ETHNOBOTANY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF TURMERIC AND GARLIC USED BY

THE LOCALS IN ZAMBOANGA CITY

ALEC IANAH B. JIMENO

STELA MARIE S. SANTIAGO
GERAIDA L. SUSULAN

THIS RESEARCH CAPSTONE PROJECT PROPOSAL IS PRESENTED IN PARTIAL

FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY

MAJOR IN MEDICAL BIOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY AND NATURAL SCIENCE

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS
WESTERN MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY

JUNE 2022

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents……………………………………………………………………. i

List of figures ……………………………………………………………………….… ii

CHAPTER I. Introduction…………………………………………………………… 1

Background of the Study……………………………………………………. 1

Objectives of the Study……………………………………………………… 2

Significance of the Study…………………………………………………..... 2

Scope and Delimitation of the Study………………………………..……..... 2

CHAPTER II. Review of Related Literature………………………………………... 3

CHAPTER III. Methods……………………………………………………………... 5

Study site ………………………………………………………………….. 5

Research Sample ………………………………………………………….… 5

Research Design ………………………………………………………..….. 5

Research Procedure …………………………………………………..... 6

Procurement of necessary permit ……………………..………….. 6

Data mining .………………………………………………..………... 6

Data Analysis …………………………………………………………….. 6

Flowchart of the study ………………………………………………….…..… 7

CHAPTER IV Results and Discussion……………………………………………... 8

CHAPTER V Conclusion…………………………………………………………... 20

References……………………………………………………………………….…… 21

Appendices ……………………………………………………………………..…… 25

Appendix 1. Informed consent …………………………………………. 25

Appendix 2. The line budget item of the study ……………………………… 27
Appendix 3. The timeline for the list of activities of the study ……………….. 28

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 CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

People have used herbal medicine since antiquity. It uses plants as medicine to treat
illness and improve health and well-being in general. Some herbs have very potent
ingredients and should be carried with the same care as pharmaceutical drugs. The
documentation of medicinal plants is an essential baseline for possible extraction, isolation,
characterization, and chemical modification of important chemical compounds. One good
example of this herbal medicine is Curcuma longa and Allium sativum, commonly known as
turmeric and garlic. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has long been used as a spice. Household
medicine for diabetic wounds and hepatic disorders (Vaughn et al. 2016), while Allium
sativum (garlic) is one of the first documented and most widely used herbs in traditional
medicine, dating back to ancient times. However, the ethnopharmacological study is limited
in the Philippines, notably among the archipelago's most populated ethnic communities in the
south.
Mindanao is recognized for its natural products, which have been employed in both
traditional and modern medicine. On the other hand, medicinal plant use necessitates more
substantial scientific evidence of their therapeutic characteristics (Acosta et al., 2022).
Zamboanga City is the Philippines' southernmost city, located on the Zamboanga Peninsula.
It has a diverse community and is rich in culture. It is a first-class and highly urbanized city
since it is the commercial and industrial center of the region (Department of Health -
Zamboanga Peninsula 2020). Indigenous communities trace back their traditional knowledge
of medicinal herbs and how to use them from one generation to the next (Madjos & Ramos,
2021). However, some detrimental effects of using native plants as medicine are due to
overdose and a limited understanding of other potentially toxic by-products. (Olowa &
Nueza, 2013). This study aims to document the ailments treated by locals using garlic and
turmeric and evaluate the pharmacological properties of Curcuma longa and Allium
sativum through a systematic literature review essential to Zamboanga City locals.

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Objectives of the study

The objective of the study is to assess the uses of the Turmeric and Garlic as
medicinal plants used by the locals of chosen barangays of Zamboanga City through survey
semi-questionnaires and literature review.
The study specifically sought to:
1. Determine the demographic profiles of the locals of Zamboanga City that use garlic or
turmeric for medicinal use
2. Determine the plant parts used, mode of preparation, and mode of application of
garlic and turmeric
3. Determine the folkloric use of the turmeric and garlic used by the locals of each
chosen barangays of Zamboanga City
4. Determine the main three ailments with the highest percentage treated by the locals by
using the turmeric and garlic

Significance of the study

The study is essential to community health care as this will give a rational use of
traditional medicine. This study will document the uses of Turmeric and Garlic as a treatment
for the different ailments by the locals of Zamboanga city and make an ethnobotanical
inventory of these two herbal plants. The findings from this study will theoretically lead to
alternative ways to treat or cure different ailments. Overall, the scientific results of this study
will contribute to the body of knowledge in botanical and community health care fields by
offering an informative context of the Turmeric and Garlic.

