Traditional Malay Medicine Research Articles

The Use of Herbs According to the Perspective of Traditional Malay Medicine in Selangor, Malaysia

The Use of Herbs According to the Perspective of Traditional Malay Medicine in Selangor, Malaysia

Determinants of the Utilization of Recognized Traditional and Complementary Medicine Service in Malaysia: A Secondary Analysis of a Cross-Sectional Population-Based Survey

Plain Language SummaryMalaysia is a multiethnic and multicultural country with a long history of the coexistence of various traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) practices. Currently, seven practice areas are recognized in Malaysia: traditional Malay medicine (TMM), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), traditional Indian medicine, homeopathy, Islamic medical practice, chiropractic, and osteopathy. Many global studies have investigated the general determinants of T&CM service utilization. However, there has been no comprehensive study reporting specific determinants of recognized T&CM service utilization at a national level. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the prevalence and specific determinants of the utilization of recognized T&CM services in Malaysia. Our study revealed that 19.3% of the Malaysian population had utilized recognized T&CM services in the preceding 12 months, with 15.5% utilizing TMM services, 3.9% utilizing TCM services, and 1.5% utilizing other T&CM services. The specific determinates of service utilization were distinctively different between varied T&CM services, showing strong ethnocultural ownership.

Herbs in Malay Traditional Medicine: Analysis of Perception, Knowledge and Practice among Generation Z

The Malay community considers herbs to be essential components of their daily life, using them as food ingredients and much more so for medicinal purposes. But it was discovered that only the elderly continued to utilise and believe in the benefits of this herb, while generation Z was the opposite. Allowing this condition to persist will undoubtedly affect the image and identity of Malays. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the types and meanings of herbal plants used in Malay traditional medicine as well as to analyse the perceptions, knowledge, and practices of the herb among Generation Z. This study is conducted through library research method to obtain information about the types and meanings of herbal plants; semi-structured interview with 40 respondents, comprising 10 traditional medicine practitioners and 30 generation Z. Findings have found that Malay people use herbal plants as medicines in three situations: as food ingredients, as external medicinal substances, and as juice or drinking medicine. Generation Z, on the other hand, was found to be the majority not only have no belief that herbal plants may cure illness, but also found to lack awareness and knowledge about their meanings, types and uses. Findings also show that generation Z lacks interest and motivation to learn about herbal plants in addition to experiencing popular culture syndrome in their chosen dietary practices. It is hoped that this study will be able to provide value to herbal plants which are increasingly being overlooked by the younger generation thus broaden the knowledge and awareness of the community so that they continue to appreciate and preserve herbal plants as an element of Malay traditional medicine across the ages.

ROLE OF TRADITIONAL AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE IN SUSTAINING HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF MALAYSIANS

Traditional and Complementary Medicine (TCM) is widely known among Malaysians for its practices. This paper aims to examine users’ experiences and perceptions of TCM on its role in sustaining the health and well-being of Malaysians. To achieve the objective of this study, a qualitative study was conducted with the respondents by using an online in-depth interview through the video conferencing platform. 15 respondents residing in Penang, Malaysia who used TCM including Traditional Malay Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Traditional Indian Medicine, and Islamic Medical Practice were recruited for this study. The data from the interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. A thematic approach was used for data analysis to identify emerging themes and sub-themes. Results indicated five core themes: (i) Strength of traditional beliefs on TCM, (ii) personalised patient-practitioner relationship, (iii) perceived effectiveness of TCM (iv) TCM provides better preventive measures, and (v) TCM promotes a holistic approach to health and well-being. Here, it concludes that TCM impacts Malaysians’ health and wellbeing. Therefore, its potential for growth and importance, especially for sustaining health and well-being cannot be denied. Further research with a larger sample of respondents is needed to represent the population better while deepening the understanding of users’ experiences and perceptions.

