International Journal of Public Health Science (IJPHS)

Vol. 14, No. 3, September 2025, pp. 1585~1594

ISSN: 2252-8806, DOI: 10.11591/ijphs.v14i3.25625  1585

Philippine traditional herbal remedies for hypertension

Meliza Parba, Cesar G. Demayo

Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology,
Iligan City, Philippines

Article Info ABSTRACT

Article history: Certain areas of the Philippines continue to rely on traditional non-
pharmacological approaches, such as herbal medicine, for hypertension
Received Jul 31, 2024 treatment, a significant public health problem globally. Therefore, a
Revised Dec 27, 2024 systematic review of plants used in the Philippines to treat hypertension, based
Accepted Mar 6, 2025 on the PRISMA flow diagram, was carried out. Relevant ethnobotanical
studies were retrieved from databases such as Google Scholar, ScienceDirect,
and PubMed. Following the eligibility screening, 36 ethnobotanical studies
Keywords: were included. The majority of the studies included in this review came from
Region XIII (CARAGA), Region VI (Western Visayas), and Region X
Decoction (Northern Mindanao). The most prevalent plant family and species were
Medicinal plants Poaceae (12 species) and Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf. (16 citations),
Philippines respectively. Leaves were the most common plant parts utilized while
Province decoction was the most frequently mentioned mode of preparation. Oral
Region administration was the most widely used form of administration. This review
highlights medicinal plants with potential antihypertensive properties. It
underscores the need to conduct a systematic review of their pharmacological
properties to determine which have been scientifically validated and are most
effective against hypertension.
This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA license.

Corresponding Author:
Meliza Parba
Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics,
Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology
Iligan City, Philippines
Email: [email protected]

1. INTRODUCTION
Ischemic heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the Philippines in the first half of
2023 [1]. One of the major risk factors for this disease is hypertension (HTN), commonly known as high blood
pressure. The 2020 Philippine Society for Hypertension clinical practice guideline defines hypertension as an
office blood pressure (BP) of 140/90 mmHg or higher, recorded at least twice on two separate days [2]. In
2005, Kearney et al. [3] forecasted that the number of adults with hypertension worldwide would increase to
approximately 1.56 billion in the year 2025. Although the exact causes of hypertension are unknown, several
contributing factors have been identified that may increase susceptibility to developing hypertension. These
include smoking, obesity, high sodium intake, or a sedentary lifestyle [4].
The treatment for hypertension involves both non- and pharmacological methods. Non-
pharmacological methods include a change in lifestyle that addresses the risk factors [5] and is considered the
first step in managing hypertension. On the other hand, pharmacological approaches involve the use of various
drugs, belonging to different classes, to control blood pressure. These include diuretics, sympathomimetic
agents, renin, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs),
calcium channel, α-adrenergic, and β-adrenergic blockers, and vasodilators [6]. However, a significant portion

Journal homepage: http://ijphs.iaescore.com

1586  ISSN: 2252-8806

of the population in the Philippines lacks the privilege of consulting a professional healthcare provider [7],
forcing them to continually rely on traditional non-pharmacological approaches such as herbal medicines.
Plants have a long history of use for the treatment of various diseases [8], including hypertension [9].
Several clinical trials have been conducted worldwide to evaluate the antihypertensive properties of medicinal
plants. For example, powdered leaves of Hibiscus sabdariffa and Olea europaea were found to have
comparable antihypertensive efficacy and safety to captopril, a common antihypertensive drug [10]. Another
clinical trial reported significant reductions in systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures of subjects treated
with Mentha longifolia, Viola odorata, and Urtica dioica, which were dependent on the dose and duration of
the treatment [11]. The results of these studies highlight the promising potential of plants as a source of
pharmaceutical drugs for hypertension.
Currently, ten medicinal plants are endorsed by the Department of Health (DOH) and have been
thoroughly tested and clinically proven by the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care
(PITAHC) as alternative medicines for certain conditions [12]. However, none of these plants has been
approved for the treatment of hypertension. Additionally, there are no published articles on the compilation of
plant species specifically used for the treatment of hypertension. Previous publications have focused on other
health issues such as cancer or tumors [13], gynecologic diseases [14], anemia [12], and obstetric care [15].
Hence, this study aims to address this gap by determining the medicinal plants used for treating hypertension
in the Philippines and providing a list of potential plants to be validated that could be used to develop future
hypertension treatments. In this systematic review, we also identified the most common plant parts, modes of
preparation, and administration used to treat hypertension in the Philippines.

2. METHOD
This study is a systematic review of medicinal plants used to treat hypertension in the Philippines.
This is conducted based on Preferred Reporting Items For Systematic Reviews And Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)
flow diagram [16], as shown in Figure 1. This diagram provides a visual representation of the study selection
process, which records the number of studies identified, screened, and included, and the reasons for exclusion
at each stage of the review.

Figure 1. PRISMA flowchart of the study

2.1. Data sources and search strategy

The materials used in this study were obtained from three electronic databases: Science Direct
(https://www.sciencedirect.com/), Google Scholar (https://scholar.google.com/), PubMed
(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/). Key search terms used included: “ethnomedicine,” “ethnobotany,”
“medicinal plants,” “traditional medicine,” “hypertension,” “high blood,” “highblood,” “alternative medicine,”
and “Philippines”.