Scope and Delimitation of the study

The target participants for the study consist of 10 respondents of each barangay that
are locals from the two districts. The two districts consist of 5 barangay each and a sum of 10
barangays in Zamboanga city. From district one (1), namely: Baliwasan, Upper Calarian,
Sinunuc, Pamucutan, and Talisayan, and for district two (2), namely: Talon-Talon,
Mampang, Mercedes, Talabaan, and Taluksangay totaling 100 respondents who are of legal
age (18 years old and above) regardless of gender and educational attainment, which
utilized Turmeric and Garlic. This study will only focus on documenting the folkloric
medicinal plants used by the

locals of Zamboanga City, particularly their usage and mode of preparation, and
assessing the pharmacological properties through a systematic literature review.

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 CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Traditional medicine is the knowledge, skills, and methods based on indigenous

wisdom, ideas, beliefs, and experiences utilized to maintain health and prevent, diagnose,
improve, or restore health illness (World Health Organization). Plants have long been used
for medicinal purposes and are at the root of modern medicine. Many pharmaceuticals are
derived from plants. Drug companies conduct large-scale pharmacological screenings of
herbs to generate plant medications (Andrew et al., 1999). The documenting of medicinal
plants serves as a critical foundation for the extraction, isolation, characterization, and
chemical modification of essential chemical components. The leaves are the most widely
utilized plant components for herbal remedies, and decoction is the most common preparation
technique (Jullienne, 2020). Garlic and turmeric are well-known medicinal plants with a wide
range of therapeutic effects.

Regarding the amount of research on these plants, garlic comes second only to turmeric.
Plants include phytochemical components, which provide them with therapeutic capabilities.
Non-nutritive plant chemicals with disease-preventive characteristics are known as
phytochemical components—the solvents employed for extraction play a significant role in
isolating bioactive chemicals from plants. (Iqra et al., 2019).

According to Choi et al. (2019), Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric, is a tropical
perennial herb member of the Zingiberaceae family. The Curcuma genus, which has roughly
120 species, has a long history of medicinal use (Akarchariya et al., 20s17; Dosoky and
Setzer, 2018). Curcuma longa L. (Curcuma; Turmeric) has been the most acknowledged
Curcuma species; it is a cultivated plant that grows well in warm climates worldwide (Wu,
2015). Around 31 Curcuma species have been investigated, with turmeric (Curcuma longa)
and zedoary (Curcuma zedoaria (Christm.) (Roscoe.), which were the most studied and
significant (Dosokyand Setzer, 2018). It is a widely consumed spice in Bangladesh, India,
and other Asian countries. In Bangladesh, India, China, and Southeast Asia, it has been used
as a household medicine for biliary diseases, anorexia, cough, diabetic wounds, hepatic
disorders, rheumatism, and sinusitis (Vaughn et al., 2016), as well as a food preservative and
coloring ingredient (Sharifi-Rad et al., 2020). Various vital phytochemicals in a methanolic
extract of Curcuma longa contain alkaloids, tannins, phenolic compounds, phytosterols,

3
terpenoids, saponins, and flavonoids to have favorable health effects (Sun et al. 2019).
Additionally, it contains enough vitamin C, pyridoxine, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus
(Ahmad et al., 2020). Based on Wada et al. (2021) studies, turmeric extracts in aqueous and
ethanolic form demonstrated an inhibition zone against Staphylococcus aureus. It has been
proven to possess anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and antineoplastic properties
(Khatun et al., 2021).

