ulasiman-bato

ULASIMAN-BATO

( Scientific Name: Peperomia pellucida,  Family Name: Piperaceae,  Common Name: Peperomia)

              Ulasiman- bato is an annual herb, shallow rooted,may reach 40 cm high, with succulent stems. Leaves are alternate, heart-shaped and turgid, as transparent and smooth as candle wax. Tiny dotlike flowers are scattered along solitary and leaf-opposed stalk (spike); naked; This grass grows in moist areas in Southeast Asia. Its heart-shaped leaves, about 1.5cm diameter, are shiny and watery and are very soft, easily destroyed.maturing gradually from the base to the tip and is turning brown when ripe. [1]

              Numerous tiny seeds drop off when mature and grow easily in clumps and groups in damp areas. These plants are usually propagated by seeds. They are also commercially propagated by cuttings. Peperomia cuttings root easily. Plants can be divided at potting time. They are removed and separated into smaller pieces, each with a few roots attached. Leaf or stem cuttings can also be taken in the spring or summer. The lower leaves of the shoots are removed and a cut is made below the bottom node (joint). They are then laid on a bench for an hour or two to allow a protective corky skin to form over the cuts. They are then inserted in a propagating case with bottom heat of 70-75 degrees F. It is best not to seal the top completely, as the plants are semi-succulent in nature and excessive humidity is detrimental. When enough roots have formed, cuttings can be planted in 3-inch pots or in hanging baskets. [12]

       Peperomia pellucida is used as a tea for a loose cough. In the Grenadines, where it is called silver bush, it provides a tea for undernourished children. In Africa it is frequently employed in infusions for convulsions. In Trinidad, where it is called shiny bush, it is used for colds and as a cooling medicine for children. In Jamaica this plant is still included among the ubiquitous "cold bushes": it is considered especially valuable as a children's remedy. One informant who had resided in Cuba said that it is an excellent "blood cooler" and helps one to sleep. [15]

PARTS USED:

Leaves (fresh)

Stems (fresh)

The two major uses of ulasimang bato are:

1. Rheumatism and gout. Boil for 15 to 20 minutes 1 1/2 cup herb with 2 cups or water.

2. Salad. In addition or replacement to your favorite lettuce.

One way to make pancit pancitan available the whole year round is to dry it. You may also want to sell it for business.

1. Wash it gently with running water.

2. Rinse and place in front of electric fan immediately to remove adhering water drops.

3. Arrange in trays and air dry at room temperature. Air drying is recommended because high temperature might destroy its herbal potential. Drying time may take weeks.

4. Pack in clean plastic bags and seal. [13]

 ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS:

• Preliminary phytochemical screening of methanol extracts of stems yielded carbohydrates, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, triterpenoids, with the absence of saponins and proteins. [3]
•  Study yielded 5 new bioactive compounds: two secolignans, two tetrahydrofuran lignans, and one highly methoxylated dihydronaphthalenone. [3]
• Proximate analysis of leaves yielded a high ash content, a higher crude fiber content, and a still higher carbohydrate content. Mineral analysis showed low manganese, iron, zinc and copper, with high sodium content. Phytochemical screening yielded alkaloids, cardenolides, saponins and tannins. [3]
•  An ether soluble fraction of the whole plant yielded 4,7-dimethoxy-5-(2-propenyl)-1, 3-benzodioxole or apiol, in a liquid state, 2,4,5,-trimethoxy styrene, mp 138°, and three phytosterols, campesterol, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol. [3]
•  Study of essential oil showed the main components to be dillapiole (39.7%) and trans-caryophyllene (10.7%). [3]

                The plant Peperomia pellucida was found to have variety of chemical constituents. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, cardenolides, saponins and tannins, while anthraquinones was observed to be absent. Stem also contain alkaloid, tannins, flavanoids and steriods, except saponins. The roots of Peperomia pellucida also had shown the presence of alkaloid, tannins, steroids and carbohydrates etc. The essential oils of the plant were found primarily in medical literature. One study identified 71 compounds from the essential oils of 10 Piperaceae species. Sesquiterpenes appear to be the major chemical constituents in the essential oils. Carotol (13.41%) was the major hydroxylated sesquiterpene in a chemical analysis of Peperomia pellucida. Flavonoids, phytosterols, arylpropanoids (eg, apiols), substituted styrenes, and a dimeric ArC2 compound or pellucidin A have been isolated. Antifungal activity has been documented for arylpropanoids such as the apiols. Other compounds, like the peperomins, have cytotoxic or anticancer activity in vitro. Isolated flavonoids include acacetin, apigenin, isovitexin, and pellucidatin. Isolated phytosterols include campesterol and stigmasterol. [19]

