Lito Project-project 3 of project 6-BSU
“Towards a Sustainable Semi-Temperate Vegetable Production:
Characterization and Propagation of Indigenous Vegetables
of the Highland Cordilleras”
Lorenza G. Lirio, Manuel A. Balcita, Louisa P. Pladio,
Lito O. Ayyokad, and Joyce N. Paing
ABSTRACT
Survey and botanical characterization of the indigenous
vegetables(IVs) in Benguet and Mountain Province were undertaken
through a participatory approach with the local folks who were asked
about their traditional uses of wild, endemic, and indigenous food plants,
their manner of use and preparation of edible parts, and other uses
besides as food. The survey documented 49 species of plants
belonging to 21 families, which are eaten as food, mostly utilizing the
young shoots or tops. Chemical analyses revealed that IVs are indeed
rich in minerals, vitamins, proteins, antioxidants, etc., which are
necessary to meet the nutritional requirements of the consumer. Toxicity
test indicated that IVs are safe to eat. In-vitro culture is one possible way
of propagating IVs.
In order to increase awareness on the utilization of these
important food crops, several strategies were undertaken. A book with
the title “Indigenous Semi Temperate Vegetables of Cordillera” was
published recently. Each plant presented in the book was provided with
photograph, botanical descriptions, common or local name used in the
place where the plant is found, scientific name, and other uses besides
as food. Also, flyers and handbook on food/viand preparation using
the vegetable crop as one of the ingredients in the menu, and posters
were made. Meanwhile, home gardening of promising indigenous
vegetables in selected areas is underway.
INTRODUCTION
Nowadays people go back to the nature’s basics, whether in terms of farming
practices, herbal treatment of maladies or indigenous food supplements in attempts to
protect the environment. More so, during these difficult times, there is a need to tap our
nature’s free gifts for alternative additional sources that would ease our demand for
medicine, shelter, fuel, etc, but most especially for food.
1
Insufficient vegetable and fruit consumption annually causes 2.7 million deaths
worldwide and is one of top 10 risk factors contributing to human mortality. Billions of
people are still undernourished, and they have not sufficiently benefited from the
vegetable production and consumption. Nutrition status is internationally recognized as
a key indicator of national development. It is not surprising therefore why over fifty
countries worldwide had so much interest on indigenous vegetables (Yang et al., 2007).
The above scenario should have been the guiding principle of the Programmang
Gulayan Para sa Masa, a project of the national government, which aims to reduce
hunger and malnutrition in selected areas of the country. It is a vegetable backyard-
raising program to provide livelihood opportunities and easy access to more affordable
vegetables. Offshoots of the said program are other national endeavors like that of the
Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research’s (DA–BAR’s) “Indigenous
Plants for Health and Wellness Research and Development Program” which aims to
promote and to highlight the importance of indigenous plants and to encourage farmers
to plant them. Another program is that by the National Nutrition Council of the
Philippines--the FAITH (Food Available in the Home), which is a low cost undertaking
that aims to increase production of common fruits and vegetables in one’s backyard
(Ordoñez, 2007). Indeed, the political environment is currently favorable for efforts to
enhance the sustainable use of underultilized plant species, such as IVs.
A place of many tribal groups, the Cordillera region is home to a diversity of
endemic and indigenous plant species and even customary practices, which have
captured the interests of environmentalists, researchers, and other enthusiasts. Tribal
areas harbor a rich array of indigenous wild varieties and landraces, and are the source
2
of valuable genes. Traits governing taste, cooking quality, nutritional value, yield
stability rather than yield per se, and other attributes such as drought resistance are of
equal importance (Arunachalam, 2000). It is this supply of reserve food that man
appropriates for future use. The essential foods, carbohydrates, fats and proteins, each
valuable in its own way in man’s metabolism, are all available in plants. The leafy parts
of plants, the green, and other herbage vegetables, contain comparatively little stored
food. However, they are necessary because of the vitamins and minerals they contain
and the mechanical effect of the indigestive cellulose material (Hill, 1952). A
considerable variety of vegetable species are indigenous to Cordillera. Among this
biodiversity many plants exist with promising properties for different uses. There is a
need to collate and analyze information on the species of potential value and their
distribution which is a first step necessary in formulating a plan on which
conservationists can develop appropriate strategies for the propagation and wise
utilization of these plant species including the indigenous vegetables.
OBJECTIVES
General: To survey, characterize, conserve, and propagate indigenous germplasm of
the highland Cordilleras in order to uplift the livelihood of farmers through a sustainable
semi-temperate vegetable production.
Specific:
a. To survey and make a thorough inventory of indigenous vegetables of the
highland Cordilleras
b. To document the ethnobotanical utilization of these indigenous vegetables
3
c. To conduct in-situ propagation of indigenous vegetables likewise determine
in-vitro propagation protocols
d. To undertake chemical analyses of the nutrient content of the various
indigenous vegetables such as proximate, vitamin, antioxidant, and mineral
contents
e. To conduct toxicity tests for some selected IVs
f. To disseminate results to end users in order to increase the awareness on the
utilization of the indigenous vegetables
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
In technical sense, all plants are vegetables. The term, however, is usually
applied to edible plants, which store up reserve food in roots, stems, leaves, and fruits
and which are eaten cooked, or raw as salad plants. The food value of vegetables is
comparatively low, owing to the large amount of water present (70 to 95%). Even so,
they rank next to cereals as source of carbohydrates food which are usually present in
the form of starch, although occasionally sugar, pectins, or other substances may occur.
Proteins, save in legumes, are rarely available, and fats are stored only in very slight
amounts. The nutritive value of vegetables is increased greatly, however, by the
presence of the indispensable mineral salts and vitamins, while the roughage value of
the various tissues aids digestion (Hill, 1952).
The word vegetable is used to designate an edible, mostly herbaceous plant
species, or a relatively tender part of it, that is consumed fresh, steamed or boiled,
salted or unsalted, alone or in combination with other foodstuffs and sometimes as an
ingredient in soups or stews (Okigbo, 1990). Indigenous vegetables refer to species or
4
variety genuinely native to a region, or to a crop introduced into a region where it has
evolved (or has been naturalized) over a period of time. Most of these underutilized
these species range from those that are regularly cultivated to those that are completely
wild as weeds, resistant to pest and diseases, better adapted to their ecology, and
which could be a storehouse of desirable traits necessary for the improvement of
vegetable species. In addition to being cost effective supplementary sources of calories
and some proteins, these vegetables when sold, contribute significantly to the farmers’
income (AVRDC, 1990; Yang et al., 2006 ).
IVs have been a traditional part of cropping system long time ago especially in
home gardens and their cultivation, utilization, and acceptability do not usually pose
problems because they are familiar to the local population (Chadha and Olouch, 2007).
It is also well known that plants are abundant sources of medicinal drugs.
Between 25-50% of current prescription pharmaceuticals come from plants, either
directly or through modifications of biochemical templates harvested from the plants
(Deans and Kennedy, 1995 as cited by Lirio, 2000).
In the past decade or two, due to the rapid advances in science and technology,
particularly in food, nutrition, health and biochemistry, human beings have become
more aware of health and longevity. Nutraceutical crops are getting recognition and
they are mobilized globally for production and use. The demand for nature-made
medicines and pharmaceutical products will dictate the choice of crops. The demand
for natural energy source will hunt crops for biofuels. Presently, the world is primarily
concerned with conserving the biodiversity of major food crops. Preserving the
5
biodiversity of IVs which may not stand a chance to survive the onslaught of human
development is extremely important to focus on (Shanmugasundaram, 2007).
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Indigenous vegetables play an important role in the Cordilleran diet. Several
inputs are necessary in an effort to know and document the indigenous vegetables
utilized by old folks and other native respondents (Fig. 1). The surveyed IVs were
identified, characterized, and validated. Some of the IVs were subjected to nutritional
analyses to determine proximate, vitamin, antioxidant, and mineral contents in order to
give the consumer, ideas of what they really get when they eat such food crop.
Documentation of the surveyed IVs in the CAR Region were compiled into a handbook
entitled “Indigenous Semi-Temperate Vegetables of Cordillera” (Lirio, et al., 2006);
nutrient contents of IVs, compilation of recipes using IVs as ingredients, and flyers and
posters were made for further dissemination of the IVs importance and their utilization.
The role vegetables in providing essential vitamins and minerals in the diet are
often conceded though not applied in practice. Limited food limits the nutrient intake that
is necessary for good bodily functions. This project, therefore, endeavors to increase
the awareness on IVs which necessary to help diversify production systems, income
and diets in order to produce healthy and productive people, all crucial in attaining the
goal to alleviate hunger, malnutrition, and poverty.
