Utilization of Salacia korthalsiana Miq (Polipog) of Mamanwa Tribe in Las Navas, Northern Samar

Abstract

This study was conducted to document the Salacia korthalsiana Miq which is locally known as Polipog for the treatment of various ailments among the Mamanwa tribe in the barangay San Isidro, Las Navas, Northern Samar. The plant part used and the mode of preparation and treatment are also included in the documentation. Medicinal uses of Salacia korthalsiana Miq (Polipog) was gathered through interviews using semi-structured questionnaire. The tribe’s chieftain, elders and faith healers (also known as albularyos) were involved in providing information on the Salacia korthalsiana Miq (Polipog) documentation as medicinal plants and utilized by the Mamanwa tribe to treat different kinds of diseases and ailments. The most frequently used plant part was the leaves, roots and stems. The methods applied in the preparations of the plant were decoction, pounding, cutting, chopping into smaller pieces, extracting the juice and applied directly to the affected area. The most common health problems treated by the plants were menstrual problems, itchiness, wounds, anti-inflammatory, lowering of fever, cough and colds, hypertension, and asthma. Mode of treatment were administered orally and externally. Documentation of the claimed medicinal plants by local communities will not only provide a baseline data but also unlock opportunities for the discovery and development of new and less expensive plant-based medicines.