Based on Singh Badal et al. (2019) study, Garlic (Allium sativum L.; Family:
Amaryllidaceae) is an aromatic herbaceous annual spice that is one of the first documented
and most widely used herbs in traditional medicine, which dates back to antiquity. Numerous
studies have discovered saponin, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins, phlorotannin,
ketone, amino acid and protein, volatile oil, and cardiac glycosides in garlic (Arify et al.,
2018; Igra and Zikhi, 2019). Garlic and its bioactive compounds are proven to be antioxidant,
anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal (Shang et al., 2019). Garlic has been
demonstrated to possess antibacterial action against Gram-Positive (+) and Gram-negative (-)
bacteria across a broad spectrum (Nakamoto et al., 2019; Muller et al., 2016). Allium sativum
extract inhibited drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus growth (Magry et al., 2021).

Overall, different studies show that the plant is sourced for its medicinal value from
the tree ('lunas-kahoy') and/or the vine ('lunas-began). The bark of the tree or the vine is used
as an anti-inflammatory (for wounds, bites, skin diseases, fever, ulcer, nausea, heartburn, and
gastroenteritis); antimotility (diarrhea); antihistamines (for skin allergies and itchiness);
antiparasitic (for malaria); antibacterial (for skinned diseases and stomach troubles); antitoxin
(for food poison, poisoning, tetanus, snake and insect venom); and antiviral (for rabies,
chikungunya, and dengue) (Mark et al. 2017). Traditional medicine provides up to 90 percent
of some countries' health care and is included in some primary health care systems (Seale
1993).

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 CHAPTER III

METHODS

1.1 Study site

The data collection will be conducted in ten (10) barangays of Zamboanga City.
Five barangays for District 1 and these are barangay Baliwasan, Upper Calarian,
Sinunuc, Talisayan and Pamucutan. Another five barangays for District 2 and these are
barangay Talon-Talon, Mampang, Mercedes, Taluksangay and Talabaan.

F
i
g
u
r
e

1
.

M
a
p
Figure 1. Zamboanga Satellite Map (derived from www.zamboanga.com)
of the study site.

1.2 Research sample

The respondents for the study are the (10) ten locals from each barangay of
Zamboanga City, totaling 100 respondents of legal age (18 years old and above)
regardless of gender and educational attainment, which utilized Curcuma longa and
allium sativum.
1.3 Research design
A purposeful sampling method will be used to select the responders. The data
will be collected at the research location using a semi-constructed questionnaire to get
information about the turmeric and garlic used by Locals for skin diseases. In the ten

5
 (10) barangays of Zamboanga City, a purposeful sampling method will be used to pick
key informants, or individuals who are knowledgeable about or have an experience in
utilizing Curcuma longa or Allium sativum are the one that will be selected in gathering
information and data, starting with one individual and working your way up to the
hundredth. Prior to the actual interview, the researcher will ask the barangay captain for
permission to undertake data collection from key informants formally. Furthermore, the
key informants will be allowed to express their free prior informed permission. Locals
from each barangay will be asked if they use turmeric or garlic to treat various skin
diseases. It will be followed to ask the part(s) of the plant employed, the method of
local preparation, the method of therapy, the predicted effects, and the skin diseases
treated will be all gathered.

1.4 Research procedure

1.4.1 Procurement of necessary permits
Letters addressed to the Barangay Captains of the ten (10) barangays
(Baliwasan, Upper Calarian, Sinunuc, Talisayan, Pamucutan, Talon-Talon,
Mampang, Mercedes, Taluksangay and Talabaan) will be given.

1.4.2 Data mining/Systematic Review

Tumoro and Maryo's (2016) paper will be modified for data mining in
a systematic review. A web-based systematic research literature technique will
be implemented as part of the search approach. To collect
ethnobotanical/ethnomedicinal journal papers on the use of turmeric and garlic
in treating skin problems. Different search approaches will be used: (1) Search
for published journal papers in international scientific databases such as
PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, (2) Searching
for published MSc/Ph.D. Find thesis research reports or financed studies using
the Google search engine and local university websites.

1.4.3 Data processing/Analysis

The data processing and analysis will be based on Madjos and Ramos'
research (2021). The descriptive statistics will be calculated using SPSS (Statistical
Package for the Social Sciences) software. The locals of Zamboanga city in a
particular location will collect the data in a tabular format. The usage of the SPSS

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 software will be categorized alphabetically by their names and include a
comprehensive overview of Curcuma longa and Allium sativum as herbal treatments
for various skin conditions, as well as the portions utilized, preparation, and
application methods.