2.2. Study selection criteria

Studies written in English or Filipino and published until May 2024 were considered. Observational
studies were also specifically selected as they provide primary information about ethnobotanical knowledge [12],

Int J Public Health Sci, Vol. 14, No. 3, September 2025: 1585-1594
Int J Public Health Sci ISSN: 2252-8806  1587

[14], reflecting how the communities in the Philippines are using these medicinal plants for the treatment of
hypertension. Other types of articles, such as systematic reviews, literature reviews, and correspondence, were
excluded.

2.3. Data extraction

The full text of all the eligible studies was retrieved. All irrelevant articles were excluded, and reasons
for their exclusion were recorded. From each eligible study, the following data were collected: first author, year
of publication, plant family, plant species, plant part used, mode of preparation, administration, informants, and
place of study.

2.4. Data analysis

The results of this study were organized and presented using tables and graphs generated in Microsoft
Excel. This provides a summary of the key findings, allowing for easier interpretation. A map was also created
to determine the geographical distribution of ethnobotanical studies included in the systematic review.

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This is the first systematic review of medicinal plants used to treat hypertension in the Philippines. As
depicted in Figure 1, the initial literature search resulted in 232 ethnobotanical studies, of which 17 were
duplicates. Following eligibility screening, 179 studies were excluded and 36 studies were included.

3.1. Geographical distribution of studies

Figure 2 shows the geographical distribution of ethnobotanical studies with data on plants used to
treat hypertension in the Philippines and the informants cited per region. The numbers represent the studies
conducted in each region. These studies originated from different provinces in the Philippines, covering fifteen
regions. Twenty-five percent of these studies came from Region XIII (CARAGA), where most respondents
belong to the Manobo and Mamanwa Tribes, respectively. Region XIII (CARAGA) was followed by Region
VI (Western Visayas) and Region X (Northern Mindanao), with four (11.11%) ethnobotanical studies each, as
illustrated in Figure 2 and Table 1. These regions contain diverse plant species used to treat diseases and are
known for the presence of Indigenous communities with traditional knowledge of medicinal plants [17].
Additionally, these areas are usually remote and disadvantaged [14]; thus, access to medications and healthcare
professionals is difficult, leading people to rely on medicinal plants to treat diseases including hypertension.

Figure 2. Geographical distribution of the ethnobotanical studies with data on plants

used to treat hypertension in the Philippines, indicating the number of studies
conducted and the informants cited per region
Philippine traditional herbal remedies for hypertension (Meliza Parba)
1588  ISSN: 2252-8806

Table 1. Synthesis of the studies with data on plants used for hypertension in the Philippines
Author Province Informants Sample Number of plant species used for
Size hypertension
[18] Batanes Locals 112 9
[19] Bataan Kanawan Aytas 61 2
[20] Agusan del Sur Manobo 39 1
[21] Ifugao Kalanguya tribe 125 4
[22] Benguet Locals 47 1
[23] Aurora Ilongot-Eǵongot 65 6
community
[24] Albay Locals 74 3
[25] Leyte Locals with home garden 171 2
[26] South Cotabato T'boli 28 1
[27] Iloilo Locals 111 13
[28] Cavite Local herbalists 106 9
[29] Aklan Ati Tribe 106 2
[30] Antique Locals 16 1
[31] Agusan del Sur Manobos 122 20
[32] Laguna Local patients 15 10
[33] Metro Manila Residents 32 2
[34] Surigao del Sur Residents 65 1
[35] Surigao del Sur Residents 35 1
[36] Davao del Sur Matigsalug Tribe 35 1
[37] Zamboanga del Norte, del Sur, and Bajau 36 2
Sibugay
[38] Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Mamanwa Tribe 15 1
Norte
[39] Surigao del Sur Locals 46 2
[40] South Cotabato and Sarangani Obo, T'boli, Blaan and 136 1
Tagakaolo
[41] Surigao and Agusan del Norte Mamanwa Tribe 78 2
[42] Bukidnon Talaandig Tribe 66 3
[43] Misamis Occidental Subanen Healers 60 1
[44] Lanao del Norte Higaonon Tribe 62 5
[45] Lanao del Norte Muslim Meranaos 122 12
[46] Guimaras Ati Negrito 142 12
[47] Bataan Aetas 77 2
[48] Agusan del Sur Manobo Tribe 40 2
[49] Surigao del Sur Manobos 66 2
[50] Zamboanga del Sur Subanen Tribe 89 7
[51] Kalinga Locals 80 4
[52] Oriental Mindoro Mangyan 114 4
[53] Bohol Eskaya Traditional Healers 85 22