               Also contains five new compounds (1−5), including two secolignans, two tetrahydrofuran lignans, and one highly methoxylated dihydronaphthalenone. These compounds were accompanied by the known peperomins A, B, C [28], and E [29], 7, 8 - trans 8, 8‘ – trans -7‘ ,8‘- cis- 7, 7‘ – bis (5-methoxy-3,4 methylenedioxyphenyl) - 8 - acetoxymethyl- 8‘ hydroxymethyltetrahydrofuran, 7, 8 – trans - 8, 8‘ – trans - 7‘, 8‘ – cis -7- (5-methoxy-3,4 methylenedioxyphenyl) -7‘ -(4-hydroxy -3, 5-dimethoxyphenyl) -8, 8‘ diacetoxymethyltetrahydrofuran [30], sesamin [31], and isoswertisin [32]. Patuloside A (3-β-D-glucopyranosyloxy-1, 5, 6-trihydroxy-9H-xanthene-9-one) is a xanthone glycoside isolated from Peperomia pellucida. [19]

TRADITIONAL USE:

           Plants have played a significant role in maintaining human health and improving the quality of human life for thousands of years, and served as valuable components of food and medicines. Peperomia pellucida leaves and stems may also be eaten as vegetable. In salads, the fresh plant has the crispness of carrot sticks and celery. As Ethno-medicinal uses of this plant Peperomia pellucida has been applied for treating abdominal pain, abscesses, acne, boils, colic, fatigue, gout, headache, renal disorders, and rheumatic joint pain. In Bolivia, Altenos Indians use the whole plant to stop hemorrhages. The roots are used to treat fevers and the aerial parts are used as dressing for wounds. In northeastern Brazil, the plant has been used to lower the cholesterol level. In Guyana and the Amazon region, it is a popular cough suppressant, emollient, and diuretic. It is also used to treat proteinuria. In the Philippines, a decoction of the plant is used to decrease uric acid levels and to treat renal problems. In different region of Lakshmipur district of Bangladesh, the leaves of the plant are used by local people in the treatment of excited mental disorder. It is also used topically for skin disorders such as acne and boils. In South America, A solution of the fresh juice of stem and leaves is used against eye inflammation. Infusion and decoction of leaves and stems are used for gout and arthritis. According to Manila Medical Society P. pellucida is used to relieve arthritic pains, but can cause CNS depression. This plant has externally used as a facial rinse for complexion problems. Pounded whole plant used as warm poultice for boils, pustules and pimples and also used for headaches, rheumatic pains and impotence. Peperomia pellucida is also used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It is described in Ayurveda as – Rasa – Katu and Madhur; Guna- Lakhu, rooksha, Teekshna; and Virya- Ushna. The plant is described to passify vitiated cough, pitta, constipation, kidney diseases, urinary retention, dysuria, urinary tract infections, emaciation, edema and general weakness. Infusion and decoction of leaves and stems of fresh plant are eaten as salad for the treatment of gout and arthritis. According to Ethno-botanical studies the whole plant has been in medicinal use since long. It is crushed and mixed with water to form a mixture, heated and administered orally to cure hemorrhage. It is also been applied against coughing, fever, common cold, headache, sore throat, diarrhea, against kidney and prostate problems and against high blood pressure. [19]

               Traditionally, the plant is used for the treatment of infected wounds and for the management of a variety of dermatologic conditions. It is similarly used in Tropical West Africa for this purpose. Recently, the anti-inflammatory activity of the plant has been studied, especially in relation to the treatment of arthritis and gout. [16]

• Whole plant – as warm poultice to treat abscesses, boils and pimples, rheumatism and fatigue. [9]
• bruised leaf – for headache, convulsions. [9]
• infusion or decoction-against gout, kidney troubles, rheumatic pain, externally as rinse for complexion problems. [9]
• Leaf juice – for colic and abdominal pains. [9]
• Eaten as fresh salad. [9]

PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITY:

             Peperomia pellucid (Sinaw-Sinaw) is one of the herbal medicines highly

recommended by the Philippines Department of Health. This plant has been proven to

possess therapeutic benefit through properly proven scientific method of herbal medicine

preparation. DOH considers it effective in fighting arthritis and gout. The cupful of leaves

can be eaten fresh like a salad or tea. The plant is also taken as decoction. A cup of clean

chopped leaves is boiled in two cups of water for 15 to 20 minutes. The preparation is

strained and is drunk after meals. [17]

            Infusion and decoction of leaves and stems are used for gout and arthritis.

