Kaymito Leaves as Antiseptic Mouthwash

RESEARCH INFORMATION SERIES ON ECOSYSTEMS
Volume 14 No. 2 May – August 2002

Propagation Management Of Herbal and Medicinal Plants

by Eduardo B. Principe and Aurora S. Jose

Foreword
This issue contains the first part of a series of information on the propagation management of medicinal plants. Medicinal plants abound in the country. They used to be sleeping treasure due to lack of knowledge on their importance and uses in alternative health care, limited research on the development of photochemical components of the plants, and other related R & D undertakings on herbal products and medicines. We have consolidated relevant data and outputs of the training and pilot research conducted by ERDB on the integration of medicinal plants as agroforestry crops in the upland areas to provide useful information for farmers (upland or lowland) cooperatives, corporations, and other interested individuals. Production of medicinal plants in small or large-scale plantations will provide the pharmaceutical industry enough supply of raw materials. Propagating medicinal plants, especially in upland areas will not only be economically beneficial to the local people, but it will also help maintain a rich biodiversity in the ecosystem.

CELSO P. DIAZ Director

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Table of Contents
Page Introduction ............................................................................ 4 Uses of 10 scientifically validated medicinal plants ............... 4 Tips of growing herbal and medicinal plants: Site selection for growing medicinal plants................... 4 General propagation methods for some medicinal plants ............................................................ 5 Harvesting and post handling of some medicinal plants ............................................................ 5 Drying medicinal plant parts ......................................... 6 Additional safety guidelines on using medicinal plants ............................................................

References: ............................................................................ 9 Table 1. Listing of Philippine herbal and medicinal plants promoted by the DOH ......................... 10 Table 2. The different ways in which herbal medicine can be practiced and level of technology needed ........................................................ 12 3 Introduction The Philippine population grows at an average of 1.7 million each year. One of the concerns that go with population increase is the problem on people 's health. The high cost of western medicines and treatment resulted in the growing number of selfmedicating people. Many have also resorted to traditional medicines, thus the growing demand for natural products. Aside from financial considerations, people opt for natural products because they have become concerned of what they use as food and medicines. With this situation, the Department of health through the Philippine Institute of Traditional Alternative Health Care (PITAHC) under Republic Act No. 8423 endorsed the use of traditional medicines in the country. Medical plants abound in nature. Since most of them are available and easily accessible, these medicines are more affordable compared to synthetic drugs. Ten medicinal plants have been endorsed by the DOH-PITAHC, after they have been scientifically validated to ensure safety and efficacy. These are Acapulco, Ampalaya (Makiling variety), Lagundi (five leaflets), Bawang, Bayabas, Sambong, Niyug-niyogan, Tsaang-gubat, Yerba Buena, and Ulasimang bato (pansit-pansitan). Uses of 10 scientifically validated medicinal plants Plant 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Lagundi (Vitex negundo) Sambong (Blumea balsamifera L.) Ampalaya (Momordica charantia L.) Garlic (Allium sativum) Guava (Psidium guajava) Tsaang-gubat (Carmona cetusa) Yerba-Buena (Mentha arvensis) Niyug-niyogan (Quisaualis indica) Acapulco (Cassia alata) Ulasimang-bato (Peperomia pellucida) Uses Cough and asthma Anti-urolithiasis (kidney stones) Lowering blood sugar and anti-diabetes Anti-cholesterol Oral/skin antiseptic Mouth wash Analgesic or anti-pyretic Anti-helminthic Antifungal Anti-hyperurisemia Other medicinal plants which is folkarically validated (needs further study for clinical tests and trial) are represented in Table 1. Tips of growing herbal and medicinal plants A. Site selection for growing medicinal plants Free from pollution such that: Soil – no heavy metals, pesticide residues and high microbial count Air-way from road heavily traversed by motorized vehicle Air-way from farms using pesticides Water – no contamination with microorganisms and pesticides Accessible to motorized vehicles With reliable and clean water source 4 B. General propagation methods for some medicinal plants Plants Akapulko Ampalaya Lagundi Niyog-niyugan Sambong Tsaang gubat Ulasimang bato Yerba buena Propagation Sexual Asexual 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 C. Harvesting and post handling of some medicinal plants Plant Part harvested Leaves Harvesting Frequency How 5-6 months after transplanting (mat) and every 4 months thereafter Cut all branches 0.75 m from the ground. Remove all leaves and minor branches. Leaves 4-5 major branches. Cut branches 60 cm long from the tip Uproot the whole plant 7 days Duration of air drying (