3.2. Most common plant families and species used to treat hypertension in the Philippines
A total of 44 plant families and 86 species were recorded as being used for the treatment of
hypertension. Figure 3 presents the most commonly reported (a) families and (b) species of plants used in the
Philippines. Among all plant families reported, the most represented was Poaceae, with 12 species mentioned
for the treatment of hypertension, as depicted in Figure 3(a). The dominance of Poaceae, also known as the
grass family, can be attributed to its being one of the most important flowering plant families, with a vast
distribution and abundance [54]. Family Poaceae is composed of 789 genera and 11,783 species belonging to
12 subfamilies and 54 tribes [55]. Plant families with high species richness have been reported to have more
useful species [56]. Additionally, Asteraceae is one of the second families with the greatest number of
representative species used to treat hypertension. A review of medicinal plants for hypertension therapy in Iran
[57] and South Africa [58] also listed the highest number of medicinal plants from the Asteraceae family.
Figure 3(b) shows that the most frequently mentioned plant species is Cymbopogon citratus (DC.)
Stapf. with 16 records. This finding differs from the results of other systematic reviews, such as those conducted
globally [9] and in Nigeria [59]. These differences in species utilization could be the result of diverse social
and cultural backgrounds, which greatly influence medicinal practices across different countries [60]. They
could also be attributed to the differences in each geographical area in terms of environmental factors, such as
climate, soil fertility, and soil salinity, which affect the phytochemical composition of medicinal plants [61].
Lastly, these differences can be due to the availability of the same medicinal plants in these areas. On the other
hand, Allium sativum L., the third most frequently cited species in the Philippines, is also reported by [4], [59]
as the most mentioned plant species for treating hypertension. This commonality across different countries may
indicate the potential of Allium sativum L. as a potent remedy for hypertension.

Int J Public Health Sci, Vol. 14, No. 3, September 2025: 1585-1594
Int J Public Health Sci ISSN: 2252-8806  1589

(a)

(b)

Figure 3. Most common: (a) families and (b) species of plants used to treat hypertension in the Philippines

Several studies have reported the antihypertensive properties of the bioactive compounds in medicinal
plants included in this review, particularly those of the frequently mentioned species. Cymbopogon citratus
(DC.) Stapf and citral, the major constituent of this plant, exhibit vasorelaxant effects ex vivo by facilitating
the secretion of endothelial vasodilators and blocking calcium channels [62]. In addition, another essential oil
constituent from C. citratus (DC.) Stapf is citronellol, which acts in the same manner as citral when evaluated
on rats [63]. Moreover, [64] reported that aqueous extracts of Annona muricata L. fruit parts (pericarp, pulp,
and seed) inhibit angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) in vitro, which could be attributed to their phenolic
contents. On the other hand, allicin is the most abundant compound in raw A. sativum L. [65]. Allicin has been
reported to exhibit an antihypertensive effect through vasodilatory properties and hydrogen sulfide (H 2S)
mechanisms in spontaneously hypertensive rats [66]. These findings suggest the potential of these medicinal
plants as an alternative for managing hypertension.

3.3. Most common plant parts, mode of preparation, and administration of medicinal plants used to
treat hypertension in the Philippines
Figure 4 illustrates the most common 4(a) plant parts, 4(b) mode of preparation, and 4(c) administration
of medicinal plants used to treat hypertension in the Philippines. As shown in Figure 4(a), the most common
plant part used for herbal preparations was leaves (45 records). Similar findings with leaves as the most
commonly used plant parts have been recorded by other systematic reviews [9], [67]. The high usage of leaves
might be explained by the abundance of compounds found in leaves, which serve as sites for the synthesis of
secondary metabolites [68]. These secondary metabolites contribute to a variety of plant bioactivities and are
the active components of most herbal preparations [18], [28]. Additionally, leaves are widely available and are
common plant parts, especially in tropical countries, such as the Philippines [27]. This also ensures
sustainability in the use of medicinal plants compared to other plant parts, as leaves can regenerate quickly,
unlike other parts such as roots and stems [69]. The excessive use of fruits and seeds also has negative impacts
on plant genetic diversity and distribution owing to their role in sexual reproduction and dispersal [70].
Filipinos use various methods to prepare medicinal plants for the management of hypertension. As
illustrated in Figure 4(b), the most frequently used mode of medicinal preparation was decoction, with 60 plant
species prepared this way. This result is in congruence with other systematic reviews [9], [67]. Both previous
studies reported that the common mode of medicinal preparation was decoction. Decoction is known to be one of
the simplest and oldest herbal preparations [28], which involves boiling plant materials for a certain period.
According to [71], [72], using heat on aqueous extracts accelerates biological reactions and the extraction of

Philippine traditional herbal remedies for hypertension (Meliza Parba)

1590  ISSN: 2252-8806

bioactive components. In a randomized clinical trial assessing the effectiveness of two medicinal plants in galenic
forms of tablets and decoction for hypertension treatment, the decoction was more effective than tablets. This
result could be due to the higher absorption of bioactive compounds when prepared in this manner [73].
Furthermore, based on Figure 4(c), the major route of administration was oral, accounting for 102
species ingested in various ways, including drinking (70 species), eating (30 species), using as a spice in
cooking, and by taking as a pill (1 species each). Oral administration is mostly preferred due to advantages like
high patient compliance, convenient administration, and minimal preparation [74]. The prevalence of oral
administration may also be attributed to the higher efficacy of plant-healing agents when taken internally [75].

