A Review on Therapeutic Effects of Labisia pumila on Female Reproductive Diseases

Abstract

The Labisia pumila (LP) is a traditional plant that is locally known as Kacip Fatimah, Selusuh Fatimah, or Pokok Ringgang by the Malaysian indigenous people. It is believed to facilitate their childbirth, treating their postchild birth and menstrual irregularities. The water extract of LP has shown to contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, ascorbic acid, β-carotene, anthocyanin, and phenolic acid, which contribute extensive antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifungal. The LP ethanolic extract exhibits significant estrogenic effects on human endomentrial adenocarcinoma cell in estrogen-free basal medium and promoting an increase in secretion of alkaline phosphate. Water based has been used for many generations, and studies had reported that it could displace in binding the antibodies and increase the estradiol production making it similar to esterone and estradiol hormone. LP extract poses a potential and beneficial aspect in medical and cosmeceutical applications. This is mainly due to its phytoestrogen properties of the LP. However, there is a specific functionality in the application of LP extract, due to specific functional group in phytoconstituent of LP. Apart from that, the extraction solvent is important in preparing the LP extract as it poses some significant and mild side effects towards consuming the LP extracts. The current situation of women reproductive disease such as postmenopausal syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome is increasing. Thus, it is important to find ways in alternative treatment for women reproductive disease that is less costly and low side effects. In conclusion, these studies proven that LP has the potential to be an alternative way in treating female reproductive related diseases such as in postmenopausal and polysystic ovarian syndrome women.

Labisia pumila standardized extract (SKF7®) reduces percentage of waist circumference and waist‐to‐height ratio in individuals with obesity

“…To that end, we monitored the prospective effects the investigational product had on key biophysical parameters associated with obesity. This step serves as a starting point to steer greater research into the examination of the therapeutic potential and the role of SKF7® as a viable botanical medicine alternative in the treatment of obesity and other common metabolic disorders (notably diabetes, osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases and polycystic ovarian disease) 30,32–35 . More importantly, the drop‐out rates because of the adverse effects of SKF7® were minimal (1.5%), which supports the consumption safety of the investigational product, congruent with the findings seen in both human and animal studies 35–38 .…”

“…This step serves as a starting point to steer greater research into the examination of the therapeutic potential and the role of SKF7 ® as a viable botanical medicine alternative in the treatment of obesity and other common metabolic disorders (notably diabetes, osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases and polycystic ovarian disease). 30,[32][33][34][35] More importantly, the drop-out rates because of the adverse effects of SKF7 ® were minimal (1.5%), which supports the consumption safety of the investigational product, congruent with the findings seen in both human and animal studies. [35][36][37][38] This finding is further reinforced by the endorsement of the use of SKF7 ® as a food supplement by international food safety authorities such as the US FDA and EFSA.…”

“…antioxidant, anti‐ageing, collagen synthesis, anti‐obesogenic, antimicrobial and anticarcinogenic agents) that could be derived from the human consumption of this compound 31 . Clinical trials of L. pumila in humans are relatively limited but still appear to show encouraging changes in metabolic profiles in disorders such as polycystic ovarian disease, osteoporosis and postmenopausal syndrome 32 . Hence, our study is pivotal in expanding knowledge within this broad research gap by showcasing the metabolic benefits of L. pumila in reducing BW, WC, WHtR and BMI of obese individuals.…”

“…31 Clinical trials of L. pumila in humans are relatively limited but still appear to show encouraging changes in metabolic profiles in disorders such as polycystic ovarian disease, osteoporosis and postmenopausal syndrome. 32 Hence, our study is pivotal in expanding knowledge within this broad research gap by showcasing the metabolic benefits of L. pumila in reducing BW, WC, WHtR and BMI of obese individuals. This evidence lends credence to the hypothesis that the active compounds in SKF7 ® may be effective in treating metabolic disorders, particularly abdominal obesity.…”

Effect of Karas (Aquilaria malaccensis) on Male Reproductive Organs and Sperm Quality in Adult Sprague Dawley Rats

“…In Malaysia, there a few types of herbals that are commonly used to treat many kinds of diseases traditionally such as Ficus deltoidea , Labisia pumila , Cosmos caudatus and Nigella sativa ( Afzan et al 2019 ; Uzbek & Shahidan 2019 ; Mohamad et al 2019 ; Zakaria et al 2021 ). Among these herbals, Aquilaria species, locally known as Karas or Gaharu, is identified as one of the most valuable plants in Malaysia due to their high-value fragrant resinous wood (agarwood) ( Liu et al 2019 ; Desa et al 2021 ; Rozihawati et al 2022 ).…”