List of Medicinal Plants in the Philippines

List of Medicinal Plants in the Philippines This list provides common medicinal plants in the Philippines. There are many other Philippine medicinal plants, herbs and trees found in the country but are actually rarely used as herbal medicine. These are the more widely used and popular medicinal plants:

Akapulko (scientific name: Cassia alata) - a shrub known to be a diuretic, sudorific and purgative. The medicinal uses of akapulko are to treat fungal infection of the skin and for the treatment of ringworms. English name: ringworm bush. Ampalaya (scientific name: Momordica charantia) - a vegetable used to treat diabetes (diabetes mellitus) it is now commercially produced in tablet form and tea bags. English name: bitter melon and bitter gourd. Atis (scientific name: Anona squamosa L.) - a small tree used as a medicinal herb. The leaves, fruit and seeds are used in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery and fainting. English name: Sugar apple and Sweet sop. Banaba (scientific name: Lagerstroemia speciosa) - a tree found throughout the Philippines. The leaves, roots, fruit and flowers all have medicinal uses. It is used in the treatment of diabetes and other ailments. It is a purgative and a diuretic. Bawang (scientific name: Allium sativum) - a specie of the onion family. English name: Garlic. It is used to reduce cholesterol in the blood and thus helps lower blood pressure. Bayabas (scientific name: Psidium guajava) - more popularly known as guava, bayabas is a small tree whose boiled leaves are used as an disinfectant to treat wounds. The decoction is also used as a mouth wash to treat gum infection and tooth decay. The bark is also used in children with chronic diarrhea. Gumamela (scientific name: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn) - called China rose or Hibiscus in the West, it is a common ornamental plant in the Philippines. As a medicinal herb, it is used as an expectorant for coughs, cold, sore throat, fever and bronchitis. Lagundi (scientific name: Vitex negundo) - one of the better known of the medicinal plants in the Philippines, lagundi (five-leaved chaste tree) is a shrub with many medicinal uses. It is used for the relief and treatment of coughs, asthma, dyspepsia, worms, colic, rheumatism and boils. The root is known to be an expectorant, tonic and febrifuge. Luya (scientific name: Zingiber officinale) or Ginger. It is botanically not a root but a rhizome of the monocotyledonous perennial plant. It has many uses as a medicinal herb with antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antiviral, diuretic and antiseptic properties.

Niyog-niyogan (scientific name: Quisqualis indica L.) - is a vine that is an effective in the elimination of intestinal worms, particularly the Trichina and Ascaris by ingesting its matured dried seeds. Chew (5 to 7 dried seeds for children or 8 to 10 seeds for adults) two hours after eating. Repeat treatment after a week if necessary. Roasted leaves are also used for fever and diarrhea while pounded leaves are used for skin diseases. English name: Chinese honey suckle. Oregano (scientific name: Origanum vulgare) - a perennial herb with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Commonly used for cooking in the West, it is used as a medicinal plant in the Philippines. A decoction of oregano leaves is taken internally for the prevention of degenerative arthritis, relief of cough, osteoarthritis, asthma and upset stomach. Pansit-Pansitan (scientific name: Peperomia pellucida Linn.) - an herb used to treat arthritis, gout, skin disorders, abdominal pains and kidney problems. It is applied to the skin as poultice or as a decoction when taken internally. Sabila (Aloe barbadensis miller liquid) - one of the most common medicinal plants in the Philippines that can be found in many Filipino homes. It is a succulent plant used to treat burns, cuts, eczema and other disorders. Aloe vera has antiviral, antifungal, antibiotic, antioxidant and antiparasitic properties. Sambong (scientific name: Blumea balsamifera) - a Philippine medicinal plant used to treat kidney disorders, colds, fever, rheumatism, hypertension and other ailments. As a diuretic, it helps in the excretion of urinary stones. A decoction of leaves is taken internally for treatment. It can also be used as an edema. English name: Blumea Camphora. Tsaang Gubat (scientific name: Ehretia microphylla Lam.) - a shrub prepared like tea, it is now commercially available in tablets, capsules and tea bags. This medicinal herb is effective in treating diarrhea, dysentery, gastroenteritis and other stomach ailments. It has high fluoride concentration making it a good mouth wash for the prevention of tooth decay. English name: Wild Tea. Ulasimang Bato (scientific name: Peperomia pellucida) - an annual herb also known as "pansitpansitan". It is a medicinal herb that is effective in treating gout, arthritis and prevents uric acid build up. A decoction of the plant is taken internally or the leaves and stem can be eaten fresh as salad. To make a decoction, boil a cup of washed chopped leaves in 2 cups of water, simmer for about 15 minutes, strain, let cool. Drink a cup 2 times a day after meals. Yerba Buena (scientific name: Clinopodium douglasii) - a vine of the mint family, popularly known as Peppermint. Its analgesic properties make it an ideal pain reliever to alleviate the body's aches and pains. A decoction of clean leaves is taken internally or externally as a poultice by pounding the leaves mixed with a little water then applied directly on the afflicted area. Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) - Although not a medicinal plant, VCO is a product of the coconut tree. VCO is one of the more popular alternative medicine widely used in the Philippines today.