6
INPUTS
OUTPUTS
IMPACTS
Awareness on IVs
a) Survey of
Compilation of
Indigenous
surveyed IVs
Utilization of IVs
Vegetables,
and Interview
Posters and
Planting of IVs for
♦ Identification
Flyers
increased
♦ Characterization
production
♦
Nutrient contents
Validation
of IVs analyzed
Increased farmer’s
b) Nutritional
income
Analyses
Compilation of
♦ Proximate
recipes using IVs
Healthy and
♦ Vitamin
as ingredients
productive people
♦ Antioxidant
♦ Mineral
Healthy environment
Poverty alleviation
Figure 1. Conceptual Framework of the Study
METHODOLOGY
Diversity of Indigenous Vegetables in the Cordillera
A. Survey of the Indigenous Vegetables
Trips were made to selected semi-temperate parts of the Cordillera, namely
Benguet, Mountain Province, Ifugao and including Baguio City to conduct survey about
the distribution and utilization of indigenous vegetables. Elders, farmers, and staff
member of the municipal agriculture offices were interviewed. Impromptu inquiries with
any person met on gardens, households, or during informal gatherings of folks were
also made. They were asked about indigenous knowledge and traditional uses of wild,
indigenous and endemic food plants, their manner of preparation of edible plant parts
and other uses besides as food.
7
The plants were photodocumented, botanically described as to: stem (woody or
succulent), growth habit (vine, herb, etc), propagation (thru seed, rhizome, etc), habitat
(swampy, dry, etc), and their uses.
B. Ethnobotanical Utilization of the Indigenous Vegetables
Ethnobotanical information about the plants was obtained including food
consumption and medicinal utilization as captured during the interviews with the rural
folks.
Also vendors and consumers of indigenous vegetables were interviewed in the
different municipalities of Benguet and Mountain Province to determine the economic
potential of these crops.
Conservation of Indigenous Vegetables
A. In-vitro Propagation
Propagation in-vitro of the selected indigenous vegetable was done at the
Biology Department Tissue Culture Laboratory, College of Arts and Sciences, Benguet
State University.
B. In-situ Propagation
Conservation of the indigenous vegetables was initiated in the municipality of
Sagada, Mountain Province through participatory home gardening.
Nutritional Analyses of Indigenous Vegetables
A. Nutrient and Vitamin Analyses
Selected IVs were subjected to different chemical analyses of their contents.
The proximate analysis consists of the determination of moisture or volatile matter, ash,
(using the combustion method), crude fat (by Soxhlet method), crude protein (by
8
Kjeldahl method), crude fiber (thru Weende method), and carbohydrate (by
spectroscopic determination of the furfural by the action of sulfuric acid). Solvent
extraction and HPLC or the spectrophotometer were used to determine vitamins A and
C. Antioxidant activity and mineral analysis likewise used appropriate procedures
(Manual of Food Analysis, 1991).
B. Toxicity Test of Indigenous Vegetables
Some selected IVs were subjected to a toxicity test using brine shrimp bioassay
(as adopted by Bolayo, 2006).
Dissemination of information
Educational materials were prepared as strategies to disseminate the result of
the project. Book, recipe handbook, flyers, and posters are some outputs of the
project, which when distributed, hoped to boost the awareness on the utilization of these
important food plants. Efforts were also done to present results in various local,
regional, national, and international venues/ conferences to enhance people’s
awareness on IVs.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
DIVERSITY OF INDIGENOUS VEGETABLES IN THE CORDILLERA
Biodiversity is essential for agriculture and food production since humankind is
depending on extremely small basis for agricultural and biological diversity for its food.
Moreover biodiversity has to be managed in such a way as to assure it will continue to
provide maximum benefits to humans over the long run.
The diversity of the indigenous food crops in the Cordillera documented forty-
nine (49) indigenous vegetables from the 11 municipalities of Benguet and from the 4
9
municipalities in Mountain Province and including Baguio City. These plants belong to
21 families with about 19.15% of the species belonging to Asteraceae, followed by
10.64% in Solanaceae. The rest are distributed among the other families (Figure 2).
Asteraceae
Solanaceae
45%
Amaranthaceae
Cruciferae
40%
40.42%
Passifloraceae
35%
Begoniaceae
30%
e
Leguminosae
t
ag 25%
n
e
19.15%
Other families
r
c 20%
e
P 15%
10.64%
10%
8.51%
6.38%
5%
6.38%
4.26%
0%
4.26%
Figure 2. Plant distribution per family
Table 1 presents the list of the indigenous semi-temperate vegetables, including
the five unidentified species, showing the mode of preparation when used as food and
including the parts being utilized.
10
Table 1. Indigenous vegetables in the highland Cordilleras
CROP
PLANT PART
MODE OF PREPARATION
Common
Scientific Name
Name
Kalunay
Amaranthus blitum L.
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
tops
with legumes or meat
Kalunay
Amaranthus gracilis Desf.
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
tops
with legumes or meat
Kalunay
Amaranthus hybridus L.
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
tops
with legumes or meat
Kalunay siitan
Amaranthus spinosus L.
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
tops
with legumes or meat
Pikaw
Schismatoglottis
young plant
plainly blanched / steamed or mixed
calyptrata (Roxb) Zoll
with meat
and Motr.
Kaominga
Begonia sp.
Stalk
eaten raw or as condiment for fish
and meat
Kaominga
Begonia sp.
Stalk
eaten raw or as condiment for fish
and meat
Palpasik
Cardamine hirsuta L.
young plant
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
with legumes or meat
Raddish
Raphanus sativus L.
flowers and
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
young leaves
with legumes or meat
/tops
Gendey
Rorippa indica (L.) Hiern
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
tops
with legumes or meat
Prince Crown
Echinopsis coronata
Bulb
eaten as salad or for garnish
Cactus
Salengsaleng
Spergula arvensis L.
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
tops
with legumes or meat
Bulakmanok
Ageratum conyzoides
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
Linn.
tops
with legumes or meat
Puriket
Bidens bipinnata Linn.
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
tops
with legumes or meat
Puriket
Bidens pilosa L. Var.
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
Minor
tops
with legumes or meat
Haphapon
Crassocephalum
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
crepidioides (Benth) S.
tops
with legumes or meat
Moore
Lagiwey
Lactuca indica L.
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
tops
with legumes or meat / as salad
Gagattang
Sonchus arvensis L.
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
tops
with legumes or meat
Gagattang
Sonchus asper Hill
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
tops
with legumes or meat
11
Table 1. continued…
Gagattang
Sonchus oleraceus L.
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
tops
with legumes or meat
Dandelion
Taraxacum officinale
young shoots /
eaten as salad and for food garnish
(With). Weber
tops
Alam-am
Pteridium aquilinum L.
young shoots /
dried shoots are mixed with meat or
tops
legumes or as tea
Kamoteng
Manihot esculenta
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
kahoy
Crantz.
tops
with legumes or meat
Runo
Miscanthus sinensis
young stalk
eaten raw / salad
Catnip
Nepeta cataria Linn.
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed mixed
tops
with meat or legumes or as tea
Lima bean
Phaseolus lunatus L.
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
tops
with legumes or meat
Sweet pea
Pisum sativum L.
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
tops
with legumes or meat
Mulberry
Morus alba L.
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
tops
with legumes or meat
Bitog
Musa spp.
middle most
steamed mixed with meat
stalk
Binaok
Ambelia philippinensis
Leaves
condiment for fish and meat
Native masap
Pasiflora edulis Sims.
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
tops
with legumes or meat
American
Pasiflora ligularis
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
masap
tops
with legumes or meat
Western
Passiflora quadrangularis
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
masap
Linn.
tops
with legumes or meat
Pako
Athyrium esculentum
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
(Retz)
tops
with legumes or meat
Gabing uwak
Monochoria
young plant
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
vaginalis(Burm.f.) Presl.
with legumes or meat
Pansit-
Peperomia pelucida (L.)
young shoot /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
pansitan
HBK
young plant
with legumes or meat / salad
Alusiman
Portulaca oleracea Linn.
young shoots /
mixed with meat and fish
tops
Dam a de
Cestrum nocturnum
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
noche
tops
with legumes or meat
Gubayas
Physalis angulata L.
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
tops and fruit
with legumes or meat
Amti
Solanum nigrum L.
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
tops
with legumes or meat
Patatas
Solanum tuberosum L.
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
tops
with legumes or meat
Papait
Solanum sp.
young fruit
Sautéed
12
Table 1. continued…
Takip kuhol
Centella asiatica (L.)
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
Urban
tops
with legumes or meat / salad
Panawil
Leptosalena haenkei
Flower
mixed with fish and meat
Baukok
Fruit
mixed with fish and meat /
condiment
Inangel
young shoot
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
with legumes or meat
Kunchey /
young shoot /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
Tang-tangsoy
young plant
with legumes or meat
Soria
young shoot /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
young plant
with legumes or meat
Kokong-ngo
young shoot
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
with legumes or meat
ETHNOBOTANICAL UTILIZATION OF THE INDIGENOUS VEGETABLES
Today, millions of traditional peoples still use plants as sources of food, clothing,
shelter, fuel and medicine. Since the beginning of mankind, people have relied primarily
on plants for nourishment. Through trial and error they discovered that some plants are
good for food, that some are poisonous, and that others produce bodily changes such
as increased perspiration, bowel movement, urination, relief of pain, hallucination, and
healing. Over the millennia, those observations were passed orally from generation to
generation, each time adding to and refining the body of knowledge. Each culture the
world over has in this manner developed a body of herbal knowledge as part of its
tradition (Cotton, 1996).
In the Cordillera region as presented in this paper, the most widely used as food
in terms of the number of species are the Amaranthus spp. (4 species), Sonchus spp.
(3 species), Passiflora spp. (3 species). Interestingly, these same species possess
some medicinal value. These plants are included in the 51% of the species that are
used by the folks to cure or prevent different forms of illnesses (Table 2).
