I. MORPHOLOGY, DISTRIBUTION AND WHERE TO BE FOUND

Akapulko Scientific Name : Cassia alata

Also known as:

bayabas-bayabasan,kapurko, katanda, katandang aso, pakagonkon, sonting (Tag.); andadasi,

andadasi-a-dakdakel, andadasi-bugbugtong (Ilk.); adadisi (Ting.); ancharasi (Ig.); andalan

(Sul.); bayabasin, bikas-bikas (Bik., Tag., Bis.,); kasitas (Bik., Bis.); sunting, palo china (Bis.);

pakayomkom kastila (Pamp.); ringworm bush or shrub (Engl.), Acapulco (Engl)

Akapulko is used as herbal medicine and is a shrub that grows wild in the tropical climate

of Philippines.It is a shrub found throughout the Philippines. Akapulko is widely used in the

Philippines as herbal medicine. The akapulko leaves contain chrysophanic acid, a fungicide that

is used totreat fungal infections, like ringworms, scabies and eczema.. Akapulko leaves are also

known to be sudorific, diuretic and purgative, usedto treat intestinal problems including intestinal

parasites. Akapulko is also used as herbal medicine to treat bronchitis and asthma. Because of

Akapulko’s anti-fungal properties, it is a common ingredient in soaps, shampoos, and lotions in

the Philippines. The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) has

helped develop the technology for a akapulko herbal medicine lotion.

Akapulko is an erect, shrubby legume with dark green compound leaves. Akapulko

leaves have orange rachis that has 16-28 leaflets. Akapulko produces an axis of golden yellow

flowers that has 4-winged pods containing 50-60 flattened, triangular seeds. Akapulko flowers

are enclosed by yellow-orange bracts that are later shed in time.

II. USES

Benefits & Treatment of Akapulko:

External Use:Treatment of skin diseases: Tinea infections, insect bites, ringworms, eczema, scabies and

itchiness.

Mouthwash in stomatitis

Internal use:

Expectorant for bronchitis and dyspnoea

• Alleviation of asthma symptoms

• Used as diuretic and purgative

• For cough & fever

• As a laxative to expel intestinal parasites and other stomach problems.

Note: A strong decoction of Akapulko leaves is an abortifacient. Pregnant women should not

take decoction of the leaves or any part of this plant.

Preparation & Use: 

• For external use, pound the leaves of the Akapulko plant, squeeze the juice and apply

on affected areas

• As the expectorant for bronchitis and dyspnoea, drink decoction (soak and boil for

10 to 15 minutes) of Akapulko leaves. The same preparation may be used as a

mouthwash, stringent, and wash for eczema.

• As laxative, cut the plant parts (roots, flowers, and the leaves) into a manageable

size then prepare a decoction Note: The decoction loses its potency if not used for a

long time. Dispose leftovers after one day.

• The pounded leaves of Akapulko has purgative functions, specifically against

ringworms.

It should be noted that the pounded leaves of this plant may be applied thinly on the

affected part twice a day. Marked improvement may be expected after two to three weeks

of continuous application to the affected area(s) where the prepared Akapulko leaves

were applied.

III. ECOLOGICAL RELATIONSHIP

Animals, plants, and other organisms interact with each other in the natural world and form

various types of ecological relationships. In fact, the study of ecology centers around these

relationships between living things (biota) as well as how they interact with the abiotic (non-

living) features of a particular habitat.

 Producers (mostly plants) convert sunlight to energy in the form of sugar,decomposers are

equally important in any ecosystem. They are especially important in the tropical forest

ecosystem, where soil is relatively poor in nutrients, and sunlight often does not reach far

into the forest because of all the trees. Thus, it is important that nutrients are recycled and

returned to the soil as usable elements and compounds as quickly as possible. This is where

the decomposers come in. Fungi and bacteria are the main decomposers in most ecosystems.

They break down decaying plant and animal matter, such as leaves, waste, and dead

organisms. It has been estimated that only 5% of fungi have been classified and named. New

species of fungi are often found, studied, and named. In 2010, a sponge-like mushroom was

found in Sarawek, and named after the cartoon character - Spongiforma squarepantsii. Not

much is known about these fungi, yet. It is known, however, that they have one relative in the

Genus Spongiforma, found in Thailand. Also, although they are bright orange, they turn

purple when sprayed with an alkaline solution. Their smell is described as fruity and/or

musty.

IV. POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL THREAT

V. COMMENT

This medicinal plant is been included and known to be one of the medical plants here

in the Philippines. Acapalco is used may way this can be used in different part of our

bodies.

This plant is useful it can be ingredients in making lotion, soap and any type of

personal used.

It has also side effect, according to my research that this is that efficient use by a

pregnant women because of a strong decoration.

VI. GOVERNMENT PROGRAM

Traditional and Alternative Health Care Practice

The tropical climate of the Philippines has made it possible for thousands of plants

and vegetation to thrive more in lush forests. Many herbal plants have been tapped

because of its efficacy against common ailments and the practice of the use of herbal

plants as medicines have stretched as far as during pre-Spanish era, and are still being

practiced until these modern times.

The Department of Health (DOH) advocated the use of herbal plants as what is

considered as form of primary health care and as an answer to the increasing cost of

synthetic drugs in the market. These 10 DOH-approved herbal plants are found within

the country and have been proven to treat common ailments, according to the

thorough research done by National Science Development Board, and other

government and private agencies and persons. 

Its importance in providing better health care was not overlooked. In 1992, The DOH,

through former Health Secretary and Senator Juan M. Flavier made a health program

by virtue of Administrative Order No. 12. This program was known as the Traditional

Medicine Program, with its main function of promoting and advocating the use of

traditional medicine across the country. In 1994, the drafting of a traditional medicine

law was initiated in order to institutionalize the program. Then by 1997, President

Fidel V. Ramos saw the promising potential of traditional medicines both in the

health of Filipinos and the economy and timely approved the Republic Act 8423, also

known as the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act (TAMA) of 1997. This law

then, gave rise to the government owned and controlled corporation known as the  

Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC). It is

attached to the DOH in delivering safe, effective and affordable proper traditional and

alternative (TAHC) health care products and services to the people.

One of the 10 DOH- approved herbal medicine is the acapulko plant. Known as

“bayabas-bayabasan” and “ringworm bush” in English. This herbal medicine is used

to treat ringworms and skin fungal infections.

VII. REFERNCE, PICTURES

http://www.philippineherbalmedicine.org/akapulko.htm

http://www.medicalhealthguide.com/articles/akapulko1.htm

http://www.studymode.com/essays/Traditional-And-Alternative-Health-Care-Practice-

1611884.html

http://pearsonbio.wikispaces.com/Ecological+Relationships