COR JESU COLLEGE, INC.

COLLEGE OF HEALTH
SCIENCES
Tres De Mayo Campus, Brgy. Tres De Mayo,
Digos City
Province of Davao Del Sur
Website: www.cjc.edu.ph

PHILIPPINE HERBAL MEDICINES

Submitted by:

Rachelle D. Castillo

Submitted to:

Dennis V. Hoksuan, RN

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NAME: Bitter Gourd

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Momordica charantia

COMMON NAME: Ampalaya

PHARMACOKINETICS:

The mechanisms of MC concentrate on improving insulin resistance through enhancing

glucose uptake, consumption, and utilization. A novel insulin receptor-binding protein from
Momordica charantia (mcIRBP) was separated from MC. A further study identified mcIRBP-9
and confirmed the gastric resistance and hypoglycemic activity of the peptides. he protein
physically interacts with the insulin receptor (IR) through the binding sites different from that of
insulin, and it shows a synergistic effect with insulin, enhancing the kinase activity of IR by 5.87 
± 0.45 times and increasing the amount of phospho-IR protein by 1.31 ± 0.03 times. All in all,
mcIRBP motivated the glucose consumption of cells by 1.36 ± 0.12 times via affecting
IR/phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathways and consequently
promoting translocation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4). the compounds can increase the
uptake of glucose by the C2C12 myoblasts and they exert antidiabetic effect by behaving as a
stronger adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator than
troglitazone (Liu et al., 2021).

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INDICATIONS:

Momordica charantia (M. charantia), also known as bitter melon, karela, balsam pear, or bitter
gourd, is a popular plant used for the treating of diabetes-related conditions amongst the
indigenous populations of Asia, South America, India, the Caribbean and East Africa (Cefalu et
al., 2008). Bitter melon is linked to lowering the body’s blood sugar. This is because the bitter
melon has properties that act like insulin, which helps bring glucose into the cells for energy. The
consumption of bitter melon can help your cells use glucose and move it to your liver, muscles,
and fat. The melon may also be able to help your body retain nutrients by blocking their
conversion to glucose that ends up in your bloodstream.

SIDE EFFECTS:
 hypoglycemic effect in a non-insulin-dependent manner
 diarrhea, vomiting, and other intestinal issues
 vaginal bleeding, contractions, and abortion
 liver damage
 favism (which can cause anemia) in those with G6PD deficiency
 problems due to mixing with other drugs to alter effectiveness
 problems in blood sugar control in those who have had recent surgery

PRECAUTIONS:
(1) Avoid the use of insecticides as these may leave poison on plants.
(2) In the preparation of herbal medicine, use a clay pot and remove the cover while boiling
at low heat.
(3) Use only part of the plant being advocated.
(4) Follow the accurate dose of suggested preparation.
(5) Use only one herbal plant for each type of symptom or sickness.
(6) Stop giving the herbal medication if an untoward reaction such as an allergy occurs.
(7) If signs and symptoms are not relieved after 2 to 3 doses of herbal medication, consult a
doctor.

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DOSAGE:
 1/3 cup 3 times a day after meals

HOW TO USE/ PROCESS OF USAGE: (PLEASE INDICATE STEP BY STEP):

(1) Chopped leaves then boil in a glass of water for 15 minutes.
(2) Do not cover. Cool and strain.
(3) Take 1/3 cup 3 times a day after meals

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NAME: Mint

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Mentha cordifolia Opiz,

COMMON NAME: Yerba Buena

PHARMACOKINETICS:
Yerba Buena leaves contain a compound called Menthalactone which has been
shown to have analgesic or pain-relieving activity. Results of clinical trials prove that
Menthalactone is safe and effective in relieving moderate to severe post-operative pain
after circumcision, dental extractions, and childbirth (post-episiorrhaphy). The drug has
been recorded to take effect within 30 minutes after administration (Maramba et al., 2022).
INDICATIONS:
Effective control of postoperative pain is an integral part of patient management. Poor
post-operative pain control often leads to complications, increased risk of blood clots, prolonged
patient recovery, and increased cost of healthcare expenses. There is a need for efficacious and
safe analgesics or pain relievers to successfully manage post-operative pain.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Yerba mate contains caffeine, which can cause side effects such as;
 Insomnia
 upset stomach
 increased heart rate and others.