13
Table 2. Traditional utilization of native vegetables used as medicine in the Cordillera
CROP
MEDICINAL VALUE
Common Name
Scientific Name
Kalunay
Amaranthus gracilis Desf.
emollient poultices
Kalunay siitan
Amaranthus spinosus L.
antidote for snake bite and cure for kidney
and bowel ailments
Raddish
Raphanus sativus L.
prevents diabetes
Gendey
Rorippa indica (L.) Hiern
cure for chronic bronchitis and colds
Bulakmanok
Ageratum conyzoides Linn.
cure for fresh wounds
Puriket
Bidens bipinnata Linn.
cure for diarrhea
Gagattang
Sonchus arvensis L.
emollient, chronic fevers, coughs, bronchitis,
etc.
Gagattang
Sonchus asper Hill
emollient, cure for boils and wounds
Gagattang
Sonchus oleraceus L.
for cleansing wounds
Dandelion
Taraxacum officinale (With).
for liver and kidney complaints or disorders
Weber
Runo
Miscanthus sinensis
use to treat wounds
Catnip
Nepeta cataria Linn.
for colds and fever
Mulberry
Morus alba L.
use an eyewash to cure sore eyes
Native masap
Pasiflora edulis Sims.
for hypertension and arthritis, good for hang-
over & diarrhea
Pansit-pansitan
Peperomia pellucida (L.) HBK
used for urinary tract infection (UTI)
Alusiman
Portulaca oleracea Linn.
used to heal wounds and scurvy
Dama de noche
Cestrum nocturnum
preventive for ulcer and good for hang-over
Amti
Solanum nigrum L.
decoction for mouth wash, wounds, sores
Patatas
Solanum tuberosum L.
for mumps
Takip kuhol
Centella asiatica (L.) Urban
for urinary tract infections and kidney trouble;
also for cleansing wounds
Among the Amaranthus spp., only two, Amaranthus. gracilis (Fig. 3a) and A.
spinosus (Fig. 3b) were found to possess medicinal values as emollient poultice, for
bowel and kidney ailments and as antidote for snake bites. Amaranthus blitum and A.
hybridus are the species only utilized as food. Even with the Passiflora spp. not all have
medicinal uses; while P. ligularis has no medicinal value noted so far, the juice of the P.
edulis (Fig. 3c) is used widely as relief for arthritis, for hypertension; also good for hang-
14
over and diarrhea. P. quadrangularis (Fig. 3d) is good as body cleanser apart from its
fermented juice made into wine. The same is also true with the Solanum spp.. S.
nigrum (Fig. 3e) and S. tuberosum (Fig. 3f) are medicinal apart from their young shoots
being cooked as vegetable and mixed with legume or meat.
Fig. 3. Some
indigenous
semi-temperate
vegetables:
(a) Amaranthus
gracilis
(b) A. spinosus
(c) Passiflora
edulis
(d) P. quarangularis
(e) Solanum nigrum
(f) S. tuberosum
In terms of frequency, Rorippa indica (Fig. 4a), Bidens pilosa (Fig. 4b), Solanum
nigrum (Fig. 4c), Sonchus arvensis (Fig. 4d), and Cardamine hirsuta (Fig. 4e) are used
as food in most places of the municipalities where they are present. Similarly, these
species have medicinal uses. B. pilosa for example is popularly eaten because folks
claim of its goiter- preventive property. Folks also use the plant in ‘tapey’ (rice wine)-
making, a tradition they are known for. The value of these representatives and other
species not only as food but as medicines as well, should be reasons for their wider
utilization.
15
Fig. 4
a) Rorippa indica,
b) Bidens pilosa,
c) Sonchus arvensis
d) Cardamine hirsuta
e) Centella asiatica
On the other hand, though widely medicinal and some species while found
growing in several localities, a certain species is not being utilized as food in many
places where they are found. As an example, Centella asiatica could be found growing
and used as medicinal in most places surveyed but it is only utilized as food in Baguio
City, in La Trinidad, Benguet, and in Sagada, Mountain Province. As a medicinal plant,
old folks use the decoction of C. asiatica as cleansing for urinary tract infections and
kidney trouble. Leaves of the fresh plant when pounded are also used to cure bleeding
wounds when applied as dressing over the affected part. Roots of this plant contain
16
substances used as tonic, blood purifier and improve memory. Also, the folks believe
that eating of fresh leaves everyday will prolong life.
Guevarra et al. (1999) stated that plants have long been used to cure and / or
prevent many diseases. The observed efficacy of these plants has made them very
popular and in fact, some are considered as “cure-all” medicine. Solanum nigrum is
one plant that is known as antidiabetes and has hypoglycemic or blood glucose
lowering activity.
The role of food plants in the development of human culture has been
emphasized, but it should be noted that food plants are not the only one’s that have a
vital place in man’s economy. There are also plant drugs and poisons, fiber plants, dye
and tanning plants, the oil, the gum and resin sources, the structural timber plants, and
others. Plant chemicals continue to provide an important range of products to both
traditional and industrialized communities. These are obtained from plants that are able
to synthesize and accumulate a vast array of secondary chemical which are beneficial
to human societies.
COMMERCIALIZATION OF INDIGENOUS VEGETABLES
To alleviate and reduce poverty among Cordilleran, one of the strategies is to
promote economic opportunities, empowering the poor, and enhancing social safety.
The later is directed to attain better health and nutrition particularly for low-income
households, to decrease nutrition deficiency and to have a better environment for safer
living. Indigenous vegetables have been known and are utilized in some ethnics as
vegetables, spice, ornamental and traditional medicine. However, progressive
development in agriculture, social and economy as well as culture, for example, a
17
common use of modern vegetable varieties has put IVs as minor vegetables. Through
the Regional Education and Technology Assistance (RETA) 6067 project, efforts have
been initiated in order to promote utilization of IVs for improving nutrition and livelihood
of poor household in Asia including Cordillera (Hidayat, et. al. 2006). In fact, this project
has documented the efforts to commercialize these IVs in some municipalities in
Benguet and Mountain Province, including Baguio City (Table 3). Of the 49 IVs
surveyed, eleven (11) had already reached the local market. These include Amti,
Gendey, Gotukola, Kalunay, Kinawang, Lagiwey, Masaplora, Pako, Palpalsik, Papait,
Radish. The market of these IVs is comparatively lower than the commercial
vegetables. In most surveys done, Amti and Kalunay were the most common IVs being
sold in the local market followed by Masaplora and Pako. Generally the IVs are sold at a
lower price of Php. 10.00 per bundle. Even then, their total cash income realized from
the sale of these IVs range from 100-150 pesos per market day, i.e. is every Sunday.
CONSERVATION OF SOME INDIGENOUS VEGETABLES
A. IN-SITU PROPAGATION
The survey reveals that IVs are being propagated in-situ. In the Cordillera, some
parts in the region are now cultivating IVs in their backyards. Amaranthus spp. and
Solanum spp. were the most commonly grown and sold in the local markets of the
municipalities of Sagada, La Trinidad, Bontoc, Bokod and including Baguio City. Other
IVs which include Kalunay, Amti, Papait, and Lagiwey are grown as borders in their
fields, as intercrops with commercial vegetables, and as monocrops.
18
In this regard an informal collaboration had been forged with the Northern
Sagada Women’s Organization in Sagada, Mountain Province to help in the promotion
of home gardening in their nearby communities.
B. IN-VITRO PROPAGATION
With the concern of supplying future market demands and the foreseen intense
degradative pressure on natural environments of native species, it is important to
conserve and multiply the germplasm through in vitro tissue culture technique.
Lagiwey (Lactuca indica L), is one among the plants that undergo in-vitro culture.
The initial result of the study showed that stem sections of Lagiwey responded positively
to the different treatments of varying concentrations of IAA and BA with regards to
callus initiation and formation. Although there were differences in the number of days
for callus initiation, callus formation was observed in all experimental treatments.
On the aspect of shoot initiation and formation, treatment 4 (0 ppm IAA and 1
ppm BA) exhibited the most number of shoots formed among all the other experimental
treatments.
As to root initiation and proliferation, in-vitro derived shoots implanted in the
different rooting media exhibited root initiation and proliferation. Meanwhile, in-vitro
culture for Kaominga and Tangtangsoy did not prosper due to non-acceptable rates of
contamination. Other promising IVs are similarly being propagated.
19
Table 3. Importance and value of Indigenous Vegetables
PLACES
Amti
Gendey
Gotukola
Kalunay
Kinawang
Lagiwey
Masaplora
Pako
Palpalsik
Papait
Radish
Benguet
Atok
2 (1)
3 (1)
Bokod
3 (1)
3 (1)
3 (1)
Kapangan
3 (1)
3 (1)
3 (1)
2 (1)
La Trinidad
3 (2)
2 (1)
3 (2)
3 (2)
3 (2)
1 (1)
1 (1)
2 (2)
Mankayan
3 (1)
2 (1)
3 (1)
1 (1)
3 (1)
3 (1)
2 (3)
2 (1)
Baguio City
3 (2)
1 (1)
3 (2)
3 (2)
1 (1)
1 (1)
2 (1)
Mountain
Province
Bauko
3 (1)
3 (1)
2 (1)
Bontoc
3 (1)
3 (1)
2 (1)
Sagada
3 (1)
2 (1)
3 (1)
2 (1)
• Importance (as frequency of use and how common each species was in the market)
was assessed on the scale of 1-3 where:
Legend: 1 – consumption / presence in market – very rare
2 - consumption / presence in market – very occasional
3 - consumption / presence in market – very common
* Numbers in parenthesis represent value assessed on the scale of 1-3 where:
Legend: (1) - low (Php. 10.00)
(2) - average (Php. 15.00)
(3) - high (> Php. 20.00)
20
NUTRITIONAL ANALYSES OF INDIGENOUS VEGETABLES
IVs remain the cheapest source of important protein, vitamins, minerals and
essential amino acids in the diet of many rural communities like the Cordillera.