1.5 Flowchart of the study

Obtaining the requisite permits for the conduction of study

Data collection through survey

Systematic Literature review

Statistical Analysis

Figure 2. Flowchart of the study

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 CHAPTER IV

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Throughout the years, medicinal plants have been used to treat different ailments
since most herbal plants are proven to have therapeutic effects on human health (Delgado et
al., 2021). The Philippines is known to have over 1008 medical plant species that are used as
a treatment for common diseases (Carag et al., 2017). Zamboanga City, located in the
Philippines, has over 208 medicinal plants used by different ethnolinguistic groups (G,
Madjos & K, Ramos 2021). Garlic and turmeric are natural drugs known for their
antimicrobial properties. These plants are utilized as a treatment for different diseases even
during ancient times, according to a study made by Kumar et al. (2021).

Table 1. Demographic profile

Category Subcategory No. of Informants Percentage of

informants

Baliwasan 10 10%
Upper Calarian 10 10%
Location Pamucutan 10 10%
(Barangay) Mampang 10 10%
Mercedes 10 10%
Talabaan 10 10%
Talon-Talon 10 10%
Taluksangay 10 10%
Talisayan 10 10%
Sinunuc 10 10%
Primary 25 43%
Secondary 35 24%
Educational Higher Education 40 33%
Attainment
Male 15 15%
Gender Female 85 85%
Single 26 26%

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 Civil Status Married 54 54%
Widow 20 20%

Bisaya 16 16%
Ethnicity Cebuana 1 1%
Ilocano 1 1%
Samal 7 7%
Samal Bangingi 6 6%
Subanen 1 1%
Tausug 24 24%
Visayan 1 1%
Young Adults (17-30 50 50%
years old)
Age Group
Middle-aged Adults 19 19%
(31-45 years old)
Old-aged Adults (45 31 31%
years old and above)

One hundred (100) respondents residing at chosen barangays in Zamboanga City were
interviewed for this study. All the respondents that use turmeric and garlic as herbal
medicines were given out survey questionnaires to answer regardless of their age, gender,
educational attainment, and ethnicity. When grouped according to their ethnolinguistic
groups, the result in table 1 shows that Zamboangueños have the highest percentage
accumulating 43%, followed by the ethnic group, "Tausug" with an accumulated percentage
of 21%, succeeded by the "Bisaya" with an accumulated result of 16%. In comparison, the
ethnic group of Samal and Samal bangingi has 7% and

6%, respectively. The ethnic groups Cebuana, Ilocano, Visayan, and Subanen with the
least participation all have the same accumulated result of 1%.

When grouped according to age, statistics show that respondents ranging from age 40
to 59 are prominently using turmeric and garlic as medicinal plants with an accumulated
percentage of 50%, while respondents from the age 4 to 39 succeed with an accumulated
percentage of 31% and respondents with the age group of above 60 are least with an
accumulated percentage of 19%. The table also shows the distinct difference between
respondents regarding civil status. Statistics show that 54% of the respondents are married,

9
26% are single, and 20% are widowed. When grouped according to gender, it indicates that
85% of the respondents are female while the remaining 15% are male.

Table 1 also shows the respondents' educational attainment, with the college
graduates being the highest with an accumulated percentage of 43%, followed by respondents
with secondary attainment with a result of 33%, and respondents with prior attainment with
an accumulated result of 24%> Out of 100 respondents, the gathered data shows that there are
56% that uses turmeric and 85% utilize garlic as medicinal plants.

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a plant that belongs to the family Liliaceae, while Turmeric
(Curcuma longa) is a kind of plant that belongs to the family of Zingiberaceae family.
Scientific studies have supported that garlic and turmeric have active phytochemicals that aid
in treating health-related illnesses, which is why these plants are considered medicinal plants
that are used all over the globe (Nasir et ., 2020). Fresh or dried garlic bulbs and turmeric
rhizomes are the most common use parts of the plants for medicinal use (Ernst (2005);
Sasikumar (2012).