Externally, it is used as a facial rinse for complexion problems.

Pounded whole plant used as warm poultice for boils, pustules and pimples.

Analgesic / Anti-inflammatory action of Pansit-pansitan

          Pansit-pansitan has been traditionally used to treat fever, cough, common cold, headache and arthritis. In a study of aerial parts of peperomia extract in mice indicated that that it exhibited anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. The anti-inflammatory activity was attributed to interference with prostaglandin synthesis. In another study done on rabbits, pansit-pansitan extract exhibited an anti-pyretic activity which indicates that it is comparable to standard aspirin.

          The research utilizes a crossover pre and post research design. Convenience sampling was done on the selection of the respondents. Ibuprofen was used as a model treatment to base the effectivity of the decoction. The study has two interventional phases the decoction

phase and the ibuprofen phase which lasted for a month in each phase. Result showed

that both the twice a day intake of the peperomia pellucida decoction and the ibuprofen

treatment taken as needed for pain, indeed has significantly lowered the mean scores

on the pain, stiffness, and disability on the WOMAC arthritis index among the

respondents. Recommendations for further studies involve devising a strategy to be

able to compare the effect of peperomia pellucida decoction and the standard therapy

treatment for joint rheumatism, this should involve a proper randomization sampling

of the respondents, proper blinding methods, a placebo, and a non-pharmacologic

methods should be included and tested in that study. [14]

               Extract study of aerial parts of PP tested in rats and mice exhibited anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. The antiinflammatory activity was attributed to interference with prostaglandin synthesis. Results also showed low toxicity. [18] 

Anti-cancer Activity of Pansit-pansitan

           A study have isolated compounds in P.Pellucida that has inhibitory actions against growth of some cancer cells. This shows its potential as an anti-cancer supplement. [6]

Antioxidant activity of Pansit-pansitan

            In a study done on P.Pellucida extract, it has shown that it has a strong scavenging activity against free radicals suggesting that pansit-pansitan is a good natural anti-oxidant. [6]

Anti-bacterial activity of Pansit-pansitan

            A study has isolated a compound called patuloside A, a xanthone glycoside from P. pellucida that is found to have broad spectrum antibacterial activity. [6]

Anti-arthritic Activity of Pansit-pansitan

             A study have shown that extracts from pansit-pansitan combined with ibuprofen treatment has significantly improved the symptoms associated with arthritis. Particularly that of knee joint rheumatism.

Uric Acid reduction in blood

            In a controlled study involving rats, extracts from P. pellucida were administered and uric acid levels were monitored. The study have shown that rats that were subjected to pansit-pansitan extract indicated a 44% reduction of uric acid level in blood while those that are given allopurinol drug have shown 66% reduction in uric acid level. This results show that pansit-pansitan may contain compounds that maybe used as alternative to allopurinol to control uric acid levels in the blood. [6]

Depressant activity of Pansit-pansitan

              In a study done in Bangladesh, mice were given nikethamide to induce excitement. The mice were later administered with extracts from pepperomia pellucida to determine its depressant activity. The results of the study suggest that pansit-pansitan extract has a dose dependent depressant activity that is beneficial for treatment of excessive mental excitement.disorder. [6]

               Study of peperomia leaf extract showed dose-dependent depressant effects probably due to psychoactive substances that are CNS depressant. [18]

TOXICITY:

1. P pellucida when taken in excessive amounts showed a dose-dependent increase in adverse effects in the major systems of the body such as integumentary, musculo-skeletal, nervous, respiratory, digestive and urogenital, covering the dose range from 6 g to 32 g per kg body weight of mouse. There was also a delayed appearance of adverse effects such as delayed time of death, delayed appearance of soft faces, and delayed recovery or no recovery from weight loss. [11]

2. Oral median lethal dose (LD50) in male and female adult mice observed over a 14-day period was 11.78 g/kg body weight + 0.69 SE (95% confidence limits: 10.42, 13.12 g/kg). [11]

3. The moderate slope of the dose-response line (Y= -4.2966 + 8.6795x) was suggestive of a moderately wide margin of safety of the freeze-dried aqueous extract powder. [11]

Conclusion:

The LD50 of P pellucida in male and female mice over a 14-day observation period was 11.78 g/kg body weight + 0.69 SE (95% confidence limits: 10.42, 13.12 g/kg). P pellucida when taken in excessive amounts showed a dose-dependent increase in adverse effects in the major systems of the body. The moderate slope of the dose-response line was suggestive of a moderately wide margin of safety of the plant. [11]

