ANTINEOPLASTIC AGENTS

A. General Considerations
1. Combination of antineoplastic agents usually used to destroy cancer cells.
2. Clients must be closely monitored due to many toxic adverse effects.
3. Agents destroy cancer cells and may also kill normal cells.
B. General Adverse Effects. Nausea, vomiting, anorexia; bone marrow depression
(leucopenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia); hepatic toxicity; hyperuricemia; fatigue.
C. Nursing Implications
1. Handle antineoplastic agents carefully – mutagenic and possibly carcinogenic.
2. Nurses should wear gloves, long-sleeved cover gown, protective goggles, and
mask as appropriate.
3. Monitor IV site closely to assess for extravasation and stop IV if it occurs.
4. Treat used equipment as hazardous waste.
5. Administer antiemetic if ordered prior to chemotherapy and up to 48 hours
afterwards.
6. Monitor CBC.
7. Monitor I&O.
8. Monitor liver and renal function studies.
9. Inspect oral cavity daily.
D. Discharge Teaching
1. Eat frequent, small portions of high-calorie, high-protein, bland, low-residue
foods.
2. Avoid highly seasoned foods, drink clear liquids if nauseated.
3. Frequent rest periods.
4. Expect alopecia and purchase scarves or wigs.
5. Report fever, use good hand-washing technique, avoid individuals with upper
respiratory infections.
6. Use soft toothbrush and baking soda rinse to minimize stomatitis.
7. Use progressive relaxation exercises or guided imagery to help cope with nausea.

ALKYLATING AGENTS

Prototype – Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)

1. Action. Bond with DNA, RNA and protein molecules. Produces cytoxic effects
by damaging DNA and interfering with cell replication. Most effective against
rapidly dividing cells.
2. Use. Leukemias; multiple myeloma; neuroblastoma; ovarian, breast, lung
cancers, Hodgkin’s disease; Ewing’s sarcoma.
3. Adverse Effects. Gonadal suppression, hemorrhagic and nonhermorrhagic
cystitis.
4. Nursing implications
a. Force fluids.
b. Assess for signs and symptoms of unexplained bleeding.
c. Assess leukocyte count frequently.
d. Monitor CBC, uric acid, electrolytes, thrombocytes, and hepatic and renal
function at least twice a week.
e. Instruct client to report hematuria or dysuria immediately.
Alkylating Agents

Drug Uses Comments

Cisplatin (Platinol) Lymphoma; myeloma;  Causes nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity,

melanoma; osteosarcoma; ensure adequate hydration and give
cervical, ovarian, testicular, diuretics prior to therapy.
lung, esophageal, prostatic  Have client void every hour or insert Foley
cancers. catheter before initiating treatment.
 Assess for hearing deficits.

Busulfan (Myuleran) Polycythermia vera,  Discontinue drug when white blood cells
chronic myelogenous (WBC) reach 15,000 mm3.
leukemia  Monitor CBC as this drug can cause severe
bone marrow depression.
Mechlorethamine Hodgkin’s disease, non-  Assess for edema, ascites, weight gain.
HCI (Mustargen) Hodgkin’s lymphomas;  Assess for signs and symptoms of
lung cancer. dehydration.
 Wear gloves if applying solid preparation.

Thiotepa Bladder, breast, and ovarian  Decreased dose for renal or hepatic impair-
cancers ment and bone marrow depression.
 Only given parenterally.

Chlorambucil Breast and ovarian cancer;  Assess CBC, WBC, and serum uric
(Leukeran) non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas; acid levels routinely.
chronic lymphocytic  Avoid IM injections when platelet
leukemia count is low.
 Urge client o drink 10-12 glasses of
fluid per day.
 Provide urine alkalinization if uric
acid levels are increased.

ANTIMETABOLITES

Prototype – Methotrexate with leucovorin rescue

1. Action. Leucovorin calcium is a folic acid analog that interferes with mitotic process
by blocking folinic acid.
2. Use. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia; cancer of breast, lung, testes, ovary, head, and
neck; choricarcinoma.
3. Adverse Effects. See General Considerations. Intrathecal use may cause fever,
headache, and vomiting.
4. Nursing Implications. Leucovorin calcium is frequently given to prevent toxicity
when high doses of methotrexate are given.
5. Discharge Teaching. Considerations. Instruct client to avoid self-medication with
over-the-counter vitamins