(a)

(b)

(c)

Figure 4. Most common: (a) plant parts, (b) mode of preparation, and (c) administration of medicinal plants
used to treat hypertension in the Philippines

This review identifies common plants, plant parts, modes of preparation, and administration utilized
by Indigenous and local users in the Philippines for treating hypertension. This implies the essential role of
plants as a vital source of medicine in the Philippines, especially for people in remote areas with limited and
no access to modern health services. This review may help promote the conservation of valuable plant species
and the geographical areas where these plant species thrive, as medicinal plants are increasingly threatened due
to habitat destruction resulting from industrialization and climate change, as modernization progresses [17].

Int J Public Health Sci, Vol. 14, No. 3, September 2025: 1585-1594
Int J Public Health Sci ISSN: 2252-8806  1591

The findings of this study may provide a list of potential plants that can be scientifically validated for the
treatment of hypertension, ultimately leading to drug development.
This study has several limitations. Observational studies with data on medicinal plants for treating
hypertension have only come from fifteen regions in the Philippines. This suggests the possibility of
undocumented medicinal plants in other regions that may be useful for treating hypertension. Additionally, this
review mainly focused on the plant species, family, locale of the study, plant part used, mode of preparation,
and administration. Another systematic review must be done on the pharmacological properties of these plant
species to know which have been validated and are most effective against hypertension. Lastly, toxicological
studies are needed to determine and verify the safety of these medicinal plants in treating hypertension.

4. CONCLUSION
This study presents data on medicinal plants used in the Philippines to treat hypertension. Eighty-six
plant species belonging to forty-four families were reported, retrieved from 36 ethnobotanical studies included
after the eligibility screening. The findings of this study imply that medicinal plants have been used for treating
hypertension, highlighting the need to provide a scientific basis for these medicinal plants. Consequently, this
review can be used as a reference list to help discover alternative therapeutic options for treating hypertension.
Lastly, pharmacological and toxicological studies should be conducted to ensure the efficacy and safety of
medicinal plants used for hypertension treatment in the Philippines.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors would like to acknowledge the Department of Science and Technology - Accelerated
Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (DOST-ASTHRDP) for the financial
assistance, as well as the Center of Integrative Health, Premier Research Institute of Science and Mathematics
(PRISM) at Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology for providing the necessary support
needed to complete this study.

FUNDING INFORMATION
This study is funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the Accelerated
Science and Technology Human Resource Program (ASTHRDP).

AUTHOR CONTRIBUTIONS STATEMENT

This journal uses the Contributor Roles Taxonomy (CRediT) to recognize individual author
contributions, reduce authorship disputes, and facilitate collaboration.

Name of Author C M So Va Fo I R D O E Vi Su P Fu
Meliza Parba ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Cesar G. Demayo ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

C : Conceptualization I : Investigation Vi : Visualization

M : Methodology R : Resources Su : Supervision
So : Software D : Data Curation P : Project administration
Va : Validation O : Writing - Original Draft Fu : Funding acquisition
Fo : Formal analysis E : Writing - Review & Editing

CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT

Authors state no conflict of interest.

DATA AVAILABILITY
The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, [MP],
upon reasonable request.

Philippine traditional herbal remedies for hypertension (Meliza Parba)