Nutritional analyses revealed that some indigenous vegetables have notably even
higher nutrient contents if not comparable to Brassica chinensis that served as control.
Most IVs analyzed have higher total ash contents as compared with B. chinensis
(Table 4). Higher total ash content implies higher mineral contents of the plants.
Solanum nigrum has the highest value for crude protein (33.12%) so with Amaranthus
blitum, Rorripa indica, and Bidens pilosa. Proteins are essential components of every
living cell and are utilized in the formation and regeneration of tissues.
Table 4. Proximate Analysis of IVs
Indigenous
Moisture
Total
Crude
Crude Crude Total
Vegetables
(%)
Ash
Protein
Fat
Fiber
CHO
(%)
(%)
(%)
(%)
(%)
Amaranthus blitum
6.00
2.82
26.10
23.01
7.31
34.76
Bidens pilosa
10.64
11.00
23.12
2.92
7.40
44.92
Cestrum nocturnum
5.37
4.65
0.38
8.61
11.02
69.97
Passiflora edulis
5.74
1.73
0.38
8.59
10.71
72.85
Rorippa indica
9.45
11.71
26.01
3.84
8.10
40.89
Solanum nigrum
9.64
10.05
33.12
0.73
4.94
41.52
Sonchus arvensis
10.43
15.94
19.04
4.08
11.40
39.11
Brassica chinensis
9.30
9.00
2.00
0.50
2.20
32.00
* Mean of 3 trials
The crude fat value of Amaranthus blitum, 23.01%, was notably the highest as
compared with the rest of the other IVs including that of the cultivated B. chinensis.
Dietary fats and oils are excellent sources of energy and they contribute to the
palatability of the diet. In terms of the crude fiber, all representative vegetable crops
21
had higher contents compared with the control B. chinensis, with the highest values
noted in Sonchus arvensis, Cestrum nocturnum, and Passiflora edulis.
Vitamin Analysis
Vitamins are organic nutrients that are necessary in small amounts for normal
metabolism and good health. Vitamins are not sources of energy as are carbohydrates,
fats, and proteins. Instead, vitamins serve as chemicals partners for the enzymes
involved in the body’s metabolism, cell production, tissue repair and other vital
processes. Remarkably, Bidens pilosa has the highest value of vitamin C (347.5
mg/100g) and vitamin A (5,629.75 ug/100g) as shown in Table 5. As mentioned
previously, it was interestingly noted that the rural folks’ have other reasons for eating B.
pilosa. They say that the plant prevents goiter, and they use the leaves for ‘tapey’ (rice
wine) making. Perhaps this may well give the idea of developing B. pilosa similar to the
now very popular ‘malunggay’ (Moringa oleifera). It is not impossible to parallel the
current passion for Moringa as a ‘nutritional powerhouse’ (www.fao.org//docrep/007).
Many traditional food crops similarly provide wide array of health benefits.
Table 5. Vitamin Analysis of IVs
Indigenous Vegetables
Vitamin C
Vitamin A
(mg/100g)
(ug/100g)
Amaranthus blitum
44.47
152.98
Bidens pilosa
247.50
5,629.75
Cardamine hirsute
30.15
250.81
Cestrum nocturnum
39.25
474.20
Crassocephalum crepidioides
66.25
400.62
Passiflora edulis
17.05
168.30
Pteridium aquilinum
49.53
384.33
Sonchus arvensis
22.42
411.68
Solanum nigrum
70.22
398.70
Brassica chinensis
33.12
396.56
22
Mineral Analysis
Both macronutrients (P, K, Ca) and micronutrients (Fe, Zn) were found present in
the tissues of the vegetable crops (Table 6) which are all necessary for normal body
functioning. To cite some, Potassium regulates stable blood pressure levels and may
help in the prevention of strokes; Calcium promotes healthy bones and teeth; aids in
weight loss and increases the breakdown of body fats and decreases its formation,
thereby maintaining blood pressure; Zinc protects the liver from damage, promotes
rapid healing of wounds, and maintains healthy prostate function.
Table 6. Tissue Analysis of IVs
Indigenous
P (%)
K (%)
Ca (%)
Fe (ppm)
Zn (ppm)
Vegetables
Amaranthus blitum
0.53
6.35
1.08
530
50
Bidens pilosa
0.40
3.33
1.74
517
103
Cestrum nocturnum
0.71
3.39
0.71
ND
83
Passiflora edulis
0.62
4.13
0.33
170
100
Rorippa indica
0.40
3.87
1.89
386
33
Sonchus arvensis
0.42
4.84
1.49
764
61
Solanum nigrum
0.42
2.75
1.63
329
44
Brassica chinensis
0.35
ND
1.68
370
ND
• ND = No Data
Antioxidant Activity
The antioxidant contents (Table 7) would prove that indigenous vegetables have
the ability to directly scavenge hydroxyl radicals and reduce harm from damaging
chemical processes in the body.
Fruits and vegetables are known to contain phytochemicals with antioxidant
properties. Antioxidants of plants such as phenolics, carotenoids and ascorbic acid are
considered beneficial to health and contribute to the prevention of some chronic
diseases. An adequate intake of natural antioxidants in food is therefore of great
23
importance for protection of macromolecules against oxidative damage in cells
(Gutteridge, 1999).
Table 7. Antioxidant Activity Analysis of IVs
Indigenous Vegetables
Antioxidant Activity (%)
Site properties
Non-Site properties
Amaranthus blitum
52.63
85.33
Bidens pilosa
58.49
81.20
Cestrum nocturnum
63.16
84.67
Crassocephalum crepidioides
23.26
90.73
Passiflora edulis
60.53
80.00
Pteridium aquilinum
33.72
90.73
Sonchus arvensis
60.53
80.67
Solanum nigrum
60.53
80.00
Brassica chinensis
25.58
90.73
BHA
68.42
84.00
BHT
80.26
94.67
Toxicity Test
Plants utilized by man as food contain undesirable natural products called toxins.
However, reports of the cyanogenic glycosides can be detoxified by adequate
processing technique or by traditional methods of preparation. A common method is
heating or cooking the plants, for some toxic components volatilize when the plant is
cooked hence making it safe for human consumption (Bolayo, 2006).
One indicator of the toxicity of a substance is LD50 which refers to the amount of
a substance that kills half of the test organisms. LD50 less than 30 µg/ml / 0.03 mg/ml
indicates toxicity.
A total of 8 species belonging to six genera were tested using the fresh and
ethanol extracts (Table 8). Three species of the fresh extract showed potential toxicity
24
against brine shrimps. These include Amaranthus blitum with an LD50 value of 1.55
µg/ml, Sonchus arvensis with a value of 3.81µg/ml, and Ambelia philippinensis with a
value of 11.22 µg/ml. However, ethanol extract of IVs showed no toxicity. As extracting
with organic solvent such as ethanol involves heating of the plant extract, this implies
that cooking or heating the food plants before consumption destroys the toxicity, thereby
making the IVs safe for human consumption.
Table 8. Toxicity Test of Indigenous Vegetables
Family Name
Scientific Name/
Parts
LD50 (µg/ml)
Local Name
Utilized
Fresh
Ethanol
Amaranthus blitum
Shoots /
Amaranthaceae (kalunay)
Tops
1.55
681.17
Rorippa indica
Shoots /
(gendey, kundey)
Tops
512,861.38
84.43
Brassicaceae
Cardamine hirsuta
(palpalsik)
Aerial part
1,071.51
592.83
Bidens pilosa
Shoots /
Puket/ puriket /pullet
Tops
1,995.26
562.34
Compositae
Sonchus arvensis
(gagattang)
Aerial part
3.81
102.53
Ambelia
Myrsinaceae
philippinensis
Leaves
11.22
35,939.40
(Bina-uk/ palungpong)
Solanum nigrum
Shoot /
Solanaceae
(amti/ nateng)
Tops
102, 329.30
6,020.68
CONCLUSIONS
The nutritional contents of the indigenous vegetables provide the scientific basis
and the justification in recognizing them due to their nutritional contribution to human
health and in preventing ‘hidden hunger’. Knowing the nutritional contents of traditional
food species is an essential and positive step towards the goal of building health
awareness and promotion activities on IVs. These vegetables are naturally growing
25
along with the crops that can be found anywhere, which folks say they cook as viand to
vary flavor for the reason that they already feel satiated with the tastes of the cultivated
ones. Now it can be said that these plants they eat are highly nutritious ones. As major
sources of vitamins and minerals, they offer variety and broaden the food base. Uses of
indigenous vegetables vary from one community depending on satisfying the nutritional
needs and medicinal value. Successful food systems effectively draw on locally
available foods, food variety, and traditional food cultures.