ANTIBIOTIC ANTINEOPLASTIC AGENTS

Prototype – Doxorubicin HCI (Adriamycin)

1. Action. Interfere with DNA synthesis by binding with DNA; prevent RNA
synthesis.
2. Use. Cancer of thyroid, lung, bladder, breast, and ovary; acute leukemia; sarcoma;
Ewing’s sarcoma; neuroblastoma; lymphomas.
3. Adverse Effects. Nausea, vomiting, stomatitis; EKG changes; agranulocytosis,
leucopenia, thrombocytopenia; hyperpigmentation of skin and nails; alopecia.
4. Nursing Implications
a. Do not give SC or IM – local reaction and skin necrosis can occur.
b. IV use: reconstitute with normal saline or sterile water; reconstituted solution
stable for 24 hours at room temperature or 48 hours if refrigerated; protect
from sunlight; do not infuse in less than 5 minutes; red streaking over vein
and facial flushing are signs of too-rapid administration.
c. Do not mix with other drugs.
d. Monitor IV site; for local extravasation pour normal saline on area, apply a
cold compress; infiltration with corticosteroid may be ordered.
e. Monitor CBC, serum uric acid levels, cardiac output (listen for S3), weight.
f. Frequent mouth care.
g. Client needs sufficient fluids to prevent hyperuricemia.
h. Assist client with information on wigs and head coverings before hair loss
starts.
i. Offer support to client to deal with drug therapy and diagnosis.
j. Wear gloves to prepare this drug. Wash skin with soap and water if powder
or solution contacts skin.
Antibiotic Antineoplastic Agents

Drug Action Uses Comments

Bleomycin Sulfate Prevents DNA, RNA, Lymphoma; melanoma;  Pulmonary side

(Blenoxane) and protein synthesis in cancers of head, neck, effects of dyspnea,
cells. esophagus, lung, skin, fever, rales, cough.
Cell cycle specific in G2 penis, testes, vulva,  Febrile reaction
and M phases cervix, anus. usually occurs on
first day of therapy.
 Monitor respiratory
status.

Dactinomycin Prevents synthesis of Testicular cancer, mela-  Monitor IV site

(Actinomycin D) messenger RNA; cell noma, choricarinoma, carefully.
cycle nonspecific Wilm’s tumor, neuro-  Do not expose drug
blastoma, solution to direct
retinoblastoma, Ewing’s sunlight.
sarcoma, Kaposi’s
sarcoma.

Daunorubicin Inhibits DNA synthesis; Acute myelocytic and  EKG changes can
(Daunomycin) cell cycle specific in S- lymphocytic leukemia. occur.
phase of cell cycle.  Urine turns red on
day of adminis-
tration.
 Monitor IV site
carefully.
 Never give IM or SC.
 Do not mix with
heparin.

Mitomycin Prevents DNA and Cancer of Gastrointes-  See Prototype Drug

(Mutamycin) protein synthesis in tinal tract, breast, lung,
cells; cell cycle bladder, cervix.
nonspecific

Plicamycin Prevents DNA synthe- Testicular cancer,  Side effect of

(Mithramycin) sis; decreases serum hypercalcemia. bleeding.
calcium by unknown  Monitor blood
action; blocks action of coagulation studies.
parathyroid hormone.  Monitor client
for signs of hypo-
calcemia.

ANTINEOPLASTICS AFFECTING HORMONAL BALANCE

B. Mechanism of action of hormonal agents

1. Exact mechanism is not completely understood.
2. Believed that hormonal agents hinder use of steroids necessary for cell growth.
3. Hormonal therapy keeps cancer cells in resting phase, thus decreasing growth of
tumor.
4. No direct cytotoxic effect of hormonal agents so they are unable to cure cancer.
C. Estrogens (Female Hormones)
D. Androgens (Male Hormones)
Androgens are also used as replacement therapy for growth and development of male
sex organs and secondary sex characteristics in androgen-deficient males.
E. Antihormonal Agents
 1. Antiestrogen – Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)
a. Use. Advanced breast cancer in pre- and postmenopausal women
b. Adverse Effects. Most common are similar to signs of menopause (hot
flashes and flushing); nausea, vomiting, temporary bone and tumor pain;
temporary drop in WBC count.
c. Nursing Implications. Monitor WBC count; tell premenopausal women
to use contraception as short-term therapy causes ovulation.