It is taken internally for various aliments like diabetes to high blood pressure. Topically, VCO is also applied to the skin and scalp to nourish and heal. Posted by knowell goodat 5:04 AM

The 10 Herbal Plant approved by the Department of Health-DOH

1.) Lagundi (Vitex negundo L.) It is one of the ten herbal medicines endorsed by the Philippine Department of Health as an effective herbal medicine with proven therapeutic value. Studies have shown that Lagundi can prevent the body’s production of leukotrienes, which are released during an asthma attack. Even in Japan, lagundi is becoming recognized as an effective herbal medicine, especially since researches have shown that it contains properties that make it an expectorant and it has been reported to function as a tonic as well. More than that, most of the parts of the lagundi plant have medicinal value Common names: Dangla (Ilokano); five-leaved chaste tree, horseshoe vitex Indication: Leaves and flowering tops decoction, syrup, tablets and capsules for coughs, colds, fever and asthma. Found in: in humid places or along watercourses, in waste places and mixed open forest Parts used: Leaves and flowering tops Special precautions: Make sure to have the five-leaved varieties, as there are other varieties of lagundi. Preparation: Asthma, Cough & Fever - Decoction ( Boil raw fruits or leaves in 2 glasses of water for 15 minutes)Dysentery, Colds & Pain – Decoction ( Boil a handful of leaves & flowers in water to produce a glass, three times a day) Skin diseases (dermatitis, scabies, ulcer, eczema) - Wash & clean the skin/wound with the decoction Headache Crush leaves may be applied on the forehead Rheumatism, sprain, contusions, insect bites -Pound the leaves and apply on affected area

2.) Ulasimang-bato (Peperonia pellucida)

It is a small herb that grows from 1 to 1 1/2 feet. Pansit-pansitan can be found wild onlightly 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.

Common names: Ulasimang-bato, pansit-pansitan (Tagalog); olasiman-ihalas (Cebu,Bisaya); tangon-tangon (Bikol); peperonia (English) Indications: Infusion, decoction or salad for gout and rheumatic pains; pounded plant warm poultice for boils and abscesses Found in: In lowland rain forest, thickets, hedges, waste places, and roadsides. Parts used: aerial plant parts Special precautions: Avoid using with other pain relievers, diuretics Preparation: Lowers uric acid (rheumatism and gout) - One a half cup leaves are boiled in two glass of water over low fire. Do not cover pot. Divide into 3 parts and drink one part 3 times a day

3.) Guava (Psidium guajava L.)

Bayabas or guava is a tropical plant, which is locally known for its edible fruit. In the backyards of Filipino homes in the country, this plant is commonly seen, and grown becauseof its many uses as fruit and as traditional remedy to treat various ailments. As shown bymany research studies, almost all of the parts of this plant have medicinal qualities and value, and thus, making it as one of the most popular therapeutic plants in the Philippines

Common names: Guava, bayabas (Tagalog); guyabas (Iloko); Guava (English). Indications: antidiarrheal and antiseptic Found in:Common in the Philippines Parts used:Leaves,fruits Special precautions:Eating too much guava fruit may cause constipation Preparation: For washing wounds - Maybe use twice a day Diarrhea - May be taken 3-4 times a day As gargle and for toothache – Warm decoction is used for gargle. Freshly pounded leaves are used for toothache. Boil chopped leaves for 15 minutes at low fire. Do not cover and then let it cool and strain.

4.)Bawang (Alium sativum L.)