Table 2. Number of respondents utilizing the plant, the parts of plant used, mode of
administration and preparation

Category Subcategory No. of Informants Percentage of

informants
Utilized plant Garlic 56 56%
Turmeric 85 85%
Parts of Plant used Bulb 56 56%
(Garlic)
N/A 44 44%
Parts of Plant used Rhizome 85 85%
(Turmeric)
N/A 15 15%
Mode of Oral 56 56%
administration
External 12 12%
(Garlic)
Both 12 12%
N/A 20 20%
Mode of Oral 33 33%
administration
External 12 12%
(Turmeric)
Both 11 11%

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 N/A 44 44%

Preparation (Garlic) Decoction 56 56%

Infusion 10 10%
Pounded 14 14%
Peeled 80 80%
Liniment 0 0%
Preparation Decoction 35 35%
(Turmeric)
Infusion 19 19%
Pounded 18 18%
Peeled 56 56%
Liniment 1 1%

Table 2 shows the survey statistics of the study, it shows that out 100 respondents a total of
85 uses garlic, 80% utilize fresh garlic bulbs. The mode of preparation of the medicinal herb
varies from what type of ailments it will be utilized. According to the study of Madjos and
Ramos (2021) most medicinal plants uses decoction as the method for extraction. For the
preparation of the garlic bulb the result indicates that 56% use decoction. An accumulated
10% of the respondents used the infusion method 24% of the respondents use the method of
pounding, and 80% peel the garlic bulbs.

However, for the turmeric rhizomes, the study shows that 35% of the respondents use the
method of boiling. 19% of the respondents use the method of infusion, 18% of the
respondents use the method of pounding, and an accumulative percentage of 56% use the
method of peeled turmeric rhizomes. Taken from the study of Jeong et al. (2012), the mode
of application of different herbal medicines is either applied externally or ingested orally.
During the survey, respondents claimed they apply and orally intake turmeric and garlic.

The statistics in table 2 shows that 12% of respondents use both external and oral applications
while 56% alone digest it orally and 12% use it externally. Garlic and turmeric are well
known in the herbology department and have been used to treat different diseases since
ancient times. (Richard S. Rivlin (2001); Harshan et al (2019)). The study's respondents have

11
claimed the efficacy of both medicinal plants (Garlic and Turmeric). Literature reviews and
scientific papers have supported and proven the effectiveness of these said plants.

Respondents were asked to list the different health problems, and the plant (Turmeric and
Garlic) used to treat their illnesses. Respondents were asked to list the different health
problems they encountered and the plant.

Garlic
ToothAche
10%

AntiRabies
14%
HighBlood MusclePain
47% 3%
Osteoarthritis
7%

SkinInfection
11%
Cholesterol Cleansing Sugarlevels Cough/Cold
1% 1% 2% 4%

Figure 1. Illnesses that utilized Garlic

Figure 1 shows illnesses that utilized garlic, respondents claimed to use this plant as anti-
rabies with a cumulated percentage of 14% .This can be supported by the study by G.
Goncagul and E Ayaz (2010) since garlic has antimicrobial properties that are proven to have
positive effects. Garlic is also used for muscle pain with a cumulated percentage of 3%, 7%
use garlic for osteoarthritis, 4% of respondents use garlic s treatment for coughs and colds
Aqueous garlic extract showed inhibitory effects on the growth of skin disease-causing
microbes (M Amer et al. 1980); adopted from their study, 11% of the total respondents use
garlic for skin diseases. Respondents also use garlic for regulating sugar levels with an
accumulated percentage of 2%, 1% of respondents use garlic for external cleansing and
regulating cholesterol levels, and 47% of respondents use garlic for normal blood pressure.
The established scientific reviews can support the claims of different respondents regarding
using garlic. The studies of Bachrach et al. (2011) suggests and support the medicinal use of
garlic in alleviating dental diseases since their result showed a positive effect. The study by

12
G. Goncagul and E Ayaz (2010) stated in their paper the effectiveness of garlic in
cardiovascular diseases, regulates blood pressure, and is used for parasitic infections.