2. Antiadrenal – Aminoglutetheamide (Cytadren)

a. Use. Adrenal and metastatic breast cancer.
b. Adverse Effects. Drowsiness; anorexia, nausea; vomiting, severe
pancytopenia; rash; and adrenal insufficiency.
c. Nursing Implications. Possible replacement therapy with hydrocortisone
and mineralocorticoids; monitor blood pressure, thyroid studies, and
CBC; tell client that drug may cause drowsiness and orthostatic
hypotension

Estrogens

Drug Use Adverse Effects Nursing Implications

Diethylstilbestrol Breast and prostate Headache; vertigo;  Monitor calcium

(DES) cancer. insomnia; nausea; levels.
weight changes;  Monitor males for
phlebitis; edema; uterine signs of
bleeding; feminization feminization.
in males; changes in  Monitor salt intake
calcium and folic acid and keep it reduced.
metabolism  Weigh client daily.
Ethinyl Estradiol Breast and prostate See Diethylstilbestrol See Diethylstilbestrol
(Estinyl) cancer (DES) (DES)

Dactinomycin Prevents synthesis of Testicular cancer, mela-  Monitor IV site

(Actinomycin D) messenger RNA; cell noma, choricarinoma, carefully.
cycle nonspecific Wilm’s tumor, neuro-  Do not expose drug
blastoma, solution to direct
retinoblastoma, Ewing’s sunlight.
sarcoma, Kaposi’s
sarcoma.

MITOTIC INHIBITORS

Prototype – Vincristine (Oncovin)

1. Action. Acts on cells undergoing mitosis, thus stopping cell division.
2. Use. Acute leukemia; lymphomas; cancer of brain, breast, cervix, testes; Wilm’s
tumor.
3. Adverse Effects. Peripheral neuropathy; paresthesias; loss of deep tendon reflexes;
jaw pain; cramps; muscle weakness; constipation; nausea; vomiting; stomatitis;
phlebitis; alopecia; hyponatremia; leucopenia; photosensitivity.
4. Nursing Implications
a. Do not give IM or SC as tissue necrosis can occur.
b. For IV use, inject solution directly into vein or into tubing of running IV
infusion. Infusion can be given over 1 minute.
c. Monitor bowel function.
d. Frequent neuro checks.
e. Monitor CBC and platelets.
f. Advise client to avoid overexposure to sun.

Mitotic Inhibitors

Drug Use Adverse Effects Nursing Implications

Etoposide Lymphomas; acute non- Myelotoxic; nausea;  Do not give IM or SC

(VP-16; VePesid) lymphocytic leukemia; vomiting; diarrhea; as will cause tissue
 cancer of lung, testes, somnolence; peripheral necrosis
bladder, prostate, liver, neuropathy; hepato-  Do not give IV push
uterus toxicity  Avoid skin contact
with this drug
 Hypotension can
occur during admin-
istration; monitor
blood pressure

Vinblastine Lymphomas; cancer of Peripheral neuropathies,  Monitor CBC and

(Velban) testes, breast, kidney, parethesias, neuritis, platelets
head and neck, Kaposi’s muscle pain and  Frequent neuro
sarcoma weakness, pain in tumor checks
site, urinary retention  Monitor for extrava-
sation
 Monitor I&O

Pacitaxel (Taxol) Advanced ovarian Severe allergic  Wear gloves when

cancer reactions, bone marrow handling
suppression, peripheral  Premedicate client
neuropathy, muscle pain with a steroid and
an H-1 and H-2
antagonist before
administration
 Check blood pressure
and pulse during
administration

MISCELLANEOUS ANTINEOPLASTIC AGENTS

A. L-Asparaginase (Elspar)
1. Action. Enzyme that destroys asparagine, an amino acid necessary for protein
synthesis of leukemia cells. Causes death to leukemia cells.
2. Use. Acute lymphocytic leukemia.
3. Adverse Effects. Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, azotemia, hemorrhagic
pancreatitis, rash, hyperglycemia, increased serum ammonia, anaphylaxis, and
hepatotoxicity.
4. Nursing Implications
a. Monitor CBC, platelets, renal and pancreatic enzymes, coagulation
studies, uric acid, blood glucose, and serum albumin.
b. Don’t shake vial.
c. Only give drug in a clear solution; chance of hypersensitivity is increased
with each dose.

