Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge

Vol. 10(3), July 2011, pp. 460-465

Traditional knowledge of medicinal plants among the Malay villagers in

Kampung Tanjung Sabtu, Terengganu, Malaysia
Ong HC, Ruzalila BN & Milow P*
Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
E-mail: pozimilow@um.edu.my

Received 25.02.10; revised 01.06.10

A total 52 species of medicinal plants were recorded during a folk botanical survey at a village at Terengganu,
Malaysia. Most of these species are herbaceous angiosperms. The most common part of plants used in the preparation of
herbal medicine is their leaves. More medicinal plants are used by villagers for general health, to treat dermatological
complaints, reproductive system, abdominal problems and fever compared to other ailments. The most common method of
preparation is decoction, followed by poultice and infusion.

Keywords: Folk medicine, Medicinal plants, Malaysia

IPC Int. Cl.8 : A01D 7/04, A01D 8/33, A01D 20/37, A01D 6/28, A01D 20/25, A01D 7/30, A01D 6/00, A01D 12/01, A01D
8/53, A01D 2/07, A01D 1/68, A01D 15/00, A01D 7/28, A01D 13/15, A01D 12/17, A01D 16/02, A01D 7/31,
A01D 12/18, A01D 13/19, A01D 7/35, A01D 5/17, A01D 11/00

This study was conducted in a Malay village treated, doses and method of administration were
named Kampung Tanjung Sabtu which is located carefully recorded in the field. The villagers were
West of Kuala Terengganu, the capital city of the mostly willing to share their knowledge on herbal
state of Terengganu, in Peninsular Malaysia. The medicine.
latitude is 5.349°N while the longitude is 103.067°E. The plant specimens were collected using standard
The village is a traditional Malay village with forests taxonomical procedures, taking specimens with
and a river nearby. The villagers still practice herbal flowers and fruits whenever possible. Photographs of
medicine based mainly on plants found in the wild every specimen were also taken and used together
and also cultivated plants. The occupation of the with the plant specimens for identification and record.
villagers includes farming, Government servants and Each specimen was numbered and detailed notes were
some are self employed. No study on the medicinal recorded in a field notebook during the field trips. The
plants used in this particular village has been specimens were identified and deposited in the
published before. Some studies on medicinal plants University of Malaya. Identification of specimens to
used in other Malay villages in different states of the level of current botanical nomenclature was made
Malaysia have been published before this 1,2 (Fig. 1). with the help of the series on Plant Resources of
South-East Asia3-7. Identification of ferns was made
Methodology with reference to Ferns of Malaysia8.
A folk botanical survey of medicinal plants was
carried out in a village named Kampung Tanjung Sabtu Results
in the state of Terengganu, Malaysia. Information was This survey recorded 52 plant species used in
obtained through general conversation with adult traditional medicine by the Malay villagers. Table 1
villagers, local healers and herbalists during each records the binomial name, family name, common
visit using the method of ethnobotanical enquiry, name, parts used, diseases for which the herbal
observation and participation. The ages of the medicine is administered and the mode of
informants range from about 30-60 yrs. The parts of administration. The 52 plant species of medicinal
the plants used to treat diseases, types of diseases plants belongs to 31 families and 49 genera. Out of
——————— the total number of medicinal plants, 51 species are
*Corresponding author angiosperms, while one species is a Pteridophyte.
 ONG et al.: MEDICINAL PLANTS IN KAMPUNG TANJUNG SABTU, MALAYSIA 461

Fig.1—Map of the study area.

In terms of habit, there are 27 species of herbs common method of preparation is decoction (45%),
(51.9%), 11 species of trees (21.2%), 9 species of followed by poultice (36%) and infusion (19%). The
shrubs (17.3%), 4 species of climbers (7.7%) and 1 families with high number of medicinal plant species
species of epiphyte (1.9%). The most common plant were Poaceae and Zingiberaceae (each family has
parts used in the preparation of herbal medicine in this 4 species), followed by Acanthaceae, Piperaceae,
study are leaves (42.0%), roots (15.9) and fruits Rutaceae and Solanaceae (each family has 3 species).
(11.6%). Other plant parts used in herbal medicine
recorded here are whole plant, flowers, seeds, Discussion
rhizomes, tubers, bulbs, sap and stems. Based on the Records of traditional knowledge on medicinal
number of respondents, the villagers use a good plants represent a useful starting point for further
number of plant species for general health (16), to research on novel chemical compounds and
treat dermatological complaints (16), reproductive potentially useful drugs. This study recorded
system (13), abdominal problems (10) and fever (10). 52 species of medicinal plants used in one village.
More herbal medicine were taken orally (53%) This number corresponds well with another study
compared to topical applications (47). The most in another Malay village1 which recorded a total of
462 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 10, NO 3, JULY 2011