1592  ISSN: 2252-8806

REFERENCES
[1] PSA, “2023 Causes of Deaths in the Philippines (Provisional as of 30 September 2023),” 2024. [Online]. Available:
https://psa.gov.ph/content/2023-causes-deaths-philippines-preliminary-31-july-2023. Accessed: June 25, 2024.
[2] D. I. D. Ona et al., “Executive summary of the 2020 clinical practice guidelines for the management of hypertension in the
Philippines,” Journal of Clinical Hypertension, vol. 23, no. 9, pp. 1637–1650, 2021, doi: 10.1111/jch.14335.
[3] P. M. Kearney, M. Whelton, K. Reynolds, P. Muntner, P. K. Whelton, and J. He, “Global burden of hypertension: analysis of
worldwide data,” The Lancet, vol. 365, no. 9455, pp. 217–223, 2005, doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(05)17741-1.
[4] M. A. Abdulazeez et al., “A systematic review with meta-analysis on the antihypertensive efficacy of Nigerian medicinal plants,”
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 279, 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114342.
[5] J. Redon and R. Carmena, “Present and future of drug therapy in hypertension: an overview,” Blood Pressure, vol. 33, no. 1, Dec.
2024, doi: 10.1080/08037051.2024.2320401.
[6] A. D. Sinha and R. Agarwal, “Clinical pharmacology of antihypertensive therapy for the treatment of hypertension in CKD,”
Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, vol. 14, no. 5, pp. 757–764, May 2019, doi: 10.2215/CJN.04330418.
[7] J. Sison, R. Divinagracia, and J. Nailes, “Asian management of hypertension: Current status, home blood pressure, and specific concerns
in Philippines (a country report),” The Journal of Clinical Hypertension, vol. 22, no. 3, pp. 504–507, Mar. 2020, doi: 10.1111/jch.13802.
[8] H. I. A. Boy et al., “Recommended medicinal plants as source of natural products: a review,” Digital Chinese Medicine, vol. 1,
no. 2, pp. 131–142, 2018, doi: 10.1016/S2589-3777(19)30018-7.
[9] M. Z. Aumeeruddy and M. F. Mahomoodally, “Traditional herbal therapies for hypertension: A systematic review of global
ethnobotanical field studies,” South African Journal of Botany, vol. 135, pp. 451–464, Dec. 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.sajb.2020.09.008.
[10] N. Elkafrawy et al., “Antihypertensive efficacy and safety of a standardized herbal medicinal product of Hibiscus sabdariffa and
Olea europaea extracts (NW Roselle): A phase-II, randomized, double-blind, captopril-controlled clinical trial,” Phytotherapy
Research, vol. 34, no. 12, pp. 3379–3387, 2020, doi: 10.1002/ptr.6792.
[11] A. A. Samaha, M. Fawaz, A. Salami, S. Baydoun, and A. H. Eid, “Antihypertensive indigenous lebanese plants: ethnopharmacology
and a clinical trial,” Biomolecules, vol. 9, no. 7, p. 292, Jul. 2019, doi: 10.3390/biom9070292.
[12] M. C. Magtalas et al., “Ethnomedicinal plants used for the prevention and treatment of anemia in the Philippines: a systematic
review,” Tropical Medicine and Health, vol. 51, no. 1, p. 27, May 2023, doi: 10.1186/s41182-023-00515-x.
[13] J. R. Pucot, M. M. E. Manting, and C. G. Demayo, “Ethnobotanical plants used by selected indigenous peoples of mindanao, the
Philippines as cancer therapeutics,” Pharmacophore, vol. 10, no. 3, pp. 61–69, 2019.
[14] M. C. Magtalas et al., “A systematic review of medicinal plants used in the treatment of gynecologic diseases in the Philippines,”
Phytomedicine Plus, vol. 3, no. 3, 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.phyplu.2023.100462.
[15] M. C. Magtalas et al., “A systematic review of ethnomedicinal plants used for pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care in the
Philippines,” Phytomedicine Plus, vol. 3, no. 1, 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.phyplu.2023.100407.
[16] M. J. Page et al., “The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews,” Revista Panamericana de
Salud Publica/Pan American Journal of Public Health, vol. 46, 2022, doi: 10.26633/RPSP.2022.112.
[17] M. L. Canceran et al., “Ethnomedicinal plants of the Dumagat community of Paraiso, Culat, Casiguran, Aurora, Philippines,”
International Journal of Biosciences (IJB), vol. 18, no. 3, pp. 261–267, 2021, doi: 10.12692/ijb/18.3.261-267.
[18] R. Abe and K. Ohtani, “An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants and traditional therapies on Batan Island, the Philippines,”