B. Hydroxyurea (Hydrea)
1. Action. Urea derivative that kills granulocytes. Prevents DNA synthesis in cell
cycle.
2. Use. Chronic myelogenous leukemia; malignant melanoma and cancers of the
head, neck, ovary, and colon.
3. Adverse Effects. Anemia, leucopenia, megaloblastosis, thrombocytopenia,
anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
4. Nursing Implications. Monitor CBC, platelets, liver and renal enzymes;
encourage fluids.

C. Procarbazine (Matulane)
1. Action. Similar to alkylating agents; inhibits RNA, DNA, and protein synthesis
in the cell.
2. Use. Hodgkin’s disease, multiple myeloma, malignant melanoma, lung cancer,
and brain tumors.
3. Adverse Effects. Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia,
and altered reproductive potential.
4. Nursing Implications.
a. Advise client to avoid alcohol, sedatives, narcotics, and tricyclic
antidepressants (drug is an MAO inhibitor).
b. Restrict foods high in tyramines.
c. Monitor CBC, platelets, and liver enzymes.
Cancer or Malignant Neoplasms
Cancer is largely considered a lifestyle-related disease. Many chemical, biological,
radioactive, and other naturally occurring and synthetic substances, as well as predisposing
factors and high-risk behaviors like smoking, diet, sexual activity, pollution and
occupational exposure have been linked to cancer.

Many different types of cancers have been identified. In the Philippines, the most common
sites of reported deaths from cancer are the trachea, bronchus and lung (8.4 deaths per
100,000 population), breast (4.4 per 100,000) and leukemia (2.9 per 100,000). Among
males, the leading sites are the lungs, prostate, colorectal area and liver. Among females, the
leading sites are the breast, uterus, cervix and lungs. Among children, the leading cancers
are the leukemias and lymphomas.

There is a yawning gap in locally relevant scientific information on the relationship between
the purported cancer agents and the predisposition of Filipinos for the disease. Despite this,
the relationship of tobacco smoking to many forms of cancer has been firmly established.
This is why tobacco control is one of the cornerstones of cancer prevention. Another well-
established correlation is between infection with hepatitis B and the development of liver
cancer in later life. For this reason, hepatitis B immunization at birth has been
included in the expanded program on immunization.

Another cornerstone of cancer prevention and control is early detection through the
promotion of selfassessment techniques. Early detection of cancer can greatly affect the
outcome of clinical management. When discovered early in their course and given
appropriate treatment, a high percentage of malignancies can undergo remission.

Screening for breast cancer, which is the most common form of malignancy among Filipino
women, is being promoted through self-breast examination campaign called “sariling salat
sa suso,” and through clinical breast examination done by the physician. Forty-four percent
and five percent of women in the Philippines practice these methods of breast cancer
screening, respectively (BSNOH 2000). Mammography is also being recommended every
five years among women more than 50 years old to detect nonpalpable breast masses.

Pap smear, when conducted every three years, can reduce the incidence of cervical cancer
up to 90.8 percent, and when done at an annual interval can reduce it further up to 93.5
percent (Sherries 1993). A study conducted by the UP-DOH Cervical Cancer Screening
Research Group found out that the visual examination of the cervix aided by acetic acid
wash is the most cost-effective screening method for cervical cancer. The DOH now
recommends this method for early detection of cervical cancer (Cordero 2003).

Digital rectal examination every five years is also used as a screening tool for prostatic and
colorectal malignancy among males older than 50 years old. However, only about two
percent of the target population submits to the procedure (BSNOH2000).

Economic factors, non-awareness of the gravity of cancer upon first presentation and fear of
being diagnosed with cancer are usually the reasons for late diagnosis (Ngelangel 1993).
Increasing the awareness and submission of the populace to the many screening procedures
developed for the different kinds of malignancies can improve treatment outcome and lessen
the mortality for the disease.

Cancer is known to produce unbearable pain to patients in the last stages of the disease. To
improve the quality of life during this stage, patients need effective pain relief therapy. Since
morphine is not readily available, the DOH has continued to ensure that even poor patients
have access to this pain relief medication. Morphine sulfate tablets are distributed to
hospitals and hospice care facilities for cancer patients through the CHDs and the Philippine
Cancer Society following rules and regulations mandated by the law
for regulated substances.

A variety of treatment modalities continue to be developed for each specific form of cancer,
but the cost of treatment can be staggering. This is why public health interventions are
focused on health promotion, disease prevention and early detection. Malignant neoplasm or
cancer has been among the top ten leading causes of death in the Philippines since the
1970s. Cancer incidence has been slowly but steadily increasing over the past years. Cancer
is the third leading cause of death in the country, accounting for 9.9 percent of all deaths in
2000 (PHS).