THE BENEFIT OF GARLIC FROM ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE AND MALAY PRACTISE

Garlic is one of the herbs that being used as a flavor in food. But it is also known as traditional medicine among the Malay community. However, the scientific observation about the benefit of garlic, especially from the Islamic perspective has not been fully documented. Thus, in this research, we aim to unravel the remedies of garlic and its uniqueness from the Islamic perspective and explain how the efficacy and uses of garlic in treating diseases practiced by the Malay community. The findings show that the use of garlic as traditional medicine has been used since time immemorial and has been proven to bring many good effects in curing diseases such as help to lower body pressure, reduce the risk of cancer, eliminate bad breath and many more. The findings also show different beliefs, races, and cultures are among the factors in different ways of using garlic as a medicine. However, this study will focus more on Malay practitioners. In this research, descriptive analysis is used and involving many types of text such as Al-Qur'an, Hadith Nabawi, and selected Malay manuscript on Malay traditional medicine to study the remedies of garlic and its practice among Malay practitioners. This study is important in order to increase the understanding and knowledge about the benefit of garlic in medicine as a cure rather than just use it as a flavor in food.

Melaleuca cajuputi Powell Essential Oil: A Review of Botanical, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties

Melaleuca cajuputi Powell essential oil (MCEO) is widely used in Malay traditional medicine for the treatment of stomach cramps, cough, acne, insect bites, thrush problems and many more. The demand for medicinal applications of MCEO is gradually increasing among the Southeast Asian community. All information regarding MCEO was collected via internet sources such as Google Scholar, Elsevier, PubMed, Baidu Scholar, Web of Science and local books. Meta-analysis method was performed to identify all publications or relevant books regarding the MCEO range from 1998 to 2021. The main bioactive compounds of MCEO include terpenes, esters, aldehydes and alkenes. Scientific research on MCEO has revealed a wide range of pharmacological activities such as contact and fumigant toxicity, repellence, antibacterial activity and many more. The MCEO has a huge potential for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications, but comprehensive toxicity studies must be conducted to ensure their safety. Research on pharmacokinetics studies and potential drug interactions with standard-of-care medications is still limited, which calls for additional studies, particularly in humans. Further assessments and clinical trials should be performed before it can be integrated into medicinal practices.

The Use of Herbs According to The Perspective of Traditional Malay Medicine in Selangor, Malaysia

The Use of Herbs According to The Perspective of Traditional Malay Medicine in Selangor, Malaysia

Usage of Fruits and Leaves as Natural Cleanser in Malay Traditional Medicine

Usage of Fruits and Leaves as Natural Cleanser in Malay Traditional Medicine

Ficus deltoidea var. kunstleri Extract Administration in Hypercholesterolaemic, Atherosclerotic Rabbits: Effects on Organ Function, Morphology, and Atherosclerosis Development

Ficus deltoidea (FD) is used in traditional Malay medicine to treat various ailments and has been shown to be safe in toxicity studies. However, the information on the safety and efficacy of FD in the atherosclerosis-induced animal model is limited. This study aims to investigate the safety of FD var. kunstleri (FDK) extract on high cholesterol diet (HCD)-induced atherosclerotic rabbits and its efficacy in treating atherosclerosis. New Zealand White rabbits were randomly divided into two groups: G1 (1% HCD for 4 weeks) and G2 (1% HCD for 8 weeks). Each group was randomised into FDK700 (700 mg FDK/kg/day for G1 and G2), FDK800 (800 mg FDK/kg/day for G2), simvastatin (5 mg/kg/day) and placebo. The body weight, blood pressure, serum biochemistry and histopathological examination were obtained to assess any toxicity signs. Fasting lipid profile, soluble c-reactive protein (sCRP) level and atherosclerotic plaque formation were compared between treated and placebo groups to evaluate treatment efficacy. Results: No significant differences were observed in all safety parameters between the treated and placebo groups (p<0.05). FDK treatment did not show significant differences in all parameters evaluated in both treatment arms. In conclusion, FDK extract up to 800 mg/kg is safe for use in atherosclerotic rabbits. It has neutral effects on lipid profile, inflammation and atherosclerosis formation.