This herb is one of the most widely used herbal medicines in the Philippines and can also be found commonly in the kitchen of Filipino households as it is used to spice up food preparations. The Philippines bawang or garlic variety is more pungent than the imported ones. Its medicinal properties have been known for a long time and have been especiallyproven during World War II when it was used to treat wounds and infections of soldiers.Garlic antibacterial compound known as allicin, saved many lives of the soldiers as thisproperty prevented the wounds from being infected and developing into gangrene at a laterstage by extracting the juice of bawang or garlic and applying to the wounds. Common names: Ajos (Bisaya); garlic Indications: Fresh cloves, capsules for lowering blood cholesterol levels; antiseptic. Found in:cultivated all over the world. Probably originated from Central Asia Parts used: Leaves and bulbs (cloves) Special precautions: Avoid taking with medicines for lowering blood sugar, and medicines for thinning blood. Dosage must not exceed 6-8 cooked cloves a day. Stomach ulcer may develop if garlic is eaten raw Uses & Preparation: Hypertension - Maybe fried, roasted, soaked in vinegar for 30 minutes, or blanched in boiled water for 15 minutes. Take 2 pieces 3 times a day after meals. Toothache - Pound a small piece and apply to affected are

5.) Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii)

Yerba Buena has been consumed for centuries as tea and herbal medicine as a pain reliever(analgesic). Native American Indians used it even before the “white men” colonized theAmericas. Today, this folk medicine’s efficacy has been validated by scientific research. In the Philippines, Yerba Buena is one of the 10 herbs endorsed by the Department of Health(DOH) as an effective alternative medicine for aches and pains.

Common name:Peppermint Indications and preparations: for pain, cough, colds, nausea, dizziness, and Pruritus Parts utilized: leaves, sap of plant Uses & Preparation: Pain (headache, stomachache) - Boil chopped leaves in 2 glasses of water for 15 minutes. Divide decoction into 2 parts, drink one part every 3 hours. Rheumatism, arthritis and headache - Crush the fresh leaves and squeeze sap. Massage sap on painful parts with eucalyptus Cough & Cold - Soak 10 fresh leaves in a glass of hot water, drink as tea. (expectorant) Swollen gums - Steep 6 g. of fresh plant in a glass of boiling water for 30 minutes. Use as a gargle solution Toothache - Cut fresh plant and squeeze sap. Soak a piece of cotton in the sap and insert this in aching tooth cavity Menstrual & gas pain - Soak a handful of leaves in a lass of boiling water. Drink infusion. Nausea & Fainting - Crush leaves and apply at nostrils of patients Insect bites - Crush leaves and apply juice on affected area or pound leaves until like a paste, rub on affected area Pruritis - Boil plant alone or with eucalyptus in water. Use decoction as a wash on affected area. 6.) Sambong (Blumea balsamifera L. DC)

Sabong is an amazing medical plant.Coming from the family of Compositae,it goes by several names locally.It is known in the Visayas as bukadkad and as subsud in ilocos.This plant possesses a multitude of properties that make it worthy of the DOH approval.

Common names: Sambong (Tagalog); lakad-bulan (Bikol); Ngai camphor (English) Indications: Diuretic in hypertension; dissolves kidney stones Found in:In roadsides, fields, lowland and mountainous regions Parts used:Leaves and flowering tops Special precautions:Avoid using with other diuretics. When taking diuretics, eat at least one banana a day.

7.) Akapulko (Cassia alata L.)

Akapulko is a shrub found throughout the Philippines. It is known under various names in different regions in the country. Common names:Katanda (Tagalog); andadasi (Ilokano);palochina (Bisaya); ringworm bush,seven golden candlesticks, bayabas-bayabasan Found in: Abundantly naturalized in South East Asia, and occasionally planted throughout the region for medicinal and ornamental purposes Parts used: Leaves

Preparation: Anti-fungal (tinea flava, ringworm, athlete’s foot and scabies) - Fresh, matured leaves are pounded. Apply soap to the affected area 1-2 times a day

8.) Niyog- Niyogan (Quisqualis Indica L.)

Common names: Tartaraok (Tagalog); balitadham (Bisaya); Rangoon creeper, Chinese honeysuckle, liane vermifuge. Indications: Fruit (kernel) anthelmintic; leaves poultice for headache Found in: In forest margins at low altitude, in gardensand backyards. Native to

Asian tropics and throughout Malesian region. Parts used: Fruits Special precautions: Follow recommended dosage. Overdose causes hiccups. Preparation: Anti-helmintic -The seeds are taken 2 hours after supper. If no worms are expelled, the dose may be repeated after one week. (Caution: Not to be given to children below 4 years old)

9.) Tsaang Gubat (Carmona retusa (Vahl) Masam.)