Table 1—Medicinal plants used as folk medicine in Kampung Tanjung Sabtu, Terengganu, Malaysia
Botanical name, family & local name (Malay) Uses
Allium sativum L. Paste of fresh bulb mixed with oil applied on abdomen to treat
Alliaceae (Bawang putih) distended stomach.
Roasted bulb eaten to treat flatulence.
Juice of roots mixed with honey taken orally to treat asthma, coughs
and difficult to breathe.
Aloe barbadensis Mill. Leaf sap applied topically on burns, itch, pimples, dandruff and skin
Liliaceae (Lidah buaya) cracks.
Leaf crushed in water and applied topically on headache.
Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd Juice from pounded leaves applied topically on skin diseases.
Zingiberaceae (Lengkuas) Rhizome used in food to treat or prevent flatulence.
Anacardium occidentale L. Infusion of young leaves taken orally to treat diarrhea.
Anacardiaceae (Jambu golok) Fresh young leaves eaten regularly with food to slow down aging.
Ananas comosus (L.) Merr. Fruit eaten or juice taken orally to treat anemia and dysmenorrhea.
Bromeliaceace (Nanas)
Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall. ex Nees Decoction or infusion of the whole plant taken orally to treat
Acanthaceace (Hempedu bumi) hypertension, diabetes and fever.
Annona muricata L. Infusion of crushed leaves applied topically to treat fever.
Annonaceae (Durian belanda) Pounded leaves with water applied topically to rid off head lice.
Archidendron jiringa (Jack) Niels. Young leaves pounded and applied topically on chest pain.
Mimosaceae (Jering) Decoction of twigs taken orally to treat difficult urination.
Seeds eaten with food to slow down aging.
Seeds with testa eaten with food to treat diabetes.
Decoction of crushed seeds with ginger taken orally to expel kidney stones.
Ardisia crenata Sims Leaves pounded and applied topically on scabies.
Myrsinaceae (Mata ayam) Young leaves and fruits eaten regularly with food to slow down aging.
Asystasia coromandeliana Nees Decoction of whole plant taken orally to treat dysuria.
Acanthaceae (Rumput israel)
Averrhoa bilimbi L. Decoction of leaves taken orally to treat diabetes and hypertension.
Oxalidaceae (Belimbing buluh)
Capsicum frutescens L. Leaves pounded with CaCO3 and applied topically on excessive hair
Solanaceae (Cili padi) and dark skin.
Compound decoction of roots with castor roots, garlic and ginger taken
orally to treat leucorrhea.
Carica papaya L. Decoction or infusion of leaves taken orally to treat hypertension and
Caricaceae (Betik) obesity.
Sap applied topically to treat toothache, corns and warts.
Fruits eaten to treat constipation.
Seeds pounded and taken orally to rid of
intestinal worms.
Catharanthus roseus (L.) Don Infusion of leaves taken orally to treat painful menses.
Acanthaceae (Kemunting cina) Leaves pounded and applied topically on bites and stings.
Decoction of roots taken orally to treat diabetes and hypertension.
Centella asiatica (L.) Urban Leaves eaten raw with food to slow down aging, treat poor eyesight
Apiaceae (Pegaga) and no appetite.
Juice of leaves applied topically on cuts, sores and skin diseases.
Whole plant eaten raw or juice taken orally to treat aches, pain, fever,
diarrhea, liver problems and hard to breathe.
Chrysopogon aciculatus (Retz.) Trin Decoction of roots taken orally to treat swellings.
Poaceae (Muncup)
Citrus aurantifolia (Chris. & Panz.) Swin. Fruit juice taken orally to treat dysmenorrhea, obesity and influenza.
Rutaceae (Limau nipis) Fruit zest inhaled to treat nausea.
Fruit juice applied topically during bath to treat unhealthy nails.
Citrus hystrix DC. Fruit zest used in bath water to treat body odors.
Rutaceae (Limau purut) Fruit juice mixed with salt taken orally to treat coughs.
Fruits used as bath scrub to treat rough skin.
(Contd.)
 ONG et al.: MEDICINAL PLANTS IN KAMPUNG TANJUNG SABTU, MALAYSIA 463