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 145, no. 2, pp. 554–565, Jan. 2013, doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.11.029.
[19] N. C. B. Antonio and R. J. G. Tuason, “Ethnobotanical and phytochemical study of the medicinal plants used by Kanawan Aytas in
Morong, Bataan, Philippines,” Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, vol. 21, no. 3, 2022, doi: 10.56042/ijtk.v21i3.31614.
[20] J. G. Arboleda, E. F. Gamalinda, L. A. Ombat, F. Jhun, and F. Almadin, “Ethnomedicinal study of animals and plants used by Agusanon
Manobo in La Paz, Agusan del Sur, Philippines,” Annals of Studies in Science and Humanities, vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 18–35, 2022.
[21] T. D. Balangcod and A. K. D. Balangcod, “Ethnomedical knowledge of plants and healthcare practices among the Kalanguya tribe
in Tinoc, Ifugao, Luzon, Philippines,” Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 227–238, 2011.
[22] T. D. Balangcod and K. D. Balangcod, “Plants and culture: Plant utilization among the local communities in Kabayan, Benguet
Province, Philippines,” Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, vol. 17, no. 4, pp. 609–622, 2018.
[23] A. N. Balberona, J. J. Noveno, M. G. B. Angeles, R. I. Santos, E. J. D. J. Cachin, and K. G. J. Cruz, “Ethnomedicinal plants utilized
by the ilongot-eǵongot community of Bayanihan, Maria Aurora, Aurora, Philippines,” International Journal of Agricultural
Technology, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 145–159, 2018.
[24] T. H. R. Belgica, M. D. Suba, and G. J. D. Alejandro, “Quantitative ethnobotanical study of medicinal flora used by local inhabitants in
selected barangay of malinao, albay, philippines,” Biodiversitas, vol. 22, no. 7, pp. 2711–2721, 2021, doi: 10.13057/biodiv/d220720.
[25] B. Belonias, C. Platino, and J. Malanguis, “Agrobiodiversity of home gardens in selected marginal upland villages of Inopacan,
Leyte, Philippines,” Annals of Tropical Research, pp. 48–69, Nov. 2014, doi: 10.32945/atr36s4.2014.
[26] J. R. Campilan, M. C. Tumamac, and E. L. Dorado, “Quantitative ethnobotanical study, phytochemical screening and antibacterial
assay of ethnomedicinal plants of T’boli In Lemsnolon, Tboli, South Cotabato,” International Journal of Pharmacology,
Phytochemistry and Ethnomedicine, vol. 13, pp. 45–61, 2019, doi: 10.18052/www.scipress.com/ijppe.13.45.
[27] C. S. Cordero, U. Meve, and G. J. D. Alejandro, “Ethnobotany and diversity of medicinal plants used among rural communities in Mina,
Iloilo, Philippines: A quantitative study,” Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity, vol. 16, no. 1, 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.japb.2022.12.003.
[28] E. S. Caunca and L. O. Balinado, “The practice of using medicinal plants by local herbalists in cavite, philippines,” Indian Journal
of Traditional Knowledge, vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 335–343, 2021, doi: 10.56042/ijtk.v20i2.26862.
[29] C. Cordero, A. Ligsay, and G. Alejandro, “Ethnobotanical documentation of medicinal plants used by the Ati tribe in Malay, Aklan,
Philippines,” Journal of Complementary Medicine Research, vol. 11, no. 1, p. 170, 2020, doi: 10.5455/jcmr.2020.11.01.20.
[30] J. A. G. P. Dalisay, P. S. Bangcaya, and M. A. K. Naive, “Taxonomic studies and ethnomedicinal uses of zingiberaceae in the
mountain ranges of Northern Antique, Philippines,” In Biological Forum–An International Journal, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 68–73, 2018.
[31] M. L. G. Dapar, G. J. D. Alejandro, U. Meve, and S. Liede-Schumann, “Quantitative ethnopharmacological documentation and
molecular confirmation of medicinal plants used by the Manobo tribe of Agusan del Sur, Philippines,” Journal of Ethnobiology and
Ethnomedicine, vol. 16, no. 1, p. 14, Dec. 2020, doi: 10.1186/s13002-020-00363-7.
[32] R. R. Fiscal and A. C. C. Chavez, “Ethnobotanical profiling of commonly utilized plants for hypertension and diabetes in the
Province of Laguna, Philippines,” International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), vol. Volume 5, no. Issue 9, pp. 152–154,
2016, doi: DOI: 10.21275/ART20161424.
[33] R. L. Flores et al., “Ethnomedicinal study of plants sold in Quiapo, Manila, Philippines,” Scholars Academic Journal of Biosciences,
vol. 4, no. 4A, pp. 359–365, 2016, doi: 10.36347/sajb.2016.v04i04.012.