IVs remain the cheapest sources of important proteins, vitamins, mineral, and
antioxidants. Recommendations to increase the intake of vegetables and fruits are
supported by a wealth of epidemiological data, most of which are related to preventing
cancer incidence. Undoubtedly, the increase in vegetable consumption should be one
of the primary approaches to combating nutritional disorders (Chadha and Olouch,
2007).
IMPLICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
More varied and better food products using these indigenous, readily available
resources should be a subject for future activity. Results of this study would provide
knowledge which is of paramount interest to scientific development in the fields of
pharmaceuticals, neutraceuticals or foodstuffs, etc.
The country’s rich natural resources, its people’s unique customary practices are
important heritage that indeed need to be properly documented before they are gone.
Education campaign and community participation is a must in order to
disseminate activities, which are necessary to sustain nature’s biodiversity. In fact,
participatory strategy through home gardening will be the next activity of this project in
26
the areas of Bokod, Benguet, and Sabangan. In Sagada, Mountain Province
collaboration with the Northern Sagada Women’s Organization had been informally
forged to help in the promotion of homegardening in their nearby community. Flyers on
food preparation using IVs as ingredients were also prepared for distribution so that
people would have the needed awareness on the utilization of their indigenous
vegetable resources.
For a strong nation, we must have good governance that will promote the
nutrition needed for a well-educated, healthy and, thereby, productive workforce which
is the actually the gauge of development. In practice this involves empirical research,
public policy, promotion and applied action in support of multi- sectoral, community-
based strategies linking rural producers and urban consumers and subsistence and
market economies.
LITERATURE CITED
ARUNACHALAM, V. 2000. Participatory Conservation: A Means of Encouraging
Community Diversity. Plant Genetic Resources Newsletter. 122: 1-6
BOLAYO, Y.D. 2006. Phytonutrient Analysis of the Shoots of Passion Fruit (Passiflora
edulis, Sims). M. S. Thesis Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet
CHADHA M. and M. OLOUCH. 2007. Home-based vegetable gardens and other
strategies to overcome micronutrient malnutrition in developing countries.
http:/www.avrdc.org
COTTON, C.N. 1996. Ethnobotany:Principles and Applications. New York. John
Willey and Sons Inc.
GUEVARA. A. et al. 1999. Transaction of National Academy of Science and
Technology. Philippines. Vol 21. National Academy of Science and Technology,
Bicutan, Metro Manila.
GUTTERIDGE, H. 1999. Oxygen is a toxic gas-an introduction to oxygen toxicity and
reactive oxygen species. In Free Radical in Biology and Medicine. Oxford Univ.
Press. United Kingdom.pp 1-35
27
HIDAYAT, I. T., R. SUHERMAN, R. K. KUSMANA, R. G. NURHARTUTI, I.
SULASTRINI, T. HANDAYANI AND U. S. NUGHARA. 2006 Promotion of
Indigenous Vegetable Utilization for Conservation and Better Nutrition. Abstract
of paper presented during the First International Conference on Indigenous
Vegetables and Legumes. Hyderabad, India. October 12 – 15. P.35.
HILL, A. F. 1952. Economic Botany. 2nd ed. Mc Graw Hill Book Company, New York
LIRIO, L. G. 2000. Screening of Extracts of Philippine Plants for Antibacterial Activity
and Identification of 3-(3,4-Dihydrooxyphenyl)-1-Propeen. Ph. D. Dissertation.
University of Gent. Belgium
LIRIO, L. G. L.O. AYYOKAD AND J. N. PAING. 2006. Indigenous Semi-Temperate
Vegetables of the Cordillera. Semi-Temperate Vegetable Research and
Development Center, Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
OKIGBO, B. N. 1990. Vegetable in Tropical Africa. Proceedings of Workshop in the
Vegetable Research and Development in SADCC Countries. Asian Vegetable
Research and Development Center. Arusha, Tanzania.
ORDOÑEZ, E. 2007. Nutrition and Governance. Philippine Daily Inquirer. October 26,
2007. B2. Col. 1-4. pp.
SAUPE, S.G. 2006. Plants and Human Affairs. http://www.employees.csbsju.SSAUPE
SHANMUGASUNDARAM, S. 2007. Past, Present and Future of Indigenous
Vegetabales. Abstract submitted during the First International Conference on
Indigenous Vegetables and Legumes. Hyderabad, India. P.87
YANG, R. Y. J. WU, M. LIN, R. SHIAW, AND G. KUO. 2006. Variation among 120
Edible Plants for Nutraceutical Values: Abstract of paper presented during the
First International Conference on Indigenous Vegetables and Legumes:
Hyderabad, India, Dec. 12-15, 2006. P. 34
Manual on Food Analyses. 1991. Institute of Food Sciences University of the
Philippines at Los Baños, College, Laguna.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Funding support from VLIR through STVRDC – PIUC - BSU
The rural folks, staff of the various offices of the municipal agriculture office
LGU’s and farmers for their cooperation during interviews.
Northern Sagada Women’s Organization
28
Characterization and Propagation of Indigenous Vegetables
of the Highland Cordilleras”
Lorenza G. Lirio, Manuel A. Balcita, Louisa P. Pladio,
Lito O. Ayyokad, and Joyce N. Paing
ABSTRACT
Survey and botanical characterization of the indigenous
vegetables(IVs) in Benguet and Mountain Province were undertaken
through a participatory approach with the local folks who were asked
about their traditional uses of wild, endemic, and indigenous food plants,
their manner of use and preparation of edible parts, and other uses
besides as food. The survey documented 49 species of plants
belonging to 21 families, which are eaten as food, mostly utilizing the
young shoots or tops. Chemical analyses revealed that IVs are indeed
rich in minerals, vitamins, proteins, antioxidants, etc., which are
necessary to meet the nutritional requirements of the consumer. Toxicity
test indicated that IVs are safe to eat. In-vitro culture is one possible way
of propagating IVs.
In order to increase awareness on the utilization of these
important food crops, several strategies were undertaken. A book with
the title “Indigenous Semi Temperate Vegetables of Cordillera” was
published recently. Each plant presented in the book was provided with
photograph, botanical descriptions, common or local name used in the
place where the plant is found, scientific name, and other uses besides
as food. Also, flyers and handbook on food/viand preparation using
the vegetable crop as one of the ingredients in the menu, and posters
were made. Meanwhile, home gardening of promising indigenous
vegetables in selected areas is underway.
INTRODUCTION
Nowadays people go back to the nature’s basics, whether in terms of farming
practices, herbal treatment of maladies or indigenous food supplements in attempts to
protect the environment. More so, during these difficult times, there is a need to tap our
nature’s free gifts for alternative additional sources that would ease our demand for
medicine, shelter, fuel, etc, but most especially for food.
1
Insufficient vegetable and fruit consumption annually causes 2.7 million deaths
worldwide and is one of top 10 risk factors contributing to human mortality. Billions of
people are still undernourished, and they have not sufficiently benefited from the
vegetable production and consumption. Nutrition status is internationally recognized as
a key indicator of national development. It is not surprising therefore why over fifty
countries worldwide had so much interest on indigenous vegetables (Yang et al., 2007).
The above scenario should have been the guiding principle of the Programmang
Gulayan Para sa Masa, a project of the national government, which aims to reduce
hunger and malnutrition in selected areas of the country. It is a vegetable backyard-
raising program to provide livelihood opportunities and easy access to more affordable
vegetables. Offshoots of the said program are other national endeavors like that of the
Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural Research’s (DA–BAR’s) “Indigenous
Plants for Health and Wellness Research and Development Program” which aims to
promote and to highlight the importance of indigenous plants and to encourage farmers
to plant them. Another program is that by the National Nutrition Council of the
Philippines--the FAITH (Food Available in the Home), which is a low cost undertaking
that aims to increase production of common fruits and vegetables in one’s backyard
(Ordoñez, 2007). Indeed, the political environment is currently favorable for efforts to
enhance the sustainable use of underultilized plant species, such as IVs.
A place of many tribal groups, the Cordillera region is home to a diversity of
endemic and indigenous plant species and even customary practices, which have
captured the interests of environmentalists, researchers, and other enthusiasts. Tribal
areas harbor a rich array of indigenous wild varieties and landraces, and are the source
2
of valuable genes. Traits governing taste, cooking quality, nutritional value, yield
stability rather than yield per se, and other attributes such as drought resistance are of
equal importance (Arunachalam, 2000). It is this supply of reserve food that man
appropriates for future use. The essential foods, carbohydrates, fats and proteins, each
valuable in its own way in man’s metabolism, are all available in plants. The leafy parts
of plants, the green, and other herbage vegetables, contain comparatively little stored
food. However, they are necessary because of the vitamins and minerals they contain
and the mechanical effect of the indigestive cellulose material (Hill, 1952). A
considerable variety of vegetable species are indigenous to Cordillera. Among this
biodiversity many plants exist with promising properties for different uses. There is a
need to collate and analyze information on the species of potential value and their
distribution which is a first step necessary in formulating a plan on which
conservationists can develop appropriate strategies for the propagation and wise
utilization of these plant species including the indigenous vegetables.