The Effectiveness of Using Herb in Traditional Malay Medicine and Healthcare in Central Zone Community, Selangor

The use of herbs for medicinal purposes is essential. Herbal treatment had a positive impact on human life. Some people are too skeptical and lack confidence in the effectiveness of using herbs for treatment purposes. This situation occurs because the advancement of medical technology and modern medicine is more forward than traditional medicine. Herb-based treatment is still not able to provide traditional medicinal services that are conducive and comprehensive in terms of function, nutrients and comprehensive potential. The focus of this study is to expand knowledge by examining the effectiveness of herbs and treatment in human health care based on the 'Theory of Planned Behaviour' approach. The purpose of the study was to identify the types of herbs, analyze the response to the effectiveness of the use of herbs in health care based on traditional Malay medicinal methods. This research done based on qualitative and quantitative methods including literature review, library research, questionnaires and interviews. The results showed that traditional Malay medicine is a complete herbal treatment method and has strong fundamental values and is necessary in the science of medicine. Studies have also found the effectiveness of herbs in treating various types of physical and spiritual ailments. The findings proved that the use of various herbal plants is still relevant to treat diseases, contributing in the field of medical science just like existing modern medicine, especially in the issue of health care and a prosperous human life.

Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by the Kenyah community of Borneo

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSarawak is located in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions and is home to more than 40 sub-ethnic groups that each have their own distinct culture, language and lifestyle. This has given rise to numerous, unique ethnobotanical systems. However, due to rapid urbanization, this traditional knowledge is at a risk of extinction. Yet, ethnobotanical studies in Sarawak are almost non-existent, especially among Orang Ulu communities like the Kenyah. Aim of studyTherefore, this study was conducted to document the ethnomedicinal knowledge of the Kenyah community. The main objectives of this study are: 1) To determine and document the diversity of medicinal plants used by the Kenyah community, 2) To determine whether the availability of modern medicine has affected Kenyah traditional medicine, and 3) To identify plants which have not been previously cited or used for previously unreported medical uses. Materials and methodsWe conducted repeated interviews and field surveys at the Asap-Koyan Resettlement Area, Belaga Sarawak. A total of 24 respondents from four Kenyah longhouses were interviewed in this study. Individuals possessing extensive traditional medicinal knowledge were identified via preliminary interviews or by viva voce. Translators were employed to ensure that there was no miscommunication. The results were evaluated based on the plant’s total use-reports and number of respondents citing the plant. The data was also evaluated based on use-reports by ailment category. ResultsOver 95% of the respondents were 40 years and older (58.21 years old ± 11.21). This was due to the younger members of the community (40 years old and below) admitting that they had almost no knowledge regarding traditional medicine, as they preferred relying on modern medicine. A total of 61 plant species were mentioned by the 24 respondents Seven plants had five or more respondents citing it, which was more than 20% of the respondents. These plants were Piper betle, Homalomena cordata, Senna alata, Annona muricata, Derris elliptica, Blumea balsamifera and Coscinium fenestratum. ConclusionAlmost all of the cited plants had been previously recorded to be used in either Ayurvedic, Chinese herbal medicine, Malay traditional medicine or other Asian ethnomedicinal systems. However, there were four highly cited species that were used for treatments that were scarcely reported in past literature. These were piper betle (used by Kenyah to treat fever), Sauropus andrognus (used by Kenyah to treat fever), Derris elliptica (used by Kenyah to treat fever and influenza) and Coscinuim fenestratum (used by Kenyah to treat toxic effects from non-medical substances).

