.

USES and PREPARATION :

(A-D-A)
❖ Anti-edema, diuretic, anti-urolithiasis
✓ Good as a diuretic agent.
✓ Helps remove worms, boils.
✓ Boil chopped leaves in water for 15 minutes until one glassful remains. Cool
and strain.

✓ Divide decoction in 3 parts. Drink one part 3x a day.

BABY PLANTS

SUMMARY OF THE USES OF 10 HERBAL PLANTS APPROVED BY DOH

NOTE :
For toothache: Bawang
For diarrhea: Tsaang gubat

TIPS ON HANDLING MEDICINAL PLANTS/HERBS

➢ Medicinal parts of plants are best harvested on sunny momings. Avoid picking
leaves, fruits or nuts during and after heavy rainfall.
➢ Avoid the use of insecticides as these may leave poison on plants
➢ Leaves, fruits, flowers or nuts must be mature before harvesting. Less medicinal
➢ substances are found on young parts.
➢ After harvesting, if drying is required, it is advisable to dry the plant parts either in
the oven or air-dried on screens above ground and never on concrete floors.
➢ Store plant parts in sealed plastic bags or brown bottles in a cool dry place without
sunlight preferably with a moisture absorbent material like charcoal. Leaves and
other plant parts that are prepared properly, well-dried and stored can be used up
to six months.
TIPS ON PREPARATION FOR INTAKE OF HERBAL MEDICINES
➢ Use only half the dosage prescribed for fresh parts like leaves when using dried
parts.
➢ Do not use stainless steel utensils when boiling decoctions. Only use
earthen,enameled, glass or alike utensils.
➢ As a rule of thumb, when boiling leaves and other plant parts, do not cover the pot,
and boil in low flame.
BABY PLANTS

➢ Decoctions loose potency after some time. Dispose of decoctions after one day.
To keep fresh during the day, keep lukewarm in a flask or thermos.
➢ Always consult with a doctor if symptoms persist or if any sign of allergic reaction
develops.

REMINDERS ON THE USE OF HERBAL MEDICINES

➢ Use only one kind of herbal plant for each type of symptoms or sickness.
➢ Use only the part of the plant being advocated.
➢ Follow accurate dose of suggested preparation.
➢ Stop giving the herbal medication in case untoward reaction such as allergy
occurs.
➢ If signs and symptoms are not relieved after 2 or 3 doses of herbal medication,
consult a doctor.

REFERENCES

https://rnspeak.com/philippines-herbal-medicine-plants-approved-by-doh/
https://riitmc.doh.gov.ph/health-
guide/#:~:text=Since%20then%20the%20Philippine%20Department,due%20to%20its%
20health%20benefits.
https://www.slideshare.net/lopao1024/10-doh-approved-herbal-medicine-pm-zabat
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589377719300187
https://pitahc.gov.ph/directory-of-herbs/
https://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/doh_herbs.htm
https://www.scribd.com/doc/33687052/Herbal-Medicines-in-the-Philippines