Table 1—Medicinal plants used as folk medicine in Kampung Tanjung Sabtu, Terengganu, Malaysia―Contd.
Botanical name, family & local name (Malay) Uses
Coleus artropurpureus Benth. Leaves mixed with CaCO3 and applied topically on stomachache.
Lamiaceae (Ati-ati)
Curcuma longa L. Juice from main rhizome taken orally to slow down aging.
Zingiberaceae (Kunyit) Rhizome mixed with rice made into face powder applied topically on
pimples.
Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf Leaf stalk and leafbase pounded and applied topically on aches and pain.
Poaceae (Serai) Infusion of crushed leaves applied topically on headache.
Decoction of leaf base with brown sugar taken orally to treat breathing
difficulty.
Compound decoction with leaves of Pandanus and jack used as post-
partum bath for mothers.
Leaf base pounded in water applied topically on mosquito bites.
Datura metel L. Heated leaf applied topically to treat flatulence.
Solanaceae (Kecubong) Heated leaf coated with coconut oil applied topically on sores.
Dioscorea hispida Denn. Grated tubers applied topically on skin cracks and itch.
Dioscoreaceae (Ubi gadong)
Drymoglossum pilloselloides (L.) Presl. Leaves pounded and applied topically on headache.
Polypodiaceae (Duit-duit)
Elephantopus scaber L. Decoction of leaves taken orally as birth control for women.
Asteraceae (Tutup bumi)
Gardenia jasminoides Ellis Leaves and flowers crushed and mixed in bath water to treat fever.
Rubiaceae (Bunga cina)
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. Infusion of crushed leaves applied topically to treat fever.
Malvaceae (Bunga raya) Crushed flowers applied topically on scalp to treat hair loss, graying
and dry hair.
Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeu. Decoction of rhizomes taken orally to treat fever.
Poaceae (Lalang)
Ipomoea aquatica Fors. Leaves pounded with salt and applied topically on abscesses.
Convolvulaceae (Kangkung) Pounded leaves used topically to treat grey hair and rough hair.
Jasminum sambac (L.) Ait. Flowers pounded with water and applied topically to treat hair loss and
Oleaceae (Melor) scalp odor.
Infusion of crushed flowers applied topically on headache.
Pounded buds applied topically on pimples.
Kaempferia galanga L. Leaves pounded and applied topically on swellings.
Zingiberaceae (Cekur)
Lawsonia inermis (L.) Pers. Leaves pounded and applied topically to treat hair loss and grey hair.
Lythraceae (Inai) Leaves pounded with rice and applied topically on septic nails.
Melastoma malabathricum L. Decoction of leaves taken orally to treat diarrhea.
Melastomataceae (Senduduk) Root place in mouth to treat or prevent travelling sickness.
Mimosa pudica L. Decoction of whole plant taken orally as post-partum treatment for
Mimosaceae (Semalu) mothers. Compound decoction with rock salt and sliced tamarind used
as bath water for post-partum mothers.
Pounded roots applied topically on bruises and swellings.
Roots pounded with CaCO3 applied topically on athlete’s foot.
Morinda citrifolia L. Leaves, fruits decoction taken orally to treat post-partum for mothers,
Rubiaceae (Mengkudu) intestinal worms and low sperm count.
Fruit eaten or juice taken orally to treat diabetes, hypertension and for
general health.
Decoction of roots taken orally to treat excessive urination.
Murraya koenigii (L.) Spre. Decoction of roots taken orally to treat dysentery.
Rutaceae (Pokok kari)
Ocimum basilicum L. Decoction of leaves taken orally to treat flatulence
Lamiaceae (Selasih) Pounded leaves applied on headache.
Fresh leaves eaten with food to slow down aging and treat gastric pain.
Infusion of leaves taken orally to treat skin diseases, fever, earache,
headache and joint aches.
(Contd.)
464 INDIAN J TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE, VOL 10, NO 3, JULY 2011

