Available online 8 April 2015
Ethnobotanical study of Loloh: traditional herbal drinks from Bali (Indonesia)
Abstract
Ethnopharmacological relevance
Loloh
are herbal drinks produced and consumed exclusively in Bali (Indonesia)
to prevent and treat different ailments. This is the first study to
document plants species used as Loloh, reporting the phytochemical components and pharmacological properties of the most cited plants.
Aims of the study
Documenting
the plants used in herbal drinks in Bali by local communities to treat
various ailments (providing some information on phytochemistry and
pharmacology of the most interesting plants).
Materials and methods
Ethnobotanical
data were obtained through semi-structured interviews (individual and
group discussions) and questionnaires. Plant specimens were collected,
identified and made into herbarium vouchers.
Results
A total of 51 plants species (belonging to 32 families) have been documented for their use in the various preparation of Loloh. Different plants and plant parts are used to prepare Loloh
to treat heartburn, fever, diarrhea, hypertension, aphthous stomatitis
(canker sores), and other minor health problems. These plants are mainly
prepared as decoctions, are juiced or simply added to the preparation.
The most cited plants (> 30 informants) are Alstonia scholaris (L.) R. Br., Blumea balsamifera (L.) DC., Cinnamomum burmanni Nees ex Bl., and Piper betle
L. These plants are well studied with multiple demonstrated
pharmacological activities (e.g., antimicrobial, anticancer,
antidiabetic).
Conclusion
The
Balinese communities still preserve a rich ethnobotanical knowledge.
Several species are well known for their pharmacological properties, but
some [such as Pneumatopteris callosa (Blume) Nakai and Dendrocnide stimulans (L. f.) Chew] are understudied and could be promising candidates for further research.
Graphical abstract
Keywords
- Folk phytotherapy;
- Anticancer activity;
- Loloh;
- Herbal drinks;
- Bali [6;
- 7 seco angustilobine B;
- Allylpyrocatechol;
- Blumeatin;
- Chavibetol;
- Cryptomeridiol;
- Daucosterol;
- Ecdysterone;
- Eugenol;
- Luteolin]
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