Kidney Stones, Internal wounds, Athritis, 5%

2% 1%
Boosting Immune
System, 5%
Stomach ache, 2% Cough &
Colds, 13% Hemmorhoids, 5%

Bruises, 10%
Skin Infection, 19%
Diabetes, 9%

Weight Loss, 3%
Cleansing, 28% Gallstones, 4%

Figure 2. Illnesses that utilized Turmeric

Respondents, on the other hand, also claimed the effectiveness of using turmeric rhizomes in
specific health issues. Figure 2 shows that 2% of respondents use turmeric or kidney stones,
1% use it for internal wounds, 5% use it for treating arthritis, for boosting immune systems
and hemorrhoids, 19% use it as a treatment for skin infections, 4% use it for gallstones, 28%
use turmeric for internal cleansing, 3% use turmeric for weight loss, 9% use turmeric for
diabetes, 10% use turmeric for bruises, 2% use turmeric for stomach pain, and 13% use
turmeric for coughs and cold. The claims of the respondents can be supported y established
literature that proves the effectiveness of turmeric against the health conditions mentioned.
Palla Suryanarayana et al (2005). Curcumin in turmeric delays the progression and
maturation of diabetic cataracts in rats. Their study concluded that turmeric is effective
against developing diabetic cataracts in mice. According to the study made by Nasruddin et
al. (2021) turmeric is effective in healing wounds. The study of Harshan et al. (2019)
concluded the efficacy of curcumin as an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent. This
was also proven in the comparative study by Chatterjee et al. (2017). These claims can also
be adopted from the study of Sindhu Jose (2019). Turmeric was proven effective in reducing
the levels of school-going children who have a common cold. Their study concluded that
turmeric is a great agent for treating common colds. Furthermore, in the study by Arun and

13
Nalini (2002), the administration of turmeric or curcumin to diabetic rats showed a reduction
in their blood sugar levels.

CATALOGUE
Table 3. Garlic and Turmeric

Table 4. Garlic

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Table 5. Turmeric
Plant Mode of Folkloric Literature review Research
part preparatio use done by
Bio-activities Active isolates
used n Institution
(Reference
s)
Rhizom Decoction U.T.I. antimicrobial curcumin shah,
e and Daniel, & K
Infusion (2009)
Rhizom Decoction Kidney anti- curcumin Ghosh,
e Stones inflammatory Gehr, &
Ghosh,
(2014)
Rhizom Peeled and Internal - - -
e Applied wounds
Topical
Rhizom Decoction Arthritis anti- curcumin, Singhal et
e and inflammatory demethoxycurcumin, al. (2021)
Infusion bisdemethoxycurcum
in
Rhizom Decoction Boost antiviral, anti- Curcumin Rattis,
e immune inflammatory, Ramos, &
system anticoagulant, Celes,
antiplatelet, (2021)
and
cytoprotective
Rhizom Peeled and Skin anti- Curcumin Vollono et
e Applied Infection inflammatory, al. (2019)
Topical anti-oxidant,
anti-fungal,
antimicrobial ,
anticancer
Rhizom Peeled and Hemorrhoid - - -
e Applied s
Topical
Rhizom Infusion Gallstones anti-carcinoma, Curcumin Li, Li, Wu,
e anti- & Tian,
inflammatory (2015)
and
antioxidative

15
Rhizom Decoction Cleansing
e
Rhizom Decoction Diabetes anti- curcuminoids Marton et
e inflammatory al. (2021)
anti-diabetic
Rhizom Infusion Cough/Cold anti- Curcumin Krup,
e asthamatic, Prakash L,
antimicrobial & A, (2013)
and antiviral
Rhizom Decoction Body anti-obesity, Curcumin Kasprzak-
e weight-loss antioxidant Drozd et al.,
(2022)
Rhizom Decoction Stomach Antiulcerogeni Curcumin Sah, Jha,
e pain c, anti- Sah, Shah,
inflammatory, & Yadav
antioxidant (2013)
Rhizom Peeled and Bruises - - -
e Applied
Topical

Table 6. Demographic profile

Category Subcategory No. of Informants

Baliwasan 10
Southcom Village, Upper Calarian 10
Location Pamucutan 10
(Barangay or Mampang 10
Village)
Mercedes 10
Talabaan 10
Talon-Talon 10
Taluksangay 10
Talisayan 10
Sinunuc 10