Int J Public Health Sci, Vol. 14, No. 3, September 2025: 1585-1594
Int J Public Health Sci ISSN: 2252-8806  1593

[34] G. Gruyal, “Ethnomedicinal plants used by residents in Northern Surigao del Sur, Philippines,” Natural Products Chemistry &
Research, vol. 2, no. 4, 2014, doi: 10.4172/2329-6836.1000140.
[35] G. A. Gruyal, J. Patero, M. T. A. Alas, V. B. Gruyal, and J. A. Intano, “Ethno medicinal plant identification and utilization in Ayoke
Island, Cantilan Surigao del Sur, Philippines,” International Journal of Advances in Engineering and Management, vol. 3, no. 10,
pp. 346–360, 2021.
[36] C. P. B. Guevara and M. M. Garcia, “Ethnobotanical practices of matigsalug tribe on medicinal plants at Barangay Baganihan,
Marilog District, Davao City,” Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medical Research, vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 1–14, 2018, doi:
10.9734/jocamr/2018/43031.
[37] G. Madjos and K. Ramos, “Ethnobotany, systematic review and field mapping on folkloric medicinal plants in the Zamboanga
Peninsula, Mindanao, Philippines,” Journal of Complementary Medicine Research, vol. 12, no. 1, p. 21, 2021, doi:
10.5455/jcmr.2021.12.01.05.
[38] L. C. Mapatac, “Characterization of selected medicinal plants of Mamanwa Tribe in Caraga, Philippines,” Texila International
Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 44–52, 2019, doi: 10.21522/tijbms.2016.04.01.art005.
[39] J. C. Montero and D. T. Geducos, “Ethnomedicinal plants used by the local folks in two selected villages of San Miguel, Surigao
del Sur, Mindanao, Philippines,” International Journal of Agricultural Technology, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 193–212, 2021.
[40] M. L. Non-Cabrera, A. L. Descallar, C. D. G. Obemio, T. T. B. Martin-dela Cruz, and R. Lañojan, “Ethnomedicinal Resources of
the Indigenous People’s (IP) Groups in the SOCSARGEN Region,” Journal of Health Research and Society, vol. 1, p. 2, Oct. 2018,
doi: 10.34002/jhrs.v1i0.8.
[41] O. M. Nuneza, B. C. Rodriguez, and J. G. M. Nasiad, “Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by the mamanwa tribe of
surigao del norte and agusan del norte, Mindanao, Philippines,” Biodiversitas, vol. 22, no. 6, pp. 3284–3296, 2021, doi:
10.13057/BIODIV/D220634.
[42] N. M. O. Odchimar, O. M. Nuneza, M. M. Uy, and W. T. Senarath, “Ethnobotany of medicinal plants used by the Talaandig Tribe
in Brgy. Lilingayon, Valencia City, Bukidnon, Philippines,” Asian Journal of Biological and Life Sciences, vol. 6, no. 1,
pp. 358–364, 2017.
[43] M. F. L. Olandag, “Ethnobotany of medicinal plants used by the Subanen healers of Mamalad, Calamba, Misamis Occidental,”
Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 37–59, 2020, doi: 10.7828/jmds.v9i2.1485.
[44] L. F. Olowa, M. A. J. Torres, E. C. Aranico, and C. G. Demayo, “Medicinal plants used by the Higaonon tribe of Rogongon, Iligan
City, Mindanao, Philippines,” Advances in Environmental Biology, vol. 6, no. 4, pp. 1442–1449, 2012.
[45] L. Olowa and C. G. Demayo, “Ethnobotanical uses of medicinal plants among the Muslim Maranaos in Iligan City, Mindanao,
Philippines,” Advances in Environmental Biology, vol. 9, no. 27, pp. 204–215, 2015.
[46] H. G. Ong and Y.-D. Kim, “Quantitative ethnobotanical study of the medicinal plants used by the Ati Negrito indigenous group in
Guimaras island, Philippines,” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 157, pp. 228–242, Nov. 2014, doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.09.015.
[47] C. G. C. Pablo, “Botika sa kalikasan: Medicinal plants used by Aetas of Sitio Parapal Hermosa Bataan, Philippines,” Journal of
Social Health, vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 101–127, 2019.
[48] L. Dela Rosa Paraguison, D. N. Tandang, and G. J. Duran Alejandro, “Medicinal Plants used by the Manobo Tribe of Prosperidad,
Agusan Del Sur, Philippinesan Ethnobotanical Survey,” Asian Journal of Biological and Life sciences, vol. 9, no. 3, pp. 326–333,
2021, doi: 10.5530/ajbls.2020.9.49.
[49] H. A. Pineda, S. T. Cortes, H. A. Pineda, and S. T. Cortes, “Inventory of ethnopharmacologically-significant plants used by the
Manobos in Surigao del Sur, Philippines,” Journal of Agriculture and Technology Management, vol. 25, no. 1, pp. 67–72, 2022.
[50] J. R. L. Pizon, O. M. Nuñeza, M. M. Uy, and W. T. P. S. K. Senarath, “Ethnobotany of medicinal plants used by the Subanen Tribe
of Lapuyan, Zamboanga del Sur,” Bulletin of Environment, Pharmacology and Life Sciences, vol. 5, no. 55, pp. 53–67, 2016.
[51] M. Manuel, T. P. Banwa, M. E. Quesada, and C. L. Ammakiw, “Documentation of ethnomedicinal plants used by the subtribes of
lower Kalinga province,” vol. 18, no. 7, pp. 1193–1224, 2023.
[52] R. R. Rubite, “Ethnopharmacologic documentation of selected Philippine ethnolinguistic groups: The Mangyan (Tadyawan) people
of Mindoro Island,” University of the Philippines Manila, 2002.
[53] R. I. M. Teves, O. A. G. Tantengco, R. J. U. Sumatra, H. M. Carag, and J. S. Isidro-Lapeña, “Ethnomedicinal Survey of Valuable
Plants Used by Eskaya Traditional Healers in Bohol Island, Philippines,” Acta Medica Philippina, vol. 57, no. 3, pp. 17–26, 2023,
doi: 10.47895/amp.vi0.3883.
[54] F. Gebashe, A. O. Aremu, J. F. Finnie, and J. Van Staden, “Grasses in South African traditional medicine: A review of their biological
activities and phytochemical content,” South African Journal of Botany, vol. 122, pp. 301–329, 2019, doi: 10.1016/j.sajb.2018.10.012.
[55] R. J. Soreng et al., “A worldwide phylogenetic classification of the Poaceae (Gramineae) III: An update,” Journal of Systematics
and Evolution, vol. 60, no. 3, pp. 476–521, 2022, doi: 10.1111/jse.12847.
[56] M. V. Palchetti, F. Zamudio, S. Zeballos, A. Davies, G. E. Barboza, and M. A. Giorgis, “Large-scale patterns of useful native plants
based on a systematic review of ethnobotanical studies in Argentina,” Perspectives in Ecology and Conservation, vol. 21, no. 2,
pp. 93–100, 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.pecon.2023.04.001.
[57] B. Baharvand-Ahmadi and M. Asadi-Samani, “A mini-review on the most important effective medicinal plants to treat hypertension
in ethnobotanical evidence of Iran.,” Journal of nephropharmacology, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 3–8, 2017.
[58] F. O. Balogun and A. O. T. Ashafa, “A Review of Plants Used in South African Traditional Medicine for the Management and
Treatment of Hypertension,” Planta Medica, vol. 85, no. 4, pp. 312–334, 2019, doi: 10.1055/a-0801-8771.
[59] O. C. Obode, A. H. Adebayo, C. A. Omonhinmin, and O. F. Yakubu, “A systematic review of medicinal plants used in nigeria for
hypertension management,” International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, vol. 12, no. 4, pp. 2231–2276, 2020, doi:
10.31838/ijpr/2020.12.04.142.
[60] S. B. Obakiro et al., “Ethnobotany, ethnopharmacology, and phytochemistry of traditional medicinal plants used in the management
of symptoms of tuberculosis in East Africa: A systematic review,” Tropical Medicine and Health, vol. 48, no. 1, 2020, doi:
10.1186/s41182-020-00256-1.
[61] P. Pant, S. Pandey, and S. Dall’Acqua, “The influence of environmental conditions on secondary metabolites in medicinal plants: a
literature review,” Chemistry and Biodiversity, vol. 18, no. 11, 2021, doi: 10.1002/cbdv.202100345.
[62] H. Silva and R. Bárbara, “Exploring the anti-hypertensive potential of lemongrass—a comprehensive review,” Biology, vol. 11,
no. 10, 2022, doi: 10.3390/biology11101382.
[63] F. K. Mediesse, T. Boudjeko, A. Hasitha, M. Gangadhar, W. F. Mbacham, and P. Yogeeswari, “Inhibition of lipopolysaccharide
(LPS)-induced neuroinflammatory response by polysaccharide fractions of Khaya grandifoliola (C.D.C.) stem bark, Cryptolepis
sanguinolenta (Lindl.) Schltr and Cymbopogon citratus Stapf leaves in raw 264.7 macrophages and U87 glioblastoma cells,” BMC
Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 18, no. 1, 2018, doi: 10.1186/s12906-018-2156-2.