The reported cases of malignant neoplasms has been increasing up to 1995 but an abrupt
decrease in the number of cases was noted in 1996 due to a change in the system of
reporting, malignancies were removed among the notifiable diseases in the Field Health
Service Information System. The morbidity rates have remained underreported thereafter at
4.0 to 9.0 cases per 100,000 population. On the other hand, the trend in reported deaths from
all kinds of malignant neoplasm is increasing over the years reaching 47.7 per 100,000
population in 2000.

In 2002, the region with the highest morbidity rate for cancer is SouthernTagalog at 89.9
cases per 100,000 population, followed by Western Mindanao at 15.4 per 100,000 and
Western Visayas at 9.6 per 100,000. The large variation in the data may be due to
underreporting in some regions.

The scale of lifestyle changes required in order to delay the onset and avert the course of
degenerative diseases renders them difficult to control. Health sector managers would need
more than the seasonal mass media campaigns or people to get rid of old habits and make
correct choices for health. The healthy lifestyle campaign should be clear, consistent and
competitive enough to overcome the effects of contradictory information and persuasions
from the commercial sector.

The health management paradigm that shifts from directly fighting lifestyle-related diseases
to fighting off the risk factors and risk behaviors acquired by the individual has proven to be
a difficult challenge to health care providers. The means and control switches are with the
patient, not with the health care provider. The prerequisite education and training of most
health practitioners do not include the development of skills for behavior modification nor is
their school training adequate for the challenging task of counseling patients.

The life long maintenance of the cost of medicines could drain resources of patients. Access
to these drugs is crucial in ensuring reduction in co-morbidity, mortality and disability rates
of these lifestyle-related diseases. There is a need to strengthen networking and
collaboration among the various stakeholders to ensure sharing of technologies, resources
and expertise to prevent and control lifestyle-related diseases. This has been shown time and
time again during advocacy activities and development of guidelines and management
protocols.

Source:

National Objective for Health, Philippines 2005-2010, DOH, Manila

Ten (10) Herbal Medicines in the Philippines

Approved by the Department of Health (DOH)

 
 
 
 
These is the list of the ten (10) medicinal plants that the Philippine Department of
Health (DOH) through its "Traditional Health Program" have endorsed. All ten (10)
herbs have been thoroughly tested and have been clinically proven to have medicinal
value in the relief and treatment of various aliments:
 
1. Akapulko (Cassia alata) - also known as "bayabas-bayabasan" and "ringworm
bush" in English, this herbal medicine is used to treat ringworms and skin fungal
infections.
2. Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) - known as "bitter gourd" or "bitter melon" in
English, it most known as a treatment of diabetes (diabetes mellitus), for the non-
insulin dependent patients. 
3. Bawang (Allium sativum) - popularly known as "garlic", it mainly reduces
cholesterol in the blood and hence, helps control blood pressure.
4. Bayabas (Psidium guajava) - "guava" in English. It is primarily used as an
antiseptic, to disinfect wounds. Also, it can be used as a mouth wash to treat tooth
decay and gum infection.
5. Lagundi (Vitex negundo) - known in English as the "5-leaved chaste tree". It's
main use is for the relief of coughs and asthma.
6. Niyog-niyogan (Quisqualis indica L.) -  is a vine known as "Chinese honey
suckle". It is effective in the elimination of intestinal worms, particularly the Ascaris
and Trichina. Only the dried matured seeds are medicinal -crack and ingest the dried
seeds two hours after eating (5 to 7 seeds for children & 8 to 10 seeds for adults). If
one dose does not eliminate the worms, wait a week before repeating the dose.
7. Sambong (Blumea balsamifera)- English name: Blumea camphora. A diuretic
that helps in the excretion of urinary stones. It can also be used as an edema.
8. Tsaang Gubat (Ehretia microphylla Lam.) - Prepared like tea, this herbal
medicine is effective in treating intestinal motility and also used as a mouth wash
since the leaves of this shrub has high fluoride content.
9. Ulasimang Bato (Peperomia pellucida) - also known as "pansit-pansitan" it is
effective in fighting arthritis and gout. The leaves can be eaten fresh (about a cupful)
as salad or like tea. For the decoction, boil a cup of clean chopped leaves in 2 cups of
water. Boil for 15 to 20 minutes. Strain, let cool and drink a cup after meals (3 times
day).
10. Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii) - commonly known as Peppermint, this
vine is used as an analgesic to relive body aches and pain. It can be taken internally
as a decoction or externally by pounding the leaves and applied directly on the
afflicted area.