OBJECTIVES
General: To survey, characterize, conserve, and propagate indigenous germplasm of
the highland Cordilleras in order to uplift the livelihood of farmers through a sustainable
semi-temperate vegetable production.
Specific:
a. To survey and make a thorough inventory of indigenous vegetables of the
highland Cordilleras
b. To document the ethnobotanical utilization of these indigenous vegetables
3
c. To conduct in-situ propagation of indigenous vegetables likewise determine
in-vitro propagation protocols
d. To undertake chemical analyses of the nutrient content of the various
indigenous vegetables such as proximate, vitamin, antioxidant, and mineral
contents
e. To conduct toxicity tests for some selected IVs
f. To disseminate results to end users in order to increase the awareness on the
utilization of the indigenous vegetables
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
In technical sense, all plants are vegetables. The term, however, is usually
applied to edible plants, which store up reserve food in roots, stems, leaves, and fruits
and which are eaten cooked, or raw as salad plants. The food value of vegetables is
comparatively low, owing to the large amount of water present (70 to 95%). Even so,
they rank next to cereals as source of carbohydrates food which are usually present in
the form of starch, although occasionally sugar, pectins, or other substances may occur.
Proteins, save in legumes, are rarely available, and fats are stored only in very slight
amounts. The nutritive value of vegetables is increased greatly, however, by the
presence of the indispensable mineral salts and vitamins, while the roughage value of
the various tissues aids digestion (Hill, 1952).
The word vegetable is used to designate an edible, mostly herbaceous plant
species, or a relatively tender part of it, that is consumed fresh, steamed or boiled,
salted or unsalted, alone or in combination with other foodstuffs and sometimes as an
ingredient in soups or stews (Okigbo, 1990). Indigenous vegetables refer to species or
4
variety genuinely native to a region, or to a crop introduced into a region where it has
evolved (or has been naturalized) over a period of time. Most of these underutilized
these species range from those that are regularly cultivated to those that are completely
wild as weeds, resistant to pest and diseases, better adapted to their ecology, and
which could be a storehouse of desirable traits necessary for the improvement of
vegetable species. In addition to being cost effective supplementary sources of calories
and some proteins, these vegetables when sold, contribute significantly to the farmers’
income (AVRDC, 1990; Yang et al., 2006 ).
IVs have been a traditional part of cropping system long time ago especially in
home gardens and their cultivation, utilization, and acceptability do not usually pose
problems because they are familiar to the local population (Chadha and Olouch, 2007).
It is also well known that plants are abundant sources of medicinal drugs.
Between 25-50% of current prescription pharmaceuticals come from plants, either
directly or through modifications of biochemical templates harvested from the plants
(Deans and Kennedy, 1995 as cited by Lirio, 2000).
In the past decade or two, due to the rapid advances in science and technology,
particularly in food, nutrition, health and biochemistry, human beings have become
more aware of health and longevity. Nutraceutical crops are getting recognition and
they are mobilized globally for production and use. The demand for nature-made
medicines and pharmaceutical products will dictate the choice of crops. The demand
for natural energy source will hunt crops for biofuels. Presently, the world is primarily
concerned with conserving the biodiversity of major food crops. Preserving the
5
biodiversity of IVs which may not stand a chance to survive the onslaught of human
development is extremely important to focus on (Shanmugasundaram, 2007).
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Indigenous vegetables play an important role in the Cordilleran diet. Several
inputs are necessary in an effort to know and document the indigenous vegetables
utilized by old folks and other native respondents (Fig. 1). The surveyed IVs were
identified, characterized, and validated. Some of the IVs were subjected to nutritional
analyses to determine proximate, vitamin, antioxidant, and mineral contents in order to
give the consumer, ideas of what they really get when they eat such food crop.
Documentation of the surveyed IVs in the CAR Region were compiled into a handbook
entitled “Indigenous Semi-Temperate Vegetables of Cordillera” (Lirio, et al., 2006);
nutrient contents of IVs, compilation of recipes using IVs as ingredients, and flyers and
posters were made for further dissemination of the IVs importance and their utilization.
The role vegetables in providing essential vitamins and minerals in the diet are
often conceded though not applied in practice. Limited food limits the nutrient intake that
is necessary for good bodily functions. This project, therefore, endeavors to increase
the awareness on IVs which necessary to help diversify production systems, income
and diets in order to produce healthy and productive people, all crucial in attaining the
goal to alleviate hunger, malnutrition, and poverty.
6
INPUTS
OUTPUTS
IMPACTS
Awareness on IVs
a) Survey of
Compilation of
Indigenous
surveyed IVs
Utilization of IVs
Vegetables,
and Interview
Posters and
Planting of IVs for
♦ Identification
Flyers
increased
♦ Characterization
production
♦
Nutrient contents
Validation
of IVs analyzed
Increased farmer’s
b) Nutritional
income
Analyses
Compilation of
♦ Proximate
recipes using IVs
Healthy and
♦ Vitamin
as ingredients
productive people
♦ Antioxidant
♦ Mineral
Healthy environment
Poverty alleviation
Figure 1. Conceptual Framework of the Study
METHODOLOGY
Diversity of Indigenous Vegetables in the Cordillera
A. Survey of the Indigenous Vegetables
Trips were made to selected semi-temperate parts of the Cordillera, namely
Benguet, Mountain Province, Ifugao and including Baguio City to conduct survey about
the distribution and utilization of indigenous vegetables. Elders, farmers, and staff
member of the municipal agriculture offices were interviewed. Impromptu inquiries with
any person met on gardens, households, or during informal gatherings of folks were
also made. They were asked about indigenous knowledge and traditional uses of wild,
indigenous and endemic food plants, their manner of preparation of edible plant parts
and other uses besides as food.
7
The plants were photodocumented, botanically described as to: stem (woody or
succulent), growth habit (vine, herb, etc), propagation (thru seed, rhizome, etc), habitat
(swampy, dry, etc), and their uses.
B. Ethnobotanical Utilization of the Indigenous Vegetables
Ethnobotanical information about the plants was obtained including food
consumption and medicinal utilization as captured during the interviews with the rural
folks.
Also vendors and consumers of indigenous vegetables were interviewed in the
different municipalities of Benguet and Mountain Province to determine the economic
potential of these crops.
Conservation of Indigenous Vegetables
A. In-vitro Propagation
Propagation in-vitro of the selected indigenous vegetable was done at the
Biology Department Tissue Culture Laboratory, College of Arts and Sciences, Benguet
State University.
B. In-situ Propagation
Conservation of the indigenous vegetables was initiated in the municipality of
Sagada, Mountain Province through participatory home gardening.
Nutritional Analyses of Indigenous Vegetables
A. Nutrient and Vitamin Analyses
Selected IVs were subjected to different chemical analyses of their contents.
The proximate analysis consists of the determination of moisture or volatile matter, ash,
(using the combustion method), crude fat (by Soxhlet method), crude protein (by
8
Kjeldahl method), crude fiber (thru Weende method), and carbohydrate (by
spectroscopic determination of the furfural by the action of sulfuric acid). Solvent
extraction and HPLC or the spectrophotometer were used to determine vitamins A and
C. Antioxidant activity and mineral analysis likewise used appropriate procedures
(Manual of Food Analysis, 1991).
B. Toxicity Test of Indigenous Vegetables
Some selected IVs were subjected to a toxicity test using brine shrimp bioassay
(as adopted by Bolayo, 2006).
Dissemination of information
Educational materials were prepared as strategies to disseminate the result of
the project. Book, recipe handbook, flyers, and posters are some outputs of the
project, which when distributed, hoped to boost the awareness on the utilization of these
important food plants. Efforts were also done to present results in various local,
regional, national, and international venues/ conferences to enhance people’s
awareness on IVs.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
DIVERSITY OF INDIGENOUS VEGETABLES IN THE CORDILLERA
Biodiversity is essential for agriculture and food production since humankind is
depending on extremely small basis for agricultural and biological diversity for its food.
Moreover biodiversity has to be managed in such a way as to assure it will continue to
provide maximum benefits to humans over the long run.
The diversity of the indigenous food crops in the Cordillera documented forty-
nine (49) indigenous vegetables from the 11 municipalities of Benguet and from the 4
9
municipalities in Mountain Province and including Baguio City. These plants belong to
21 families with about 19.15% of the species belonging to Asteraceae, followed by
10.64% in Solanaceae. The rest are distributed among the other families (Figure 2).
Asteraceae
Solanaceae
45%
Amaranthaceae
Cruciferae
40%
40.42%
Passifloraceae
35%
Begoniaceae
30%
e
Leguminosae
t
ag 25%
n
e
19.15%
Other families
r
c 20%
e
P 15%
10.64%
10%
8.51%
6.38%
5%
6.38%
4.26%
0%
4.26%
Figure 2. Plant distribution per family
Table 1 presents the list of the indigenous semi-temperate vegetables, including
the five unidentified species, showing the mode of preparation when used as food and
including the parts being utilized.
10
Table 1. Indigenous vegetables in the highland Cordilleras
CROP
PLANT PART
MODE OF PREPARATION
Common
Scientific Name
Name
Kalunay
Amaranthus blitum L.
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
tops
with legumes or meat
Kalunay
Amaranthus gracilis Desf.