Tsaang Gubat is a shrub that grows abundantly in thePhilippines. 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 Gubathas high fluoride content, it is used as a mouth gargle for preventing tooth decay. Research and test now prove it’s efficacy as an herbal medicine. Aside from the traditional way of taking Tsaag Gubat, it is now available commercially in capsules, tablets and tea bags. Common names:Putputai (Bikol); alangit (Bisaya); forest tea, wild tea. Indications:pills, leaf decoction for gastroenteritis; as gargle to prevent cavities Found in:In secondary forests at low and medium altitudes. Sometimes cultivated as ornamentals. Parts used:Leaves

Preparation: Diarrhea - Boil chopped leaves into 2 glasses of water for 15 minutes. Divide decoction into 4 parts. Drink 1 part every 3 hours Stomachache – Boil chopped leaves in 1 glass of water for 15 minutes. Cool and strain.

10.) Ampalaya (Momordica charantia (L.) DC)

Ampalaya has been for used even by the Chinese for centuries. The effectively of Ampalayaas an herbal medicine has been tried and tested by many research clinics and laboratories worldwide. In the Philippines, the Department of Health has endorsed Ampalaya as an alternative medicine to help alleviate various ailments

Common names:Ampalaya (Tagalog); paria (Ilokano); palia (Bisaya); bitter gourd, bitter cucumber, bitter melon (English) Indications:lowers blood sugar levels; for fertility regulation Found in:In lowland rain forest, thickets, hedges, waste places, and roadsides. Parts used:Young leaves Special precautions:Blood sugar levels should be monitored regularly. The native variety with small bitter fruit is recommended Preparation: Diabetes Mellitus (Mild non-insulin dependent) - Chopped leaves then boil in a glass of water for 15 minutes. Do not cover. Cool and strain. Take 1/3 cup 3 times a day after meals

Although these are all-natural drugs approved by the Department of Health its still dangerous if not taken as recommended by a medical practitioner.

Statement of the problem

What is Herbal Medicine? Herbal medicine is the oldest and still the most widely used system of medicine in the world today. It is medicine made exclusively from plants. It is used in all societies and is common to all cultures. There are many different "types" of herbal medicine that spring from different cultures around the world. All these have the use of medicinal plants in common, but they vary in the plants they use, the way they prepare and use medicines from these plants, and the philosophy of their treatment approaches. Different cultures may also use the same plants but differ in how it is used, or the part they use.

Herbal medicine is increasingly being validated by scientific investigation which seeks to understand the active chemistry of the plant. Many modern pharmaceuticals have been modeled on, or derived from chemicals found in plants. An example is the heart medication digoxin derived from foxglove (Digitalis purpurea). Using plants as medicine provides significant advantages for treating many conditions. The therapeutic activity of a plant is due to its complex chemical nature with different parts of the plant providing certain therapeutic effects.

Body of the thesis What is the importance of herbal plants? Herbs have been used by people for longer than we have been keeping written record. Originally they were found in the wild, by the gatherers (of hunter-gatherer groups) and used for a lot of different things. They were used to flavour food, as a source of nutrition, as medicines and for magical purposes. Before there were doctors, herbs were used by the "wise women & men" of small bands of people... very often with good, reliable results. As people settled into areas and started cultivating crops, they often grew the easier to find and grow herbs for culinary use, thus began the herb gardens. This does not mean they abandoned their gleaning from their surroundings, just that they found it prudent to grow the things they needed the most of. As our needs changed we found herbs to fill those needs... from plants to dye yarn and fabrics to plants to spread on the floors to keep the dust and pests down (strewing herbs like lady's bedstraw). We learned to extract oils and make teas and infusions, not just for their pleasant aromas and flavours, but also for their medicinal properties. As we moved from area to area we accumulated more and new information from those who lived in the area before us, thus when Europeans came to the Americas, the local aboriginals had a wealth of knowledge about indigenous plants and their benefits which they sometimes (when they were asked) shared with their new friends and neighbours. As modern medicine developed you will find a large number of the pills we take today have their origins in those humble herbs gathered from the waysides and stream beds. Even today, the "miracle drugs" being developed can regularly be traced back to some little known plant growing in some remote part of the world. Herbs have been with us throughout history and with any luck (and a little planning on our part) they will be with us for as long as we continue.