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PRECAUTIONS:
(1) Yerba mate is possibly unsafe when taken in large amounts or for long periods of
time.
(2) Avoid consuming more than 300 mg of caffeine daily (about 6 cups of yerba mate)
when pregnant. High doses of caffeine have been linked with miscarriage, premature
delivery, and low birth weight.
(3) Caffeine in yerba mate can cause irregular heartbeats in certain people. If you have a
heart condition, use yerba mate in moderation.
(4) High doses of caffeine might cause seizures or decrease the effects of drugs used to
prevent seizures.
(5) Using yerba mate increases the pressure inside the eye due to the caffeine it contains.
The increase in pressure occurs within 30 minutes and lasts for at least 90 minutes. If
you have glaucoma, discuss your use of yerba mate with your healthcare provider
(6) Stop giving the herbal medication if an untoward reaction such as an allergy occurs.
(7) If signs and symptoms are not relieved after 2 to 3 doses of herbal medication, consult
a doctor.

DOSAGE:
• For most adults, it is safe to consume Yerba Buena up to 4 cups per day for a period of 1
week for medicinal use. If symptoms persist, consult a doctor.

HOW TO USE/ PROCESS OF USAGE: (PLEASE INDICATE STEP BY STEP):

(1) Mix about 3 tablespoons of cut leaves for every cup of water
(2) Boil for 10 to 15 minutes
(3) Remove from heat and let it steep
(4) Strain and store in a glass jar.
(5) Consumed 3 to 4 cups a day.
(6) The tea can be sweetened by honey or mixed with other herbs for a more potent
mixture.

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NAME: Pepper elder

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Peperomia pellucida

COMMON NAME: Ulasimang-bato or Pansit-pansitan

PHARMACOKINETICS:
Peperomia pellucida is one of the herbal medicines highly recommended by the
Philippines Department of Health. This plant has been proven to possess therapeutic benefit
through properly proven scientific method of herbal medicine preparation. DOH considers it
effective in fighting arthritis and gout. The cupful of leaves can be eaten fresh like a salad or tea.
The plant is also taken as decoction. A cup of clean chopped leaves is boiled in two cups of
water for 15 to 20 minutes. The preparation is strained and is drunk after meals.
INDICATIONS:
Traditionally used to treat 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, and Mental excitement disorder.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Yerba mate contains caffeine, which can cause side effects such as;
• Currently, there are no known side effects and interactions involving this medicinal plant.
PRECAUTIONS:
(1) Do not ingest if you have pre-existing health conditions, are under a strict dietary
routine, or are taking maintenance and other medications.

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 (2) Avoid taking Pansit-pansitan in herbal medicine dosage when pregnant and while
breast feeding.
(3) Stop giving the herbal medication if an untoward reaction such as an allergy occurs.
(4) If signs and symptoms are not relieved after 2 to 3 doses of herbal medication, consult
a doctor.
DOSAGE:
• 3x a day for 2 weeks of oral intake
HOW TO USE/ PROCESS OF USAGE: (PLEASE INDICATE STEP BY STEP):
(1) Wash freshly gathered Pansit-pansitan plant parts
(2) chop then add in 4 cups of water for every 1 cup
(3) let it boil for 10 to 15 minutes with the pot cover removed.
(4) Let it steep then strain.
(5) Drink half cup of Pansit-pansitan tea three times a day.
(6) Pansit-pansitan tea concoction can be stored in suitable glass container for later
consumption.
*Dried leaves are more potent. Reduce the blend by half.