Acceptance of Electronic Health Records in Traditional Malay Medicine: An Exploratory Prototyping Approach

The usage of electronic health records is widely used today in the modern medicine field due to its immense benefits. These benefits include and are not limited to allowing physician to access a patient’s chart remotely, provide alerts to a potential medication error and critical lab values. However, the usage of this technology in Traditional Malay Medicine is limited. This paper explores the acceptance usage of electronic health records in Traditional Malay Medicine in five healthcare organisations including private Traditional Malay Medicine practitioners in Malaysia. This research utilizes the exploratory prototyping approach where a prototype, MyPostnatalSys is developed and used to gain constructive feedback of the acceptance of electronic health records. MyPostnatalSys, an electronic health record prototype, was developed for integrating Traditional Malay Medicine and Modern Medicine services using an interoperability standard, HL7. The purpose of interoperability standards is to ensure patient data can be transmitted across multi-platform systems seamlessly. The results show that more than 90% respondents have shown a positive acceptance on the usage of electronic health records in Traditional Malay Medicine. However, there may exist some resistance in accepting electronic health records technology in private Traditional Malay Medicine practitioners. However Traditional Malay practitioners trained by a government led initiative for women’s health, Mamacare programme, are more open to accept the implementation. This shows that upskilling programmes such as Mamacare can reduce the barriers of acceptance in electronic health records in Traditional Malay practitioners.

Xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity of a new isocoumarin obtained from Marantodes pumilum var. pumila leaves

BackgroundIn traditional Malay medicine, Marantodes pumilum (Blume) Kuntze (family Primulaceae) is commonly used by women to treat parturition, flatulence, dysentery, dysmenorrhea, gonorrhea, and bone diseases. Preliminary screening of some Primulaceae species showed that they possess xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity of three varieties of M. pumilum and their phytochemical compounds.MethodDichloromethane, methanol, and water extracts of the leaves and roots of M. pumilum var. alata, M. pumilum var. pumila, and M. pumilum var. lanceolata were tested using an in vitro xanthine oxidase inhibitory assay. Bioassay-guided fractionation and isolation were carried out on the most active extract using chromatographic techniques. The structures of the isolated compounds were determined using spectroscopic techniques.ResultsThe most active dichloromethane extract of M. pumilum var. pumila leaves (IC50 = 161.6 μg/mL) yielded one new compound, 3,7-dihydroxy-5-methoxy-4,8-dimethyl-isocoumarin (1), and five known compounds, viz. ardisiaquinone A (2), maesanin (3), stigmasterol (4), tetracosane (5), and margaric acid (6). The new compound was found to be the most active xanthine oxidase inhibitor with an IC50 value of 0.66 ± 0.01 μg/mL, which was not significantly different (p > 0.05) from that of the positive control, allopurinol (IC50 = 0.24 ± 0.00 μg/mL).ConclusionThis study suggests that the new compound 3,7-dihydroxy-5-methoxy-4,8-dimethyl-isocoumarin (1), which was isolated from the dichloromethane extract of M. pumilum var. pumila leaves, could be a potential xanthine oxidase inhibitor.

A conceptual integrated health information systems framework in postnatal care for modern and traditional malay medicine

<span>This paper proposes an integrated health information systems framework for Traditional Malay Medicine (TMM) and modern medicine in the field of postnatal care. A qualitative study was conducted via healthcare experts in the field of modern medicine and Traditional Malay Medicine to assess the current situation and identify the research gap and point of isolation between both traditional and modern medicine field. A total of 26 healthcare practitioners whom represented five different set of healthcare organisations participated in this study. The healthcare practitioners consist of modern and traditional Malay medicine background with and without proper training. Results show that there is a gap in the current people, process and technology areas of the current framework. A novel conceptual framework, MyPostnatal, proposes the existence of a sufficiently generic, extensible in-formation model where new data sources can be integrated without major changes to the data scheme. Human and organization factors are also highlighted to stimulate the adoption towards electronic health records.</span>