REFERENCES:

1.  “Philippine medicinal plants”

               A guide to the use of Philippine medicinal Plants as an alternative Medicine

http://www.filipinoherbshealingwonders.filipinovegetarianrecipe.com/pansit-pansitan.htm

2.  “Practical Gardening” easy to do tips and guides for inexpensive and worry free gardening

http://www.practicalgardening.blackdovenest.com/2009/09/pansit-pansitan-or-shiny-bush-peperomia.html

3.  “Philippine Medicinal Plants”

http://www.stuartxchange.com/Pansit.html

4.  “Wikipedia” the free encyclopedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peperomia_pellucida

5. Domino’s blog, December 16, 2009

http://domino-dominosblog.blogspot.com/2009/12/ten-10-herbal-medicines-in-philippines.html

6. “Medical Health Guide”  blending natural and modern medicine, 2011

http://www.medicalhealthguide.com/articles/pansit-pansitan.htm

7. Philippines Herbal Medicine plants approved by DOH, by RNspeak in Community Health Nursing, February 26, 2012

http://rnspeak.com/community-health-nursing/philippines-herbal-medicine-plants-approved-by-doh/

                                             

8. 10 Herbal Medicines approved by DOH, MARCH 2, 2011

http://justmejojo.wordpress.com/2011/03/02/10-herbal-medicines-approved-by-doh/

9. Latest Event Updates Weight Loss Herbs, APRIL 12, 2011 

https://justmejojo.wordpress.com/page/18/

10.  “Philippines’ Ulasimang Bato” October 1, 2010 by Tony Sulat

http://thephilippines.ph/cuisine/philippines%E2%80%99-ulasimang-bato/

11. 2002,The Science and Technology Information Network of the Philippines (SCINET-PHIL)

http://scinet.dost.gov.ph/union/ShowSearchResult.php?s=2&f=&p=&x=&page=&sid=1&id=Acute+oral+toxicity+of+the+freeze-dried+aqueous+extract+of+%3Cem%3EPeperomia+pellucida%3C/em%3E+(L)+HBK+(%3Cem%3Eulasimang+bato%3C/em%3E)+in+mice&Mtype=ANALYTICS

12. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peperomia

13.  “Foodrecarp.net ; food technologies, resources, news and reviews”, August 10, 2010 by marvin

http://www.foodrecap.net/health/ulasimang-bato-tea/

14.   “THE EFFECT OF TWICE A DAY INTAKE OF PEPEROMIA

PELLUCIDA DECOCTION IN THE PAIN, STIFFNESS

AND DISABILITY SCORES USING WOMAC

ARTHRITIS INDEX ON PATIENTS

WITH KNEE JOINT

RHEUMATISM” BY: FERDINAND IMBING UY , 2009

http://som.adzu.edu.ph/research/pdf/2009-05-12-110759Ferdinand_Imbing_Uy.pdf

15.  “Peperomia pellucida Luchi Pata suna kosho pak krasang cang cua”, by anuvinu at 11:23 PM, August 19, 2012

http://medplants.blogspot.in/search?updated-max=2012-08-21T19:47:00%2B05:30&max-results=3&reverse-paginate=true

 16. http://greensforwellness.blogspot.com/2008/07/10-best-philippine-medicinal-plants.html

“Greens For Wellness” The 10 Best Philippine Medicinal Plants by Dr. Ricco, July 29, 2008

17. http://som.adzu.edu.ph/research/pdf/2011-05-17-112153BATUIGAS,_GABBY_R..pdf

“A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE EFFICACY OF SINAW-SINAW LEAVES

(PEPEROMIA PELLUCIDA) VS. MUPIROCIN 2% OINTMENT ON DIRTY-FRESH

WOUND AMONG FISHERMAN ON SELECTED COASTAL BARANGAYS IN

MUNICIPALITY OF KABASALAN, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY” GABBY R. BATUIGAS

APRIL 2011

18. http://mahatampc.blogspot.com/2010/01/pansit-pansitan-rarely-acknowledged.html

“PANSIT-PANSITAN: rarely acknowledged weed but an effective medicinal plant”, JANUARY 6, 2010

19. http://www.rjpbcs.com/pdf/2011_2(4)/[36].pdf

“Ethno-medicinal, Phytochemical and Pharmacological review of an amazing medicinal herb Peperomia pellucida (L.) HBK.” BY : Pulak Majumder, Priya Abraham, Satya V




COMPILED BY:     TEOVISIO, LYNNE ROSE T.