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 Primary 25
Secondary 35
Educational Higher Education 40
Attainment
Male 16
Gender Female 84
Single 27
Civil Status Married 53
Widow 20
Zamboangueño 41
Ethnicity Tausug 23
Bisaya 19
Samal 7
Samal Bangingi 7
Subanen 1
Cebuano 1
Ilokana 1
18-34 years old 22
Age 35-49 years old 26
50-65 years old 38
more than 65 years old 14

Table 3 states that garlic (Allium sativum) is a herbal plant that belongs to the family
Liliaceae. At the same time, turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a medicinal plant belonging to the
Zingiberaceae family (Nasir et al., 2020). Garlic (Allium sativum) is known to be beneficial
for health. Different ethnolinguistic groups recognized its potential as a treatment for
different diseases and have been using it for centuries. (Arreola et al. (2015); Bayan et al.
(2014) ). Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a traditional herb used as dyes and food supplements
(Ghosh et al. 2014). Both Curcuma longa and Allium sativum are medicinal plants that
contain phytochemicals. Phytochemicals demonstrate pharmacological and therapeutic
effects and aid human health issues (Delgado et al., 2021). Numerous literature reviews have

17
supported and established that garlic and turmeric have phytochemicals that can act as
antibacterial, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antitumor, antithrombotic, nematocidal,
antihepatotoxic, anti-mutagenic, anti-choleretic, antivenom, antihypertensive, anti-
inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antifungal, anti-hyperlipidemia and antimutagenic. (
Bayan et al. (2014); Lissiman et al. (2014); Li et al. (2015); Drodz et al (2021); Delgado et al.
(2021) ). Established articles about turmeric and garlic have shown a more significant
positive effect on using both medicinal plants as a treatment for different diseases such as
High Blood, Tooth Ache, Anti-Rabies, Rashes, Pelvic, Cough, Skin Infection, Colds, Sugar
levels, Antioxidant, Cholesterol, Anti-inflammation, U.T.I., Kidney Stones, external and
Internal wounds, Arthritis, Boost immune system, Rashes, Hemorrhoids, Gallstones,
Cleansing, Diabetes, Pimples, Body weight-loss, Stomach pain, and Bruises. ( Yadav et al
(2013); Reid (2016); Rouf et al. (2020) ).

The gathered data from different established papers regarding the method and the
effect of using garlic are indicated in Table 4. According to the gathered studies, the most
frequent garlic methods are decoction, peeling, and pounding. Garlic contains diallyl sulfide,
S-allyl-mercapto cysteine, ajoene, and Allicin, which serve as agents for treating illnesses
such as High Blood/Hypertension, Tooth Ache, Anti-Rabies, Muscle Pain, Osteoarthritis, and
many more. (Arreola et al. (2015); Wang, Zhang, Lan, & Wang (2017); Sun, Wang, & Qin
(2018); Sasi et al. (2021); Tavakoli-Far, Amiri-Ardekani, & Tehrany (2021) ). The sage of
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is indicated in Table 5. Gathered studies from different
established articles state that the most used method for using turmeric is decoction, peeling,
and infusion.

Turmeric treats health complications such as Boosting the immune system, Skin
Infection, Gallstones, Hemorrhoids, Diabetes, Cough/Cold, and many more. (Krup, Prakash
L, & A, (2013);Li, Li, Wu, & Tian, (2015); Vollono et al. (2019);Sah, Jha, Sah, Shah, &
Yadav (2013) ).

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 CHAPTER V

CONCLUSION

Garlic and turmeric are widely used by the locals that belong to the Zamboangueños
ethnolinguistic group, middle-aged locals with higher educational attainment are prominently
well equipped with the knowledge of using turmeric and garlic for treating different diseases.
The prominent three (3) ailments garlic is highly used for are lowering blood pressure levels,
anti-rabies, and treatment for skin infections. In comparison to the three (3) main ailments,
turmeric is widely used as a treatment for cleansing, used for skin infections, and treating
bruises.

19
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APPENDIX.

