Strobilanthes crispus (Acanthaceae) has been used traditionally as antidiabetic, diuretic, antilytic, and laxative and has been proven scientifically to possess high antioxidant activity, anti-AIDS, and anticancer properties. It is commonly consumed in the form of herbal tea. The ethnopharmacological value of this plant, such as the development of nutraceutical S. crispus herbal tea (fermented and unfermented) and assessment of their antihyperglycemic properties were investigated. The antidiabetic properties of S. crispus fermented and unfermented tea was carried out in normal and streptozotocin-induced hyperglycaemic rats for 21 days. Glucose and lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol) were determined at day 0 (baseline), day 7, and day 21. The results showed that the hot water extract of both fermented and unfermented S. crispus tea reduced blood glucose in hyperglycaemic rats. S. crispus unfermented tea also reduced glucose level in normal rat. Both fermented and unfermented S. crispus tea also showed to improve lipid profile. Antioxidant and polyphenol content that present in the extracts might contribute to the antihyperglycemic and antilipidemic properties. Further study is needed to be carried out in pre-clinical and clinical environment to prove its efficacy in human.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

A total of seven variations of edible Araceae species were identically consumed by locals in the Districts of Kota Bharu and Machang, Kelantan, Peninsular Malaysia. These species are Keladi Pinang, Keladi Batang Putih, Keladi Tapak Badak, Keladi Birah, Keladi Batang Hitam, Keladi Candek and Keladi Tetawi. However, through a taxonomic identification were recognised only four species, these are Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott, Alocasia macrorrhizos (L.) G.Don, Alocasia longiloba Miq. and Xantosoma sagitifolia (L.) Schott. The results revealed that Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott Alocasia macrorrhizos (L.) G.Don. have three and two variations of species, respectively. The study also shows that Araceae is not only as sources of medicinal and ornamental but also commonly used by locals as foods which can be potentially explored and commercialized as a new bio-economy product.