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NAME: Ringworm bush

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Senna alata

COMMON NAME: Akalpulko

PHARMACOKINETICS:
Senna alata or commonly known as Akapulco is a woody bush that grows wild in the
tropical climate of the Philippines and an affordable locally sourced herbal medicine. Its leaves
have been traditionally used to treat fungal skin infections such as ringworms, scabies, and
eczema. It also contains chrysophanic acid, one of the active components of the Akapulco lotion
and crude anthraquinones such as rhein and aloe-emodine which have demonstrated antifungal
activity against dermatophytes and superficial yeast infections. Results of several clinical trials
prove that it is as effective as synthetic antifungal agents in the treatment of superficial skin
infections.

INDICATIONS:
Akapulko is commonly used as an anti-fungal and antibacterial treatment for different
skin diseases that include the following:
 Ringworms
 Scabies
 Eczema
 Insect bites
 Skin itchiness/inflammation
 Other skin infections

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SIDE EFFECTS:
Has a minimal side effects;
• Nausea
• Dyspepsia
• abdominal pain
• and diarrhea
PRECAUTIONS:
(1) Allergy
(2) Validate the safety of using the akapulko plant during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
DOSAGE:
• 2x a day for skin diseases such as ringworm and eczema.
• As needed for wound disinfection.

HOW TO USE/ PROCESS OF USAGE: (PLEASE INDICATE STEP BY STEP):

For treating skin diseases such as ringworm and eczema:
(1) Wash the plant thoroughly before using.
(2) Pound the leaves and apply the juice directly to the area affected.
(3) You can apply the juice at least two times a day until the problem area is cured.
For wound disinfection:
(1) Boil the flowers and leaves of the akapulko plant for at least 10 minutes.
(2) Allow it to cool to room temperature to avoid burning the skin.
(3) Apply the decoction on the wound to effectively disinfect the lesion or injury in order to
prevent further infection.
(4) You may use this all throughout the day, or as needed.

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REFERENCES:
Akapulko / Cassia alata Linn. / RINGWORM BUSH / Yi bing jue ming / Herbal Therapy /
Philippine Medicinal Herbs / Alternative Medicine in the Philippines. (n.d.). Retrieved
October 11, 2022, from http://www.stuartxchange.org/Akapulko.html

Cefalu WT, Ye J, Wang ZQ. Efficacy of dietary supplementation with botanicals on

carbohydrate metabolism in humans. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets.
2008;8:78–81.

Gabasa, D. (2021, September 13). Akapulko Plant as Herbal Medicine: All You Need To Know.
Hello Doctor. Retrieved October 11, 2022, from https://hellodoctor.com.ph/herbals-and-
alternatives/herbal-medicines/akapulko-plant/

Herbal Medicine (Ulasimang Bato). (2017, July 4). RNpedia. Retrieved October 10, 2022, from
https://www.rnpedia.com/nursing-notes/community-health-nursing-notes/herbal-
medicine-ulasimang-bato/

Liu, Z. (2021, January 16). In recent years, many studies of Momordica charantia (MC) in the
treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications have been reported. This
article reviewed the effect and mechanism of MC against diabetes, including the results
from in vitro and in vivo experiments and clinical trials. The common side effects of MC
were also summarized. We hope that it might open up new ideas for further mechanism
exploration and clinical application as well as provide a scientific theoretical basis for the
development of drugs or foods derived from MC. Retrieved October 9, 2022, from
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2021/3796265/

Maramba, D. N. C. et. al., (2022). Heartnovation. Philippine Council for Health Research and
Development. Retrieved October 10, 2022, from
https://www.pchrd.dost.gov.ph/heartnovation/yerba-buena-analgesic-drug-formulation/

pansit-pansitan Herbal Medicine, Health Benefits, Side Effects. (n.d.). Retrieved October 10,
2022, from http://www.medicalhealthguide.com/articles/pansit-pansitan.htm

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WebMD. (2009). Yerba mate: Overview, uses, side effects, precautions, interactions, dosing and
reviews. WebMD. Retrieved October 10, 2022, from
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-828/yerba-mate

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