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
tops
with legumes or meat
Kalunay
Amaranthus hybridus L.
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
tops
with legumes or meat
Kalunay siitan
Amaranthus spinosus L.
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
tops
with legumes or meat
Pikaw
Schismatoglottis
young plant
plainly blanched / steamed or mixed
calyptrata (Roxb) Zoll
with meat
and Motr.
Kaominga
Begonia sp.
Stalk
eaten raw or as condiment for fish
and meat
Kaominga
Begonia sp.
Stalk
eaten raw or as condiment for fish
and meat
Palpasik
Cardamine hirsuta L.
young plant
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
with legumes or meat
Raddish
Raphanus sativus L.
flowers and
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
young leaves
with legumes or meat
/tops
Gendey
Rorippa indica (L.) Hiern
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
tops
with legumes or meat
Prince Crown
Echinopsis coronata
Bulb
eaten as salad or for garnish
Cactus
Salengsaleng
Spergula arvensis L.
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
tops
with legumes or meat
Bulakmanok
Ageratum conyzoides
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
Linn.
tops
with legumes or meat
Puriket
Bidens bipinnata Linn.
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
tops
with legumes or meat
Puriket
Bidens pilosa L. Var.
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
Minor
tops
with legumes or meat
Haphapon
Crassocephalum
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
crepidioides (Benth) S.
tops
with legumes or meat
Moore
Lagiwey
Lactuca indica L.
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
tops
with legumes or meat / as salad
Gagattang
Sonchus arvensis L.
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
tops
with legumes or meat
Gagattang
Sonchus asper Hill
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
tops
with legumes or meat
11
Table 1. continued…
Gagattang
Sonchus oleraceus L.
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
tops
with legumes or meat
Dandelion
Taraxacum officinale
young shoots /
eaten as salad and for food garnish
(With). Weber
tops
Alam-am
Pteridium aquilinum L.
young shoots /
dried shoots are mixed with meat or
tops
legumes or as tea
Kamoteng
Manihot esculenta
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
kahoy
Crantz.
tops
with legumes or meat
Runo
Miscanthus sinensis
young stalk
eaten raw / salad
Catnip
Nepeta cataria Linn.
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed mixed
tops
with meat or legumes or as tea
Lima bean
Phaseolus lunatus L.
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
tops
with legumes or meat
Sweet pea
Pisum sativum L.
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
tops
with legumes or meat
Mulberry
Morus alba L.
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
tops
with legumes or meat
Bitog
Musa spp.
middle most
steamed mixed with meat
stalk
Binaok
Ambelia philippinensis
Leaves
condiment for fish and meat
Native masap
Pasiflora edulis Sims.
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
tops
with legumes or meat
American
Pasiflora ligularis
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
masap
tops
with legumes or meat
Western
Passiflora quadrangularis
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
masap
Linn.
tops
with legumes or meat
Pako
Athyrium esculentum
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
(Retz)
tops
with legumes or meat
Gabing uwak
Monochoria
young plant
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
vaginalis(Burm.f.) Presl.
with legumes or meat
Pansit-
Peperomia pelucida (L.)
young shoot /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
pansitan
HBK
young plant
with legumes or meat / salad
Alusiman
Portulaca oleracea Linn.
young shoots /
mixed with meat and fish
tops
Dam a de
Cestrum nocturnum
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
noche
tops
with legumes or meat
Gubayas
Physalis angulata L.
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
tops and fruit
with legumes or meat
Amti
Solanum nigrum L.
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
tops
with legumes or meat
Patatas
Solanum tuberosum L.
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
tops
with legumes or meat
Papait
Solanum sp.
young fruit
Sautéed
12
Table 1. continued…
Takip kuhol
Centella asiatica (L.)
young shoots /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
Urban
tops
with legumes or meat / salad
Panawil
Leptosalena haenkei
Flower
mixed with fish and meat
Baukok
Fruit
mixed with fish and meat /
condiment
Inangel
young shoot
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
with legumes or meat
Kunchey /
young shoot /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
Tang-tangsoy
young plant
with legumes or meat
Soria
young shoot /
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
young plant
with legumes or meat
Kokong-ngo
young shoot
plainly blanched/ steamed or mixed
with legumes or meat
ETHNOBOTANICAL UTILIZATION OF THE INDIGENOUS VEGETABLES
Today, millions of traditional peoples still use plants as sources of food, clothing,
shelter, fuel and medicine. Since the beginning of mankind, people have relied primarily
on plants for nourishment. Through trial and error they discovered that some plants are
good for food, that some are poisonous, and that others produce bodily changes such
as increased perspiration, bowel movement, urination, relief of pain, hallucination, and
healing. Over the millennia, those observations were passed orally from generation to
generation, each time adding to and refining the body of knowledge. Each culture the
world over has in this manner developed a body of herbal knowledge as part of its
tradition (Cotton, 1996).
In the Cordillera region as presented in this paper, the most widely used as food
in terms of the number of species are the Amaranthus spp. (4 species), Sonchus spp.
(3 species), Passiflora spp. (3 species). Interestingly, these same species possess
some medicinal value. These plants are included in the 51% of the species that are
used by the folks to cure or prevent different forms of illnesses (Table 2).
13
Table 2. Traditional utilization of native vegetables used as medicine in the Cordillera
CROP
MEDICINAL VALUE
Common Name
Scientific Name
Kalunay
Amaranthus gracilis Desf.
emollient poultices
Kalunay siitan
Amaranthus spinosus L.
antidote for snake bite and cure for kidney
and bowel ailments
Raddish
Raphanus sativus L.
prevents diabetes
Gendey
Rorippa indica (L.) Hiern
cure for chronic bronchitis and colds
Bulakmanok
Ageratum conyzoides Linn.
cure for fresh wounds
Puriket
Bidens bipinnata Linn.
cure for diarrhea
Gagattang
Sonchus arvensis L.
emollient, chronic fevers, coughs, bronchitis,
etc.
Gagattang
Sonchus asper Hill
emollient, cure for boils and wounds
Gagattang
Sonchus oleraceus L.
for cleansing wounds
Dandelion
Taraxacum officinale (With).
for liver and kidney complaints or disorders
Weber
Runo
Miscanthus sinensis
use to treat wounds
Catnip
Nepeta cataria Linn.
for colds and fever
Mulberry
Morus alba L.
use an eyewash to cure sore eyes
Native masap
Pasiflora edulis Sims.
for hypertension and arthritis, good for hang-
over & diarrhea
Pansit-pansitan
Peperomia pellucida (L.) HBK
used for urinary tract infection (UTI)
Alusiman
Portulaca oleracea Linn.
used to heal wounds and scurvy
Dama de noche
Cestrum nocturnum
preventive for ulcer and good for hang-over
Amti
Solanum nigrum L.
decoction for mouth wash, wounds, sores
Patatas
Solanum tuberosum L.
for mumps
Takip kuhol
Centella asiatica (L.) Urban
for urinary tract infections and kidney trouble;
also for cleansing wounds
Among the Amaranthus spp., only two, Amaranthus. gracilis (Fig. 3a) and A.
spinosus (Fig. 3b) were found to possess medicinal values as emollient poultice, for
bowel and kidney ailments and as antidote for snake bites. Amaranthus blitum and A.
hybridus are the species only utilized as food. Even with the Passiflora spp. not all have
medicinal uses; while P. ligularis has no medicinal value noted so far, the juice of the P.
edulis (Fig. 3c) is used widely as relief for arthritis, for hypertension; also good for hang-
14
over and diarrhea. P. quadrangularis (Fig. 3d) is good as body cleanser apart from its
fermented juice made into wine. The same is also true with the Solanum spp.. S.
nigrum (Fig. 3e) and S. tuberosum (Fig. 3f) are medicinal apart from their young shoots
being cooked as vegetable and mixed with legume or meat.
Fig. 3. Some
indigenous
semi-temperate
vegetables:
(a) Amaranthus
gracilis
(b) A. spinosus
(c) Passiflora
edulis
(d) P. quarangularis
(e) Solanum nigrum
(f) S. tuberosum
In terms of frequency, Rorippa indica (Fig. 4a), Bidens pilosa (Fig. 4b), Solanum
nigrum (Fig. 4c), Sonchus arvensis (Fig. 4d), and Cardamine hirsuta (Fig. 4e) are used
as food in most places of the municipalities where they are present. Similarly, these
species have medicinal uses. B. pilosa for example is popularly eaten because folks
claim of its goiter- preventive property. Folks also use the plant in ‘tapey’ (rice wine)-
making, a tradition they are known for. The value of these representatives and other
species not only as food but as medicines as well, should be reasons for their wider
utilization.
15
Fig. 4
a) Rorippa indica,
b) Bidens pilosa,
c) Sonchus arvensis
d) Cardamine hirsuta
e) Centella asiatica
On the other hand, though widely medicinal and some species while found
growing in several localities, a certain species is not being utilized as food in many
places where they are found. As an example, Centella asiatica could be found growing
and used as medicinal in most places surveyed but it is only utilized as food in Baguio
City, in La Trinidad, Benguet, and in Sagada, Mountain Province. As a medicinal plant,
old folks use the decoction of C. asiatica as cleansing for urinary tract infections and
kidney trouble. Leaves of the fresh plant when pounded are also used to cure bleeding
wounds when applied as dressing over the affected part. Roots of this plant contain
16
substances used as tonic, blood purifier and improve memory. Also, the folks believe
that eating of fresh leaves everyday will prolong life.
