Medicinal Properties of Ant Nest Plant (Myrmecodia Genus): A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The Myrmecodia genus belongs to the Rubiaceae family, which has the characteristic of an epiphytic plant. This genus spread from Malaysia, through the Philippines, Sumatra, Borneo, Java, New Guinea (Papua), Cape York to the Solomon Islands and Pacific region. It has been empirically proven to treat gout, inflammation, muscle pain relief, strengthen the body’s immunity, and cancer treatment. AIM: This article reviewed the scientific work about the Myrmecodia genus concerning their traditional uses, phytochemical compounds, and pharmacological activities of Myrmecodia. METHODS: The sources were from the scientific literature online database, including Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholar between 1978 and 2021. Furthermore, 112 articles were collected, while 61 full-text were assessed for eligibility. RESULTS: The Myrmecodia extract has many pharmacological activities, namely antioxidant, antibacterial, cytotoxic, and anticancer. CONCLUSION: Moreover, this review may be used as scientific literature for the next investigations on the genus Myrmecodia, especially regarding pharmacological properties such as in vitro and in vivo studies and isolation of the active compounds.

Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Four Different Concentrations of Ant Nest (Myrmecodia pendens) Collagen Membranes with Potential for Medical Applications

“…The genus Myrmecodia belongs to the Rubiaceae family, which is characterized as an epiphytic plant. 10 The genus spreads from Malaysia, through the Philippines, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Java, Papua, New Guinea, Cape York to the Solomon Islands and the Pacific region. 10 It has been empirically proven to treat gout, inflammation, muscle pain relief, immune strengthening, and cancer treatment.…”

“…10 The genus spreads from Malaysia, through the Philippines, Sumatra, Kalimantan, Java, Papua, New Guinea, Cape York to the Solomon Islands and the Pacific region. 10 It has been empirically proven to treat gout, inflammation, muscle pain relief, immune strengthening, and cancer treatment. The largest species of Myrmecodia is found on the Indonesian islands of Papua and Papua New Guinea.…”

“…The largest species of Myrmecodia is found on the Indonesian islands of Papua and Papua New Guinea. 10 Furthermore, the plant is considered epiphytic because it attaches to other plants but not as a parasite. 11 One effort to add value to wild ant plant is to investigate the chemical content analysis, 10,11 including phytochemical and biological activity testing (such as antibacterial activity).…”

“…10 Furthermore, the plant is considered epiphytic because it attaches to other plants but not as a parasite. 11 One effort to add value to wild ant plant is to investigate the chemical content analysis, 10,11 including phytochemical and biological activity testing (such as antibacterial activity). 12 Collagen has been shown to play a crucial role in clot formation and the hemostasis process.…”

Identification, screening, and analysis of secondary metabolite content in methanol extracts of ant nests plant tubers from Aceh, Indonesia

“…One plant known for its medicinal properties and believed to contain secondary metabolites is the ant nest plant. Ant nest plants are currently deemed suitable as raw materials for both modern and traditional medicine, with tubers being part of the plant used for medicinal purposes (Dirgantara et al 2022).…”