5 Folk Remedies proven effective by UST researchers

5 Folk Remedies proven effective by UST researchers  
In memory of the late Dr. Juan M Flavier, author of the Traditional Medicine Law in the Philippines.

Poultice made of moss heals wounds and relieves pain.

This is a common practice in the highlands where moss is plentiful and luxuriantly growing. Fresh moss is crashed into a pulp and directly applied on a fresh or infected wound, loosely wrapping it with gauze or cloth strip.

Lourdes V. Alvarez in her masteral thesis at the University of Santo Tomas demonstrated the effectiveness of moss (Pogonatum neesi)  against Staphylococcus bacteria, the most common cause of infection. Moss extract contains flavonoids, steroids, terpenes and phenols, which are responsible for the antibiotic properties of this lowly, ancient bryophyte. PHOTO

Common moss is a practical source of antibiotics

The common most often used in its dried form as substrate for orchids has a puzzling characteristic.  It resists rotting and does not arbor the breeding of microorganisms that are pathogenic to the orchid.  From this observation coupled by the fact that indigenous people use dried moss to cover wounds and skin diseases, led the researches to conduct an experiment on the antibiotic properties of mosses. The results are positive to bacteria causing skin infection, but the range of antibiosis has yet to be determined. The researchers recommend that further studies be conducted on methods of extraction, other than the use of ethanol, in isolating the active principle which is the key to the antibiotic property of mosses. (Thesis: Nabong W, Aquino M, Orlino C Ramos J and H Sumabit, UST 202)

Bunga de Jolo used as nganga has bactericidal properties.

Vetchia merillii, a palm relative of the bunga (Areca catechu) was found to have a unique potency against the bacterium, Bacillus proteus as well as  other pathogens causing infection.  Direct extract from the seed showed potent inhibition against the test organisms, a feat the control (Penncilium type) failed to show.  This explains the usefulness of bunga de jolo as a substitute of bunga (Areca catechu) as nganga in the absence of the latter. Both produce nuts, which are used by older people for mastication with or without the betel leaf and the occasional lime that goes with the preparation.  (Thesis: Villaluz MC, Enebrad K, Garcia R and V Guzman, UST 2002)

Papaya seed has antibiotic properties

With the increasing resistance of bacteria to the group of Penicillin antibiotics, scientists are looking into more potent antibiotics.  Modern antibiotics however, are expensive and are not readily available particularly in the countryside. But natural antibiotics abound in nature.  One such source is the ordinary papaya, specifically the native or solo variety.  The researchers claim that the papain in papaya has an antibiotic property and the most likely part where the active compound is concentrated is the seeds, which are thrown away for no use except as propagation material.  The seed oil is potent against both gram negative and gram positive bacteria, such as Staphylococcus. . This explains why papaya is a health food. Although the oil has also shown anti-fungal effects, the researchers recommend further studies in this aspect. They also recommend further studies in the preparation of the seed oil as antibiotic drop or ointment. (Thesis: Casas JM, Cadiz RI, Calvelo AM and MC Cremen, UST 202)

Succulent pod of radish is a local remedy for ulcer.

It is in a public market of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) I found young pods of radish (Raphanus sativus) sold in bundles. We also relish young radish pods as salad or mixed in chopsuey. How true is it that it can cure of stomach ulcer?

Lourdes Jorge tested radish seeds for anti-ulcer properties on albino rats as her masteral thesis in medical technology at UST.  Result: Radish seed extract is effective and is comparable to commercial Cimetidine or Tagamet in the treatment of gastric ulcer ~..