Philippine traditional herbal remedies for hypertension (Meliza Parba)

1594  ISSN: 2252-8806

[64] S. A. Adefegha, S. I. Oyeleye, and G. Oboh, “Distribution of phenolic contents, antidiabetic potentials, antihypertensive properties,
and antioxidative effects of soursop (Annona muricata L.) fruit parts in vitro,” Biochemistry Research International, vol. 2015,
2015, doi: 10.1155/2015/347673.
[65] M. S. Subramanian, G. M. S. Nandagopal, S. A. Nordin, K. Thilakavathy, and N. Joseph, “Prevailing knowledge on the
bioavailability and biological activities of Sulphur compounds from Alliums: A potential drug candidate,” Molecules, vol. 25,
no. 18, 2020, doi: 10.3390/molecules25184111.
[66] T. Cui, W. Liu, S. Chen, C. Yu, Y. Li, and J. Y. Zhang, “Antihypertensive effects of allicin on spontaneously hypertensive rats via
vasorelaxation and hydrogen sulfide mechanisms,” Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy, vol. 128, 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110240.
[67] E. Idm’hand, F. Msanda, and K. Cherifi, “A review of moroccan medicinal plants used in the treatment of hypertension,”
International Journal of Nature and Life Sciences, vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 48–78, 2022, doi: 10.47947/ijnls.1010197.
[68] T. Hamel, M. Zaafour, and M. Boumendjel, “Ethnomedical knowledge and traditional uses of aromatic and medicinal plants of the
wetlands complex of the guerbes-sanhadja plain (Wilaya of Skikda in Northeastern Algeria),” Herbal Medicine: Open Access,
vol. 04, no. 01, 2018, doi: 10.21767/2472-0151.100035.
[69] J. S. Agapin, “Medicinal plants used by traditional healers in pagadian city, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines,” SSRN Electronic
Journal, 2020, doi: 10.2139/ssrn.3625332.
[70] P. K. Rao, S. S. Hasan, B. L. Bhellum, and R. K. Manhas, “Ethnomedicinal plants of Kathua district, J&K, India,” Journal of
Ethnopharmacology, vol. 171, pp. 12–27, Aug. 2015, doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.05.028.
[71] A. Abubakar and M. Haque, “Preparation of medicinal plants: Basic extraction and fractionation procedures for experimental
purposes,” Journal of Pharmacy And Bioallied Sciences, vol. 12, no. 1, p. 1, 2020, doi: 10.4103/jpbs.JPBS_175_19.
[72] H. G. Ong, S. M. Ling, T. T. M. Win, D.-H. Kang, J.-H. Lee, and Y.-D. Kim, “Ethnomedicinal plants and traditional knowledge
among three Chin indigenous groups in Natma Taung National Park (Myanmar),” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 225,
pp. 136–158, Oct. 2018, doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2018.07.006.
[73] A. Bourqui et al., “Hypertension treatment with Combretum micranthum or Hibiscus sabdariffa, as decoction or tablet: a randomized
clinical trial,” Journal of Human Hypertension, vol. 35, no. 9, pp. 800–808, Sep. 2021, doi: 10.1038/s41371-020-00415-1.
[74] H. Li et al., “Ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants used by the Yi people in Mile, Yunnan, China,” Journal of Ethnobiology and
Ethnomedicine, vol. 20, no. 1, p. 22, Feb. 2024, doi: 10.1186/s13002-024-00656-1.
[75] A. N. M. Alamgir, “Herbal drugs: their collection, preservation, and preparation; evaluation, quality control, and standardization of
herbal drugs,” in Therapeutic Use of Medicinal Plants and Their Extracts, 2017, pp. 453–495. doi: 10.1007/978-3-319-63862-1_10.

BIOGRAPHIES OF AUTHORS

Meliza Parba is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Biology at Mindanao

State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) under DOST - ASTHRDP
(Department of Science and Technology-Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource
Development Program). She also completed her bachelor's and master's degrees in Biology at
the same school. She can be contacted at email: [email protected].

Cesar G. Demayo is a professor emeritus at Mindanao State University–Iligan

Institute of Technology with a Ph.D. in Entomology and Genetics from the University of the
Philippines–Los Banos. His skills and expertise encompass computational biology, entomology,
ethnomedicine, genetics, phylogenetic analysis, systematics, morphometrics, functional
morphology, ecology, evolution, and biodiversity. He can be contacted at email:
[email protected] or [email protected].

Int J Public Health Sci, Vol. 14, No. 3, September 2025: 1585-1594