Development of Conceptual Information Systems Framework using Grounded Theory

This paper shall present a research protocol to develop a conceptual framework in the information systems field using grounded theory method. The research protocol presented is an exploratory research using qualitative methods. The grounded theory based study was conducted via healthcare experts in the field of modern medicine, Traditional Malay Medicine, and information technology subject matter experts. A conceptual framework was initially proposed from the literature review and analysis of interviews of the current framework. The conceptual framework was then validated via healthcare practitioners and IT industry experts. A prototype system of electronic health record was also examined by the respondents to validate the proposed conceptual framework via exploratory prototyping. Consequently, the validation findings were analysed and new themes that emerged from the findings was highlighted to be included in the revised framework.

Standardized ethanol-water extract of Ficus deltoidea Angustifolia reduces blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats

ABSTRACTFicus deltoidea is used in Malay traditional medicine for the treatment of a number of disorders, including hypertension. There is, however, no scientific evidence on its anti-hypertensive effects. This study, therefore, investigated the effects of a standardized ethanolic-water extract of Ficus deltoidea Angustifolia (FD-A) on blood pressure (BP) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Male SHR with systolic BP of >150 were divided into 4 groups (n = 8) and given either FD-A (800 or 1000 mg kg−1 day−1) or losartan (10 mg kg−1 day−1) or 0.5 ml of distilled water (control) daily for 28 days. BP, body weight, food and water intake, serum and urinary electrolytes, endothelin-1 (ET-1), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and components of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system were measured. Data were analyzed using ANOVA with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Following treatment, BP, heart rate, and heart weight in FD-A and losartan-treated rats were significantly lower than those in the controls. Serum TAC and urinary calcium excretion were significantly higher, whereas serum ET-1 concentration was significantly lower in FD-A treated rats when compared to those in controls. No significant differences were found in the components of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system between controls and FD-A treated rats. In conclusion, FD-A when given daily at doses of either 800 or 1000 mg kg−1 day−1 body weight reduces BP in SHR. This effect does not seem to involve the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system but might involve some other mechanisms.Abbreviations: FD-A: Ficus deltoidea Angustifolia; ACE: Angiotensin-converting enzyme; SHR: Spontaneously hypertensive rats; SBP: Systolic blood pressure; DBP: Diastolic blood pressure; AUC: Area under curve; RAAS: Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone System

Vascular Protective Effects of Morinda citrifolia Leaf Extract on Postmenopausal Rats Fed with Thermoxidized Palm Oil Diet: Evidence at Microscopic Level.

Atherosclerosis is now well understood as an inflammatory disease instead of lipid storage disorder; however, the conventional treatment is not targeted on treating the inflammation. Morinda citrifolia L. (Rubiaceae) leaf or noni leaf, which is a medicinal food (ulam) used in Traditional Malay Medicine to prevent chronic diseases, may have the potential to be formulated into a functional antiatherosclerotic agent. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Morinda citrifolia leaf extract (MCLE) treatment at histological and ultrastructural level, comparing it with Simvastatin. Thirty-eight female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups: Sham (Sham), ovariectomized (OVX), ovariectomized with Simvastatin 10 mg/kg (OVX+ST), ovariectomized with low dose MC 500 mg/kg (OVX+MCLD), and ovariectomized with high dose MC 1000 mg/kg (OVX+MCHD). Atherosclerosis was induced by producing oestrogen deficiency through ovariectomy and feeding with thermoxidized palm oil (TPO) diet for 12 weeks along with the treatment. The results revealed significantly (P<0.05) lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) in the group treated with MCHD compared to the untreated OVX, whereas the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was significantly higher in the untreated OVX group compared to the Sham group. Treatment with MCHD also significantly lowered the total cholesterol (TC) level compared to the OVX. The OVX group showed significantly lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level compared to the Sham group. The untreated OVX group showed evident histological and ultrastructural features of vascular inflammation such as blood cells accumulation in the lumen, vacuolation of the endothelial cells, subendothelial space widening, elastic fibres disruption, increased intima media thickness (IMT), smooth muscle cells fragmentation, and perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) deposition. All these pathological changes were less seen in the groups treated with MCLE. In conclusion, we reported the mechanism of antiatherosclerotic property of MCLE through lipids elimination and anti-inflammatory activity. In addition, we do not recommend the use of statin in the absence of dyslipidemia as it causes PVAT deposition.