3 kinds of herbal plants

Lagundi (scientific name: Vitex negundo) is a large native shrub that grows in the Philippines and has been traditionally used as herbal medicine. The Philippine Department of Health has conducted research and study for Lagundi and has suggested that the lagundi plant has a number verifiable therapeutic value Lagundi is an erect, branched tree or shrub, that grows to as much as 5 m high. Lagundi has a single thick, woody stem like a trunk and is usually seen in swamps of the Philippines. Lagund leaves appear palmately, in the form of five pointed leaves which splay out like the fingers of a hand. Lagundi leaves are 5-foliate, rarely with 3 leaflets only. Lagundi leaves are 4-10 cm long, slightly hairy beneath. The lagundi flowers are blue to lavender, 6-7 mm long bearing fruit globose of about 4mm in diameter that turns black when ripe,

Benifits of lagundi

Lagundi has been traditionally used as herbal medicine by Philippine folks. The efficacy of Lagundi has also been verified by the Philippine Department of Health and other Philippine based scientists which concentrated on its use to ease respiratory complaints. Lagundi is generally used for the treatment of coughs, asthma symptoms, and other respiratory problems, Lagundi is also known for its analgesic effect that helps alleviate pain and discomfort. Other traditional benefits that are derived from the use of Lagundi are as follows:     

Relief of asthma & pharyngitis Recommended relief of rheumatism, dyspepsia, boils, diarrhea Treatment of cough, colds, fever and flu and other bronchopulmonary disorders Alleviate symptoms of Chicken Pox Removal of worms, and boils

Uses of lagundi Lagundi is a shrub that grows to as tall as 5 meters. A shrub is described as somewhere between an herb and a tree. A shrub is a low, woody plant with several stems while a tree is a tall, woody plant with only one stem called “trunk.” A leaf of Lagundi is composed of 5 leaflets arranged like fingers in a hand. Lagundi is indicated or used primarily for the following: 1. To stop coughing, relieve asthma, and facilitate the discharge of phlegm. 2. To lower fever due too colds or flu.

Sambong

Sambong is used as herbal medicine and is a shrub that grows wild in the tropical climate countries such as Philippines, India, Africa and found even in eastern Himalayas. Sambong is widely used in the Philippines as herbal medicine. Sambong leaves are known for its ngai or Blumea camphor that is used as herbal medicine to treat kidney stones, wounds and cuts, rheumatism, anti-diarrhea, anti spasms, colds and coughs and hypertension. The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) has develop the technology for a sambong herbal medicine tablet. Sambong is an aromatic shrub, that grows from 1 to 4 meters in height. It is considered as a weed in some countries and is difficult to eradicate. Sambong has yellow flowering heads that is 6 mm long. Sambong leaves are green obloid that spreads in a pyramidial pattern. Sambong bears fruits that are ribbed and hairy on top. Sambong fruit has 1 seed.

Benifits of sambong Sambong roots and leaves are used as herbal treatment for fevers, sambong leaves and roots are pounded then dissolved in cold water. Applied with a soft cloth over the nape, forehead, uderarms and other body parts to bring down the body temperature. Sambong roots and leaves are also used as herbal medicine treatment for rheumatism. Sambong roots and leaves are pounded and applied as poultice on Sambong roots and leaves may also be warm compress onto affected area    

the affected body part. boiled and are applied as

Sambong is also used to treat headache, sambong leaves are pounded and applied as a poultice over the forehead. Sambong tea are also used as herbal medicine for colds and coughs. Sambong tea are also used for herbal treatment of diarrhea and stomach spasms. Sambong juice are also used for treatment of cuts and wounds.