Table 1—Medicinal plants used as folk medicine in Kampung Tanjung Sabtu, Terengganu, Malaysia―Contd.
Botanical name, family & local name (Malay) Uses
Pandanus amryllifolius Roxb. Mashed leaves in water and applied topically to treat dandruff and
Pandanaceae (Pandan) scalp odor.
Phyllanthus niruri L. Plant pounded, mixed with water taken orally to treat dirty blood.
Euphorbiaceace (Dukung anak) Roots decoction taken orally to treat Jaundice.
Piper betle L. Pounded leaves with gambier and CaCO3 applied topically on
Piperaceae (Sireh) abscesses and sores.
Decoction of leaves used as wash to treat vaginal odor.
Rolled leaf inserted topically to treat nose bleed.
Heated leaves applied overnight to treat sagging breasts.
Piper nigrum L. Seeds eaten with rice to treat no appetite and for post-partum health of
Piperaceae (Lada hitam) mothers.
Piper sarmentosum Roxb. ex Hunt. Decoction of roots taken orally and leaves eaten with food to treat
Piperaceae (Kadok) difficult urination.
Psidium guajava L. Young leaves rubbed on body to treat body odor and rough skin.
Myrtaceae (Jambu batu) Mashed leaves taken orally to treat diarrhea, stomachache and post-
partum mothers.
Punica granatum L. Juice from fruit blended with rind taken orally to expel intestinal
Lythraceae (Delima) worms.
Juice from fruit blended with seeds taken orally to counter obesity.
Powdered dried rind mixed with water and sugar taken orally to treat
leucorrhea.
Rosa sinensis Jacq. Flowers used in bath water mixed with 6 other types of flowers to treat
Rosaceae (Bunga ros) headache.
Saccharum officinarum L. Juice from stem taken orally to treat fever.
Poaceae (Tebu hitam)
Senna alata (L.) Roxb. Leaves pounded, mixed with kerosene and CaCO3 applied topically on
Caesalpinaceae (Gelengang besar) ringworm and shingles.
Leaves pounded and applied topically on fungal infection.
Leaves pounded with salt and applied topically on warts.
Solanum torvum Swar. Fruits eaten for eye health and treat eyesight problems.
Solanaceae (Terung pipit) Decoction of roots taken orally to treat painful menses.
Syzygium palembanicum Miq. Leaf infusion applied topically to treat fever and headache.
Myrtaceae (Serai kayu) Leaf decoction taken orally to treat hypertension.
Leaves pounded and applied topically on post-partum women to
contract the abdomen.
Tetracera indica (Hout. ex Chris. & Panz.) Merr. Infusion of crushed leaves applied topically to treat fever.
Dilleniaceae (Mempelas) Decoction taken orally to treat hypertension.
Urena lobata L. Leaves pounded and applied topically on cuts.
Malvaceae (Pokok pulut) Roots in compound decoction taken orally as post-partum herbal
medicine. Roots pounded and applied topically on toothache
Infusion of roots taken orally to treat fever.
Zingiber officinale Rosc. Rhizome eaten to increase appetite.
Zingiberaceae (Halia) Rhizome decoction taken orally to treat flatulence.
Decoction of rhizome with black pepper and turmeric taken orally as
post-partum herbal medicine for mothers.
Poultice of rhizome applied topically on fungal infections.
54 species of medicinal plants but is much lower than seldom recorded in a written form by the villagers
a study conducted in yet another Malay village2 which because the traditional knowledge is orally passed on
recorded a total of 146 medicinal plants. This shows through generations. Recording and publishing of
that the total number of medicinal plants known to traditional knowledge on medicinal plants is
and used by any particular Malay village can vary important before such knowledge become diluted or
substantially. There are variations not only in the total disappears. Plants recorded in this study can be of
number of species used, but also on the diseases each interest for further research, for example Punica
plant is used for and also the methods of preparation granatum to counter obesity and Senna alata to
and application. Knowledge of medicinal plants is treat shingles.
 ONG et al.: MEDICINAL PLANTS IN KAMPUNG TANJUNG SABTU, MALAYSIA 465

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