Informed consent and Semi-structured Questionnaire

Republic of the Philippines

Western Mindanao State University
College of Science and Mathematics
Zamboanga City

INFORMED CONSENT

Warmest greetings!

The undersigned are BS BIO students from the College of Science and Mathematics
of Western Mindanao State University who will be conducting a study entitled
―ETHNOBOTANY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF TURMERIC AND GARLIC USED
BY LOCALS IN ZAMBOANGA CITY‖. This study will involve the participation of locals
of Zamboanga City from the ten (10) barangays: Labuan, Pamucutan, La Paz, Santa Barbara,
Campo Islam, Culianan, Guisao, Manicahan, Lamisahan, Bolong and Talabaan
Please follow the instructions and answer the questions honestly if you choose to
participate in this survey. To safeguard each subject's identity, all data from the study will be
coded. When discussing or reporting statistics, no names or other identifiable information
will be utilized. All files and data obtained will be safely stored by the investigator(s). The
data will be destroyed once it has been thoroughly analyzed.

By signing this form, you agree to the following information being used and disclosed
for research purposes. It is absolutely voluntary and anonymous for you to participate in this
study. It's fine if you don't want to take part in the study. Please hand over the completed

24
form to the lead researcher. When done, please give the questionnaire to the researcher in
charge. If you wish to contact the researchers, please contact this number 09275185584.

Thank you for your assistance and participation.

Approved by:
MERLINDA E. ELIZALDE Researchers:
Program Adviser
ALEC IANAH JIMENO
STELA MARIE SANTIAGO
GERAIDA SUSULA

25
CONSENT

I have read and I understand the provided information and have had the opportunity to
ask questions. I understand that my participation is voluntary and that I am free to withdraw
at any time, without giving a reason and without cost. I voluntarily agree to take part in this
study.

Participant's Signature: ______________________________ Date:

_____________
Barangay: ________________________________________

…………………………………………………………………………………………………
……

SEMI- STRUCTURED QUESTIONNAIRE

Name (optional): ________________ Age: _____ Gender: _____ Years of stay:

________
Ethnicity: __________________ Civil Status: ______ Educational Attainment:
__________
Plant Ailment/s Part/s being Mode of
species Preparation Frequency
being treated used administration

Turmeric

Garlic

Turmeric
and Garlic

26
Appendix 2. The line-item budget (LIB) of the study.

LINE-ITEM-BUDGET (LIB)
Title: ―ETHNOBOTANY: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF TURMERIC AND GARLIC USED
BY TRADITIONAL HEALERS IN ZAMBOANGA CITY‖

Proponents: Alec Ainah B. Jimeno, Stela Marie S. Santiago, Geraida L. Susulan

No. Description Qty. Price (₱) Total Price

Data Collection
1. Transportation (Back and forth) 3 300.00 300.00
3. Gift token for interviewee (snacks) 40 20 800.00
4. Bond paper (A4, 1 ream) 1 175.00 175.00
5. Ballpen (1 pack) 1 60.00 60.00
GRAND TOTAL 1,335.00

Prepared by:

Alec Ianah B. Jimeno Stela Marie S. Santiago Geraida L.

Susulan

CONFORME:

John Vincent Jimeno Albert G. Santiago Gerson T. Susulan

Parent/guardian’s signature Parent/guardian’s signature Parent/ guardian’s
signature

Noted by:

MERLINDA E. ELIZALDE, R.N., M.A. Sci. Ed

Program Adviser

27
 TIMELINE (GANTT CHART)

2022
List of Activities
May Jun
Proposal Defense

Data collection (survey)

Data Gathering of Result

Systematic Literature Review

Statistical Analysis

Paper Writing

Final Defense

Prepared by:

Alec Ainah B. Jimeno Stela Marie S. Santiago Geraida L. Susulan

Noted by:

MERLINDA E. ELIZALDE, R.N., M.A. Sci. Ed

Program Adviser

28
Approved Letter from the Mayor of Zamboanga City

29
DISTRICT 1

BALIWASAN

UPPER CALARIAN

30
 SINUNUC

TALISAYAN PAMUCUTAN

31
DISTRICT 2

TALON-TALON

MAMPANG

32
MERCEDES

TALABAAN

33
TALUKSANGAY

34