 
Tips on Handling Medicinal Plants / Herbs:
 
 ● If possible, buy herbs that are grown organically - without pesticides.
● Medicinal parts of plants are best harvested on sunny mornings. Avoid
picking leaves, fruits or nuts during and after heavy rainfall.
● Leaves, fruits, flowers or nuts must be mature before harvesting. Less
medicinal substances are found on young parts.
● After harvesting, if drying is required, it is advisable to dry the plant parts either in
the oven or air-dried on screens above ground and never on concrete floors.
● Store plant parts in sealed plastic bags or brown bottles in a cool dry place without
sunlight preferably with a moisture absorbent material like charcoal. Leaves and
other plant parts that are prepared properly, well-dried and stored can be used up to
six months.
Tips on Preparation for Intake of Herbal Medicines:
 
● Use only half the dosage prescribed for fresh parts like leaves when using dried
parts.
● Do not use stainless steel utensils when boiling decoctions. Only use earthen,
enamelled, glass or alike utensils.
● As a rule of thumb, when boiling leaves and other plant parts, do not cover the
pot, and boil in low flame.
● Decoctions loose potency after some time. Dispose of decoctions after one day. To
keep fresh during the day, keep lukewarm in a flask or thermos.
● Always consult with a doctor if symptoms persist or if any sign of allergic reaction
develops.

 
 Philippine Herbal Medicine: Akapulko / Acapulco (Cassia alata)
 

Akapulko or Acapulco in English is a shrub found throughout the Philippines. A medicinal herb that
contains chrysophanic acid, a fungicide used to treat fungal infections, like ringworms, scabies and
eczema. Akapulko also contains saponin, a laxative that is useful in expelling intestinal parasites.
The extracts from the Akapulko plant is commonly used as an ingredient for lotions, soaps
and shampoos.

   
Uses of Akapulko: Preparation:
   
• Treatment of skin diseases: • For external use, pound the leaves of the
Tinea infections, insect bites, ringworms, eczema, Akapulko plant, squeeze the juice and apply on
scabies and itchiness. affected areas.
   
• Internal: • For internal use: cut the plant parts into a
Expectorant for bronchitis and dyspnoea, manageable size then soak and boil for 10 to 15
mouthwash in stomatitis, alleviation of asthma minutes let cool and use as soon as possible.
symptoms, used as diuretic and purgative, for cough Note: The decoction looses its potency if not
& fever, as a laxative to expel intestinal parasites used for a long time. Dispose leftovers after one
and other stomach problems. A strong decoction of day.
the leaves is an abortifacient.
 
  Herbal Medicine: Lagundi (Vitex negundo)
 

Lagundi (scientific name: Vitex negundo) is a shrub that grows in the Philippines. It is one of the  ten
herbal medicines endorsed by the Philippine Department of Health as an effective herbal medicine with
proven therapeutic value. Lagundi has been clinically tested to be effective in the treatment of colds,
flu, bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis and pharyngitis. Studies have shown that Lagundi can prevent
the body's production of leukotrienes which are released during an asthma attack. Lagundi contains
Chrysoplenol D. A substance with anti-histamine properties and muscle relaxant.
The leaves, flowers, seeds and root of Lagundi can all be used as herbal medicine. A decoction is made
by boiling the parts of the plant and taken orally. Today, Lagundi is available in capsule form and syrup
for cough.
Plant Description: The Lagundi plant can grow up to five meters tall. It can be described as a cross
between a shrub and a tree with a single woody stem (trunk). Lagundi's distinctive feature are the
pointed leaves with five leaflets set like a hand.
Lagundi tablets (300 mg) are available from the Department of Health's Philippine Institute of
Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC) Telephone # (632) 727-6199.

