Wednesday, April 09, 2008 Colting: Indigenous veggies documented By Dr. Rogelio Colting R4D Corner
PLANT species used as food and medicine by indigenous communities in the region have been documented by researchers at the Benguet State University (BSU).
Results have been packaged into a book titled: "Indigenous Semi-temperate Vegetables of the Cordillera". It is an initial product of the Project: "Towards a sustainable Semi-temperate Vegetable Production: Characterization, Genetic conservation and Propagation of Indigenous Vegetables of the Highland Cordilleras".
Authored by Dr. Lorenza G. Lirio, Mr. Lito O. Ayyokad and Ms. Joyce B. Ngaotoy-Paing, the book offers a glimpse into the rich diversity of edible plants in the Cordillera.
Tapping the rich indigenous vegetable diversity is one option worth considering in meeting the increasing demand for food. The conservation of these would likewise strengthen maintenance of food security.
The research undertaking included three studies: Study I: Survey of indigenous vegetables in CAR; Study 2: Nutritional Analysis of Indigenous Vegetables and Study 3: Conservation of Indigenous Vegetables.
Results revealed that there are 49 indigenous vegetables. Of these, there were five unidentified species. These were documented in municipalities in Benguet and Mountain Province and areas in Baguio City. These species include, two varieties of kalunay (Amaranthus blitum L, Amaranthus gracilis Desf.), puriket (bidens pilosa), gagattang (Sonchus asper Hill, Sonchus oleraceus L) dandelion (Taraxacun officinale (with Weber), among others.
According to the study, most of these are prepared for food by blanching, steaming or mixing with legumes or meat.
Aside from being utilized as food, some species have medicinal values. Kalunay for instance, is being used for bowel and kidney ailments, including snake bites. The juice of masaflora or passion fruit (P. edulis), on the other hand, is used to relieve arthritis, hypertension, hang-over and diarrhea. Centella asiatica (L.) Urban, locally called takip kuhol was found to have several medicinal values. This creeping perennial is used for urinary tract infection and kidney trouble. The leaves are used as dressing for bleeding wounds and the roots are used as a tonic, blood purifier and memory booster. The study says that community folks believe that daily intake of fresh leaves will prolong life.
The knowledge on the use of these plants is part of the indigenous knowledge systems and practices (IKSP) of indigenous people in the region, the country and the world over. They have learned these through trial and error method, and have passed this from one generation to the other.
On the nutritional value of indigenous vegetables, the study shows that these contain varying amounts of protein, ash, fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Of all the 49 indigenous vegetable species, burburtak or ladladking, also scientifically called Bidens pilsosa Linn, contains 247.50 mg/100g Vit C and 5,629.75 ug/100g Vit A. This plant, also known as puriket, Spanish needles and railway daisy grows in abundance in meadows and gardens. Its shoots are blanched or mixed with bukel or legumes. Folks also use the plant to cure diarrhea. The researchers used mineral and vitamin analysis to come up with the results.
The anti-oxidant activity and the toxicity of these species were also analyzed. The study revealed that "the antioxidant capacity varied considerably from one kind of vegetable to another." On the level of toxicity, the Brine Shrimp bioassay was used to determine toxins in the plants. According to Dr. Lirio, the team's senior researcher, all seven species tested, so far, are safe and non-toxic for human consumption. This finding has proven, that the choice of community folks in choosing indigenous species for consumption, is so far sound.
The experience of learning from indigenous people, and enhancing their IKSP (indigenous knowledge systems and practices) through research is one way of advocating their IKSP. It is important to document site-specific practices as baseline for further undertakings. As a source document puts it: "Indigenous knowledge is an immensely valuable resource that provides humankind with insights on how communities have interacted with their changing environment."
Agenda 21 or the Convention on Biodiversity, "emphasizes that local governments and intergovernmental organizations should respect, record and work toward incorporating IKSP into research and development programs for the conservation of biodiversity and sustainability of agricultural and natural resource management systems."
BSU will continue its advocacy for Indigenous people and their IKSP. For one this study, which has been packaged in book form, attests to the University's support to IKSP. The study, which was presented in paper form won 2nd place in the "Best Development Paper Award." This was given by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD). Limited copies of the book are available at Dr. Lirio's Office, Biology Department, college of Arts and Sciences, BSU. There are other researches on IKSP, one is on indigenous legumes by Dr. Belinda Tad-awan. This will be shared to you in another article.
