Traditional Knowledge and Practices Related to Genus Citrus, Garcinia, Mangifera and Nephelium in Malaysia

Abstract

Asia holds massive fruit diversity. Many nutritional and functional properties studies have been done on the fruit species. However, not many studies were done on other aspects of knowledge that can be gained related to these species. The aim of this study was to identify the various uses of the tropical fruit plant species from the genus of Citrus, Garcinia, Mangifera and Nephelium, based on the traditional knowledge and practices of the local communities. The study was conducted through direct interviews with 109 respondents from six areas and communities, targeting the genus Citrus, Mangifera, Nephelium and Garcinia. A total of 18 fruit species were recorded and were categorized into five different purposes, namely for 1) food, 2) medicinal purpose, 3) culture, 4) good practice and 5) other usage. Most of the traditional knowledge related to the fruit species used was as food, food additives or processing method (54.6%). All species except Citrus spp. and Mangifera laurina have information on traditional knowledge related to food. The highest number of species was recorded from the community of Sibuti, with a total of 14 species recorded while least number was recorded from the community of Bukit Gantang with a total of 4 species. The average number of species and respondents recorded from each community was 8.5 species and 18 respondents. The two most frequently cited species were found to be regional specific knowledge. The most cited species was Mangifera pajang which is endemic to Borneo, while Garcinia atroviridis which recorded the second highest citation was only found in Peninsular Malaysia. Documentation of traditional knowledge is a good tool, not just for the conservation of traditional * Corresponding author. knowledge from being extinct and forgotten, but also to identify new potential, ideas and possibilities from it, so that it opens up to many other scientific studies.

Underutilised fruits: a review of phytochemistry and biological properties

“…Freshly eaten (ripe flesh), processed into pickle and used as food additive. Treatment of cold, body itchiness, high blood pressure and bronchitis Mirfat et al, 2015;Mirfat et al, 2016;Gerten et al, 2015 Mangifera foetida…”

“…Mempelam air Source of food. Treatment of shingles Gerten et al, 2015;Mirfat et al, 2015;Mirfat et al, 2016 Mangifera longipetiolata Sepam Source of food Mirfat et al, 2015;Mirfat et al, 2016 Mangifera odorata…”

“…Anacardaceae family which consists of one species of Bouea macrophylla and seven species of the genus Mangifera, is the most studied underutilised fruit in Malaysia. Anacardaceae fruits are mainly used as food source and only some have been reported to possess medicinal properties to treat various ailments such as M. caesia, M. foetida, M. pajang and M. pentandra ( Gerten et al, 2015;Khoo et al, 2016;Mirfat et al, 2016;Mirfat et al, 2015;Salma et al, 2006). Euphorbiaceae, Guttiferae and Sapindaceae are the next commonly studied underutilised fruits in Malaysia.…”

“…However, there are no reports in the literature on the ethnomedicinal properties of Euphorbiaceae (Baccaurea angulata, B. lanceolata, B. macrocarpa, B. motleyana and B. polyneura) other than being a source of food. Nephelium ramboutan-ake from the Sapindaceae family has been described to treat scabbies and itchiness (Gerten et al, 2015). Guttiferae which are usually used in cooking, have been reported to have medicinal potential as shown by Garcinia atroviridis (Gerten et al, 2015;Salma et al, 2006), G. dulcis (Abu Bakar et al, 2015) and G. parvifolia (Gerten et al, 2015;Salma et al, 2006).…”

“…Nephelium ramboutan-ake from the Sapindaceae family has been described to treat scabbies and itchiness (Gerten et al, 2015). Guttiferae which are usually used in cooking, have been reported to have medicinal potential as shown by Garcinia atroviridis (Gerten et al, 2015;Salma et al, 2006), G. dulcis (Abu Bakar et al, 2015) and G. parvifolia (Gerten et al, 2015;Salma et al, 2006). In addition, other underutilised fruits species such as Parkia speciosa and Averrhoa bilimbi have also been widely reported by researchers to have various traditional remedial use.…”