uses of sambong Sambong, Scientific Studies - Medical Uses Sambong as diuretic for hypertension and fluid retension.Sambong herbal tea is used as a diuretic for fluid retension and hydpertension conditions. Sambong herbal tea incites the body to urinate thereby removing excess body fluids and sodium. Clinical studies have shown that high levels of sodium in the blood is a major cause of hypertension. Sambong delay or averts renal failure . The Philippine National Kidney and Transplant Institute recommends taking sambong herbal medicine for patients with renal problems. Favorable results were noted that sambong may help to delay or avert dialysis or even kidney transplant. Samobng of rthe Dissolution of Kidney Stones. The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) has been promoting Sambong herbal tea and tablets as a diuretic and for the dissolution of kidney stones. Sambong has been recently registered in the Bureau of Foods and Drugs as medicine. Sambong as Anticancer: Sambong contains methanolic extract that has been found to have therapeutic activity against hepatocellular carcinoma cells. A study of sambong (balsamifera) extract inhibits the activity in rat and human hepatocellular carcinoma cells without cytotoxicity. This study suggest a possible therapeutic effect of sambong extracts (balsamifera) in the treatement of hepatoma cancer patients. Sambong as Antibacteria and Antifungi: A Phytochemical study indicates that sambong leaves contains the chemiclas icthyothereol acetate, cyptomeridiol, lutein and ß-carotene that has been found to have positive activity agains microbes such as A niger, T mentagrophytes and C albicans. Results also showed activity against P aeruginosa, S aureus, B subtilis and E coli.

Ampalaya

Ampalaya is a vegetable grown throughout the Philippines. It is mostly cultivated, although wild forms can be found. It grows wild in the remote areas of Mt. Banahaw. As the English name suggests (bitter melon), the melon has a bitter taste due to the presence of momordicin. There has been much research done on the effectiveness of using Momordica Charantia in the treatment of diabetes. It has been shown to increase production of beta cells by the pancreas, thereby improving the body’s ability to produce insulin. It has been recommended by the Department of Health of the Philippines, as one of the best herbal medicines for it's ability to help with liver problems, Diabetes and HIV. It is a common herb used in Chinese herbology. In the Philippines, the leaves are often used for children's coughs. It is also used in the treatment of skin diseases, sterility in women, as a parasiticide, as an antipyretic, and as a purgative.

Ampalaya benifits Herbal Benefits of Ampalaya: Ampalaya is noted to be an effective component in herbal medicine, and the fruit is known to help treat, or alleviate the symptoms of rheumatism and gout and ailments of the spleen and liver. It also is effective in helping lower the body's blood sugar and blood pressure levels. Below are among many of the beneficial aspects of using bitter gourd: - Helps to disinfect and heal cuts, wounds & burns - Is useful as a cough & fever remedy - Used in the treatment of intestinal worms and diarrhea - Helps prevent some types of cancers - Helps enhance the body's immune system to ward off infections - Serves as an effective antioxidant, antibacterial & antipyretic agent

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Ampalaya uses Ampalaya for Diabetes. Clinical Studies for Ampalaya Bitter Melon demonstrated hypoglycemic properties (blood sugar lowering) or other actions of potential benefit against diabetes mellitus. The hypoglycemic chemicals found in Ampalaya Bitter Melon include a mixture of steroidal saponins known as charantins, insulin-like peptides, and alkaloids. The hypoglycemic effect is more pronounced in the fruit of bitter melon where these chemicals are in greater abundance. The fruit has also shown the ability to enhance cells’ uptake of glucose, to promote insulin release, and potentiate the effect of insulin. In other in vivo studies, bitter melon fruit and/or seed has been shown to reduce total cholesterol and triglycerides in both the presence and absence of dietary cholesterol. In one study, elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels in diabetic rats were returned to normal after 10 weeks of treatment Ampalaya for Hemorrhoids. Powdered leaves and root decoction of Ampalaya are applied to hemorrhoids as astringent. Ampalaya for Stomach Problems. Ampalaya leaf juice is used to expel intestinal parasites, treat dysentery, diarrhea, and chronic colitis. Grounded seeds may also be used. Taken in a spoonfull 3x a day until ailment subsides. Ampalaya for Cough. Ampalaya leaf juice is used for mild coughs for children. Administered in a teaspoon 3x a day. Ampalaya for Burns, Scalds and Wounds. Pounded Ampalaya seeds or leaf are used to treat burns, scalds and wounds. Ampalaya as Anti-Cancer, Two compounds extracted from ampalaya bitter melon, αeleostearic acid (from ampalaya seeds) and dihydroxy-α-eleostearic acid (from the ampalayafruit) have been found to induce apoptosis of leukemia cells in vitro. Diets containing 0.01% ampalaya bitter melon oil (0.006% as α-eleostearic acid) were found to prevent azoxymethane-induced colon carcinogenesis in rats. Other acclaimed uses are for the treatment of HIV, treatment of fever and headaches, treatment of rheumatism and gout, disease of the spleen and liver. Amplaya Side Effects In large dozes, pure Ampalaya juice can be a purgative and may cause pregnancy abortion.