   
Benefits: Preparation:
   
• Relief of asthma & pharyngitis • Boil half cup of chopped fresh or dried leaves in
• Recommended relief of rheumatism,  dyspepsia, 2 cups of water for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink half
boils, diarrhea cup three times a day.
• Treatment of cough, colds, fever and flu and • The lagundi flowers are also good for diarrhea
other bronchopulmonary disorders and fever. Boil as with the leaves.
• Alleviate symptoms of Chicken Pox • The root is specially good for treating
• Removal of worms, and boils dyspepsia, worms, boils, colic and rheumatism.
   

ansit-Pansitan (Peperomia pellucida Linn.), Ulasiman-Bato

 

Pansit-pansitan (family: Piperaceae) is an herbal medicine also known as Ulasiman-bato, olasiman-

ihalas & tangon-tangon in the Philippines. English name: peperomia.
Pansit-pansitan is a small herb that grows from 1 to 1 1/2 feet. It can be found wild on lightly shaded
and damp areas such as nooks, walls, yards and even roofs. Pansit-pansitan has heart shaped leaves,
succulent stems with tiny flowers on a spike. When matured, the small fruits bear one seed which fall
 of the ground and propagate.
The leaves and stalk of pansit-pansitan are edible. It can be harvested, washed and eaten as fresh salad.
Taken as a salad, pansit-pansitan helps relive rheumatic pains and gout. An infusion or decoction (boil
1 cup of leaves/stem in 2 cups of water) can also be made and taken orally - 1 cup in the morning and
another cup in the evening.
For the herbal treatment of skin disorders like abscesses, pimples and boils, pound the leaves and/or the
stalks and make a poultice (boil in water for a minute or two then pounded) then applied directly to the
afflicted area. Likewise a decoction can be used as a rinse to treat skin disorders.
For headaches, heat a couple of leaves in hot water, bruise the surface and apply on the forehead. The
decoction of leaves and stalks is also good for abdominal pains and kidney problems.
Like any herbal medicine it is not advisable to take any other medication in combination with any
herbs. Consult with a medical practitioner knowledgeable in herbal medicine before any treatment.

  Herbal Medicine: Sambong (Blumea balsamifera L.)

 

Sambong (scientific name: Blumea balsamifera) is a amazing medicinal plant. It is a antiurolithiasis

and work as a diuretic. it is used to aid the treatment of kidney disorders. The Sambong leaves can also
be used to treat colds and mild hypertension. Since it is a diuretic, it helps dispose of excess water and
sodium (salt) in the body. Sambong is one herbal medicine (of ten) approved by the Philippine
Department of Health (DOH) in treating particular disorders.
Powdered Sambong leaves are available in 250 mg tablets at the DOH's Philippine Institute of
Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC) Telephone # (632) 727-6199.

   
Benefits: Preparation:
   
• Good as a diuretic agent • Boil the leaves as like tea and drink 3 or more
• Effective in the dissolving kidney stones times a day.
• Aids in treating hypertension & rheumatism • The leaves can also be crushed or pounded and
• Treatment of colds & fever mixed with coconut oil.
• Anti-diarrheic & Anti-gastralgic properties
• Helps remove worms, boils  
• Treats dysentery, sore throat  
 

Herbal Medicine: Tsaang Gubat or Wild Tea (Ehretia microphylla Lam.)

 
Tsaang Gubat is one of the 10 herbs that is endorsed the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) as an
antispasmodic for abdominal (stomach) pains. And is registered as a herbal medicine at the Philippine
Bureau of Food & Drug (BFAD).
Tsaang Gubat is a shrub (small tree) that grows (from 1 to 5 meters) abundantly in the Philippines. In
folkloric medicine, the leaves has been used as a disinfectant wash during child birth, as cure for
diarrhea, as tea for general good heath and because Tsaang Gubat has high fluoride content, it is used as
a mouth gargle for preventing tooth decay. Research and test now prove it's efficacy as an herbal
medicine. Aside from the traditional way of taking Tsaag Gubat, it is now available commercially in
capsules, tablets and tea bags.
Tsaang Gubat is also knows as: Wild Tea, Forest Tea, Alibungog (Visayas Region), Putputai (Bicol
Region) and Maragued (Ilocos Region). Scientific name: Ehretia Microphylla Lam.

   
Benefits & Treatment of : Preparation & Use
   
• Stomach pains • Thoroughly wash the leaves in running water.
• Gastroenteritis Chop to a desirable size and boil 1 cup of
• Intestinal motility chopped leaves in 2 cups of water. Boil in low
• Dysentery heat for 15 to 20 minutes and drain.
• Diarrhea or Loose Bowel Movement (LBM) • Take a cupful every 4 hours for diarrhea,
• Mouth gargle gastroenteritis and stomach pains.
• Body cleanser/wash • Gargle for stronger teeth and prevention of
  cavities.
  • Drink as tea daily for general good health.