Phaleria macrocarpa

Ethnobotanical Uses

Among Javanese communities in Central and East Java, decoctions of Phaleria macrocarpa leaves and bark are taken for gastrointestinal discomfort and as a general tonic (Rohyani et al., 2015). In Bali, a poultice of macerated leaves is applied to swellings, with support for analgesic and anti-inflammatory actions (Rufi et al., 2013). In West Java’s traditional healers, infusions of the fruit are used for diabetes and hypertension, occasionally combined with other plants (Nurjanah et al., 2016). In Malaysia, tea-like infusions of dried fruits and leaves are drunk for hypertension and mild colds (Al-Snafi, 2015). Across Java, Malaysia, and southern Thailand, poultices of leaves or fruit are applied to wounds and burns, sometimes as a paste with other botanicals (Basir et al., 2014; Fard et al., 2017).

A practical tea preparation: rinse a half cup of dried young leaves, place in 1 liter of near-boiling water, simmer gently 10–15 minutes, then steep off-heat for another 10 minutes. Strain and drink warm in two divided doses in a day. A commonly used amount among Javanese folk healers is 6–12 g dried leaves per liter. Avoid in pregnancy; monitor blood sugar and blood pressure if used concurrently with standard medicines; start with smaller quantities and discontinue if GI upset occurs (Fard et al., 2017).

Well-established constituents include saponins, flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol, coumarins, phenolics such as gallic acid, lignans, and phalerin; the fruit skin is notably rich in saponins and phenolics. The decoctions and infusions used in Java and Malaysia leverage these antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, aligning with the reported gastrointestinal, tonic, and blood-pressure applications (Rohyani et al., 2015; Al-Snafi, 2015; Fard et al., 2017). Contemporary work explores these extracts for antimicrobial and anti-diabetic activity, and in Indonesia they remain part of the local pharmacopoeia, with teas and tinctures widely available in urban markets and online (Al-Snafi, 2015; Fard et al., 2017).

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