SILI Capsicum Frutescens

Capsicum frutescens is found throughout the Philippines plated here and there about dwellings but

also thoroughly established in open, waste places in settles areas.

Its fruit is a popular condiment. The leaves are used as vegetable; an excellent source of calcium and

iron, a good source of phosphorus and vitamins A and B.

It is an important gastrointestinal deoxidant and also serves as a stimulant, digestive, rubefacient,

stomachic, sialagogue, alterative, antispasmodic, febrifugue and depurative.

Nutritional Value Pungent principle, capsaicin; solanine; vitamin A and B; citric acid; palmitic acid;

capsicin; oleoresin; volatile and fixed oils; pentosans, 8.28%; pectin, 3.2%.

SALUYOT Corchorus Olitorius L.

Corchorus Olitorius is ever-present in clearings, farms and waste places in the Philippines.

Reported to be demulcent, deobstruent, diuretic, lactagogue, purgative and tonic, it may also be a

remedy for aches and pains, dysentery, enteritis, fever and pectoral pains.

Nutritional Value

Per 100 g., the leaves are reported to contain 43-58 calories, 80.4-84.1 g h20, 4.5-5.6 g protein, 0.3

g fat, 7.6-12.4 g total carbohydrate , 1.7-2.0 g fiber, 2.4 g ash, 266-366 mg Ca, 97-122 mg P, 7.2-

7.7 mg Fe, 12 mg Na, 444 mg K, 6410-7850 ug beta carotene equivalent, 0.13-0.15 mg thiamine,

0.26-0.53 mg riboflavin, 1.1-1.2 mg niacin and 53-80 ascorbic acid. Leaves contain oxydase and

chlorogenic acid.

Nutritional Info: Uray

URAY AMARANTHUS SPINOSUS

Amaranthus Spinosus is found throughout the Philippines at lowlands and low altitudes.

It functions as a good expectorant and an effective astringent especially in stopping liquid bowels.

Locally, it has been reported that a decoction of the root relieve one’s breathing from acute bronchitis.

Nutritional Value

The dried leaves contain (per 100g) 267 - 276 calories, 20 - 34.4% protein, 2 - 4.5% fat, 45 - 54%

carbohydrate, 9.8 - 10.4% fibre, 16.6 - 24% ash, 1795 - 5333mg calcium, 333 - 460mg phosphorus,

13.5 - 152.7mg iron, 13 - 37mg sodium, 337 - 3528mg potassium, 27.9 - 40.8mg beta carotene

equivalent, 0.06mg thiamine, 2.02mg riboflavin, 7.7 - 8.6mg niacin and 503mg ascorbic acid.

CAMOTE IPOMOEA BATATAS

Ipomoea batatas is a warm season crop extensively cultivated in the Philippines. It can easily be

planted any time of the year and propagated from stem cuttings.

Its roots are high in calories and vitamin A and the leafy tops are eaten as vegetables. The tops,

especially purplish ones are used for diabetes and the crushed leaves are applied to boils and acne.

Nutritional Value

Ipomoea batatas contains calcium, 30; magnesium, 24; potassium, 373; sodium, 13; phosphorus, 49;

chlorine, 85; sulphur, 26; and iron, 0.8 mg/100 g; iodine, 4.5 g/kg; manganese, copper, and zinc are

present in traces.

Malunggay, combat malnutrition, used to combat malnutrition, especially among

infants and nursing mothers vitamins A, B and C, calcium, iron and protein Malunggay - Anti infectious: Antibacterial; Anti Fungal, . In late 1940's, The Department of Biochemistry at the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore (PLN Rao) have found that malunggay or Moringa Oleifera leaves contain a compound"pterygospermin" that is known in medical science as having antimicrobial,

antibacterial, anti fungal properties.

Malunggay - Anti Cancer Malunggay or Moringa has been shown in studies to have an anti-tumor capacity. Moringa contains benzyl isothiocyanate. There are many studies that have shown this chemical and compounds derived thereof to have anti-cancer and chemoprotective capabilities. This chemoprotective aspect is critical for those who are battling cancer; this helps strengthen cells so that they can tolerate chemotherapy. Malunggay is also considered in the treatment of prostate cancer and skin cancer. (Ref: Fuglie LJ (2000) New Uses of Moringa Studied in Nicaragua. ECHO Development Notes #68, June, 2000. ttp://www.echotech.org/network/modules.php? name=News&file=article&sid=194)

Malunggay - anti-inflamatory: Malunggay has been found to inhibit inflammation in a controlled scientific study conducted by Philippine DOST Scientists (Amelia P. Guevara, Carolyn Vargas and Milagros Uy). When an aquous seed extract of malunggay has been administered to a carrageenan induced inflammation, its was noted that the aquous seed extract of the Malunggay (Moringa Oleifera) inhibited the development of edema in ratpaw. The Malunggay is traditionally used to prevent and treat inflammations associated with rheumatism, arthritis and joint pains.

Malunggay - Reproductive health. Fuglie LJ (1999) The Miracle Tree: Moringa oleifera: Natural Nutrition for the Tropics has reported that Malunggay or Moringa Oleifera is widely believed to have an aphrodisiac action that enhances the sexual activity. Malunggay or moringa oleifera young leaves is also widely used to increase the flow of milk for lactating mothers.

Malunggay (Moringa Oleifera) Herbal Medicine Preparation

Malunggay as food. Malunggay pods may be eaten raw or may also be fried with

peanut similar taste. Malunggay leaves and flower may also be cooked together with other vegetables and meat to form soups or viands.

Malunggay decoction for washing sores and wounds, Boil malunggay roots and let it cool to tolerable warm temperature and use it to wash wounds and sores. By gargling the Malunggay decoction, it may also be used to wash mouth sores and sore throats.

Malunggay poultice. Grounded Malunggay seeds, leaves and bark may be applied topically as poultice onto swollen flesh to relieve inflammation.

Malunggay oil may be taken internally as mixed with foods, it is known to be a powerful antioxidant even used by the early people from Egypt. Malunggay oil also known as Ben oil is widely used as oil base for perfumes and cosmetics. The oil is extracted from Malunggay seeds by pressing.

Malunggay Herbal Medicine Precautions, Side Effects

Although malunggay consumption is generally accepted as safe. But according to Indian traditional usage, Malunggay may have an abortificient effects. (Ref: Nath D, N Sethi, et al. (1997) Survey on indigenous medicinal plants used for abortion in some districts of Uttar Pradesh. Fitoterapia 68(3): 223-225)