Ethnobotany of utilization, role, and philosopical meaning of parijoto (Medinilla, spp) on Mount Muria in Kudus Regency, Central Java

Abstract

One of Indonesian plant species which has not been fully explored in terms of pharmacology is parijoto plant (Medinilla,spp). Medinilla,spp can be found on Mount Muria in Kudus regency, Central Java. This plant can be used as a traditional medicine which is derived from plants as a manifestation of active community participation in solving the healthy problems. Medinilla,spp is closely associated with the ethnic-majority area of mount Muria. Its utilization is still limited as the fruit to be consumed by pregnant women. It is necessary to do in-depth research as part of an effort in the utilization and conservation for the future. The purposes of this study were to determine the utilization, role, and philosophical meaning of Medinilla,spp. This research took place in three villages, they were Japan, Colo, and Pandak. Questionnaire and semi-structured interviews with community and key informants were used in this research. It was found out that Medinilla, spp majority were utilized as the fruit to be consumed by pregnant women and also used as medicine for diarrhea, mouth sores, anti inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-bacterial. The preparations process of traditional medical plants were by boiling (70%), way of brewing (15%), and consuming it freshly (15%). The composition of the ingredients were 90% used single material in the form of Medinilla,spp and 10% used addition ingredients such as ginger and turmeric. The philosophical meaning of Medinilla,spp for the people in Mount Muria region was that Medinilla, spp was not merely the fruit to be consumed by pregnant women, but Medinilla, spp was also considered as the fruit to heal various diseases. It referred to a belief that after salah prayer before hand by Sunan Muria, all diseases can be cured.