Plant-based ethnic remedies for hypertension from Malaysia

Hypertension is among the most common medical problem currently encountered in many ethnic communities. It is referred to as the „silent killer“ and if left untreated, carries with it a substantial morbidity and mortality. Malaysia has rich and biologically diversified natural resources with over 15,000 flowering plants and 2,000 medicinal plants. An inventory of selected ethnic communities in East and West Malaysia was undertaken in an effort to identify potentially antihypertensive plant species used within the traditional pharmacopoeia of the communities. Respondents were randomly selected and interviews were conducted with community elders and persons knowledgeable in traditional medicine. Specific questionnaires were used and whenever possible plants documented in the survey were processed for voucher specimens. The data revealed that there are variations and differences in the method of preparation and utilization of plants as remedies for hypertension. While there has been a notable decrease in the practice of using plant-based remedies by the ethnic communities; interest in developing product based on such knowledge is on the upsurge around the world. Twenty species common to the ethnic communities studied are selected for discussion in this presentation.

Acknowledgements: University of Malaya, Universiti Malaysia Pahang.

References: [1] Goh S.H., Chua C.H., Mok J.S.L. and Soepadmo E.. (1995) Malaysian Medicinal Plants for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases. Pelanduk Publications. Kuala Lumpur.