Use and toxicity of traditional and complementary medicine among patients seeking care at an emergency department of a teaching hospital in Malaysia

ObjectiveTraditional and Complementary Medicines (TCM) are widely used worldwide, and many of them have the potential to cause toxicity, interaction with conventional medications and non-adherence to prescribed medications due to patients' preference for the TCM use. However, information regarding their use among patients seeking care at emergency departments (ED) of a healthcare facility is limited. The study aimed to evaluate the TCM use among patients attending the ED of a teaching hospital in Malaysia. Study designA sub-analysis of data from a prevalence study of medication-related visits among patients at the ED of Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia was conducted. The study took place over a period of six weeks from December 2014 to January 2015 involving 434 eligible patients. Data on demography, conventional medication, and TCM uses were collected from patient interview and the medical folders. ResultsAmong this cohort, 66 patients (15.2%, 95%CI 12.0, 19.0) reported concurrent TCM use. Sixteen (24.2%) of the TCM users were using more than one (1) type of TCM, and 17 (25.8%) came to the ED for medication-related reasons. Traditional Malay Medicine (TMM) was the most frequently used TCM by the patients. Five patients (7.6%) sought treatment at the ED for medical problems related to use of TCM. ConclusionPatients seeking medical care at the ED may be currently using TCM. ED-physicians should be aware of these therapies and should always ask patients about the TCM use.

Nature manifestation in philosophy, diagnosis and treatment of disease based on Ayurvedic and Malay traditional medicine: A comparative study

Man and nature is an important concept in the traditional community’s universal perspective. This concept can be seen in the universal and cosmological view which discusses questions on the origin of human and nature existence. In traditional medicine context such as Ayurvedic and Malay, this nature manifestation not only can be seen in medical philosophy but also diagnosed medically, as well as treatment given to the disease. This research paper discussion is focused on the community’s conception towards natural elements either physically or the opposite and the manifestation of understanding towards their medical philosophy. Among the concept that will be discussed are natural elements such as soil, water, fire, air and ether or better known as the space which is not only important in the context of nature composition but also in the human body based on Ayurvedic medicine. Research is done through the observation of literature and interview with Ayurvedic and Malay traditional medicine practitioners. The outcome obtained has shown that there is a difference between the diagnosis and Ayurvedic treatment which focuses on the characteristics and physical signs compared to traditional Malay medicine which also includes personality diagnostic methods as well as physical attributes and signs for the purpose of disease diagnosis.

Traditional Malay medicine in Singapore

ABSTRACTStudies of Singapore’s brand of technocratic authoritarianism have generally focused on the political sphere. This article examines the social aspect of authoritarian hegemony by focusing on Singapore’s traditional Malay medicine (TMM) sector, which comprises a range of practitioners from shops offering herbal remedies to individuals specialising in Malay massage to spiritual healers. The transition in TMM’s position from the centre of the Malay community’s healing system to the periphery of the formal healthcare system parallels the process of authoritarian modernisation in Singapore. Applying a Gramscian analysis to this transition highlights the interplay between consensus and coercion in driving such social change. Using data gathered from in-depth, semi-structured interviews with current TMM practitioners and a survey of its users, this article further shows that far from being a set of static practices, TMM is dynamic and adaptable. Practitioners, who market their products along quasi biomedical lines, and consumers, who deconstruct their notion of the ‘healthy body’ by utilising traditional medicine to complement the biomedical, demonstrate this adaptability.