Guevarra et al. (1999) stated that plants have long been used to cure and / or
prevent many diseases. The observed efficacy of these plants has made them very
popular and in fact, some are considered as “cure-all” medicine. Solanum nigrum is
one plant that is known as antidiabetes and has hypoglycemic or blood glucose
lowering activity.
The role of food plants in the development of human culture has been
emphasized, but it should be noted that food plants are not the only one’s that have a
vital place in man’s economy. There are also plant drugs and poisons, fiber plants, dye
and tanning plants, the oil, the gum and resin sources, the structural timber plants, and
others. Plant chemicals continue to provide an important range of products to both
traditional and industrialized communities. These are obtained from plants that are able
to synthesize and accumulate a vast array of secondary chemical which are beneficial
to human societies.
COMMERCIALIZATION OF INDIGENOUS VEGETABLES
To alleviate and reduce poverty among Cordilleran, one of the strategies is to
promote economic opportunities, empowering the poor, and enhancing social safety.
The later is directed to attain better health and nutrition particularly for low-income
households, to decrease nutrition deficiency and to have a better environment for safer
living. Indigenous vegetables have been known and are utilized in some ethnics as
vegetables, spice, ornamental and traditional medicine. However, progressive
development in agriculture, social and economy as well as culture, for example, a
17
common use of modern vegetable varieties has put IVs as minor vegetables. Through
the Regional Education and Technology Assistance (RETA) 6067 project, efforts have
been initiated in order to promote utilization of IVs for improving nutrition and livelihood
of poor household in Asia including Cordillera (Hidayat, et. al. 2006). In fact, this project
has documented the efforts to commercialize these IVs in some municipalities in
Benguet and Mountain Province, including Baguio City (Table 3). Of the 49 IVs
surveyed, eleven (11) had already reached the local market. These include Amti,
Gendey, Gotukola, Kalunay, Kinawang, Lagiwey, Masaplora, Pako, Palpalsik, Papait,
Radish. The market of these IVs is comparatively lower than the commercial
vegetables. In most surveys done, Amti and Kalunay were the most common IVs being
sold in the local market followed by Masaplora and Pako. Generally the IVs are sold at a
lower price of Php. 10.00 per bundle. Even then, their total cash income realized from
the sale of these IVs range from 100-150 pesos per market day, i.e. is every Sunday.
CONSERVATION OF SOME INDIGENOUS VEGETABLES
A. IN-SITU PROPAGATION
The survey reveals that IVs are being propagated in-situ. In the Cordillera, some
parts in the region are now cultivating IVs in their backyards. Amaranthus spp. and
Solanum spp. were the most commonly grown and sold in the local markets of the
municipalities of Sagada, La Trinidad, Bontoc, Bokod and including Baguio City. Other
IVs which include Kalunay, Amti, Papait, and Lagiwey are grown as borders in their
fields, as intercrops with commercial vegetables, and as monocrops.
18
In this regard an informal collaboration had been forged with the Northern
Sagada Women’s Organization in Sagada, Mountain Province to help in the promotion
of home gardening in their nearby communities.
B. IN-VITRO PROPAGATION
With the concern of supplying future market demands and the foreseen intense
degradative pressure on natural environments of native species, it is important to
conserve and multiply the germplasm through in vitro tissue culture technique.
Lagiwey (Lactuca indica L), is one among the plants that undergo in-vitro culture.
The initial result of the study showed that stem sections of Lagiwey responded positively
to the different treatments of varying concentrations of IAA and BA with regards to
callus initiation and formation. Although there were differences in the number of days
for callus initiation, callus formation was observed in all experimental treatments.
On the aspect of shoot initiation and formation, treatment 4 (0 ppm IAA and 1
ppm BA) exhibited the most number of shoots formed among all the other experimental
treatments.
As to root initiation and proliferation, in-vitro derived shoots implanted in the
different rooting media exhibited root initiation and proliferation. Meanwhile, in-vitro
culture for Kaominga and Tangtangsoy did not prosper due to non-acceptable rates of
contamination. Other promising IVs are similarly being propagated.
19
Table 3. Importance and value of Indigenous Vegetables
PLACES
Amti
Gendey
Gotukola
Kalunay
Kinawang
Lagiwey
Masaplora
Pako
Palpalsik
Papait
Radish
Benguet
Atok
2 (1)
3 (1)
Bokod
3 (1)
3 (1)
3 (1)
Kapangan
3 (1)
3 (1)
3 (1)
2 (1)
La Trinidad
3 (2)
2 (1)
3 (2)
3 (2)
3 (2)
1 (1)
1 (1)
2 (2)
Mankayan
3 (1)
2 (1)
3 (1)
1 (1)
3 (1)
3 (1)
2 (3)
2 (1)
Baguio City
3 (2)
1 (1)
3 (2)
3 (2)
1 (1)
1 (1)
2 (1)
Mountain
Province
Bauko
3 (1)
3 (1)
2 (1)
Bontoc
3 (1)
3 (1)
2 (1)
Sagada
3 (1)
2 (1)
3 (1)
2 (1)
• Importance (as frequency of use and how common each species was in the market)
was assessed on the scale of 1-3 where:
Legend: 1 – consumption / presence in market – very rare
2 - consumption / presence in market – very occasional
3 - consumption / presence in market – very common
* Numbers in parenthesis represent value assessed on the scale of 1-3 where:
Legend: (1) - low (Php. 10.00)
(2) - average (Php. 15.00)
(3) - high (> Php. 20.00)
20
NUTRITIONAL ANALYSES OF INDIGENOUS VEGETABLES
IVs remain the cheapest source of important protein, vitamins, minerals and
essential amino acids in the diet of many rural communities like the Cordillera.
Nutritional analyses revealed that some indigenous vegetables have notably even
higher nutrient contents if not comparable to Brassica chinensis that served as control.
Most IVs analyzed have higher total ash contents as compared with B. chinensis
(Table 4). Higher total ash content implies higher mineral contents of the plants.
Solanum nigrum has the highest value for crude protein (33.12%) so with Amaranthus
blitum, Rorripa indica, and Bidens pilosa. Proteins are essential components of every
living cell and are utilized in the formation and regeneration of tissues.
Table 4. Proximate Analysis of IVs
Indigenous
Moisture
Total
Crude
Crude Crude Total
Vegetables
(%)
Ash
Protein
Fat
Fiber
CHO
(%)
(%)
(%)
(%)
(%)
Amaranthus blitum
6.00
2.82
26.10
23.01
7.31
34.76
Bidens pilosa
10.64
11.00
23.12
2.92
7.40
44.92
Cestrum nocturnum
5.37
4.65
0.38
8.61
11.02
69.97
Passiflora edulis
5.74
1.73
0.38
8.59
10.71
72.85
Rorippa indica
9.45
11.71
26.01
3.84
8.10
40.89
Solanum nigrum
9.64
10.05
33.12
0.73
4.94
41.52
Sonchus arvensis
10.43
15.94
19.04
4.08
11.40
39.11
Brassica chinensis
9.30
9.00
2.00
0.50
2.20
32.00
* Mean of 3 trials
The crude fat value of Amaranthus blitum, 23.01%, was notably the highest as
compared with the rest of the other IVs including that of the cultivated B. chinensis.
Dietary fats and oils are excellent sources of energy and they contribute to the
palatability of the diet. In terms of the crude fiber, all representative vegetable crops
21
had higher contents compared with the control B. chinensis, with the highest values
noted in Sonchus arvensis, Cestrum nocturnum, and Passiflora edulis.
Vitamin Analysis
Vitamins are organic nutrients that are necessary in small amounts for normal
metabolism and good health. Vitamins are not sources of energy as are carbohydrates,
fats, and proteins. Instead, vitamins serve as chemicals partners for the enzymes
involved in the body’s metabolism, cell production, tissue repair and other vital
processes. Remarkably, Bidens pilosa has the highest value of vitamin C (347.5
mg/100g) and vitamin A (5,629.75 ug/100g) as shown in Table 5. As mentioned
previously, it was interestingly noted that the rural folks’ have other reasons for eating B.
pilosa. They say that the plant prevents goiter, and they use the leaves for ‘tapey’ (rice
wine) making. Perhaps this may well give the idea of developing B. pilosa similar to the
now very popular ‘malunggay’ (Moringa oleifera). It is not impossible to parallel the
current passion for Moringa as a ‘nutritional powerhouse’ (www.fao.org//docrep/007).
Many traditional food crops similarly provide wide array of health benefits.
Table 5. Vitamin Analysis of IVs
Indigenous Vegetables
Vitamin C
Vitamin A
(mg/100g)
(ug/100g)
Amaranthus blitum
44.47
152.98
Bidens pilosa
247.50
5,629.75
Cardamine hirsute
30.15
250.81
Cestrum nocturnum
39.25
474.20
Crassocephalum crepidioides
66.25
400.62
Passiflora edulis
17.05
168.30
Pteridium aquilinum
49.53
384.33
Sonchus arvensis
22.42
411.68
Solanum nigrum
70.22
398.70
Brassica chinensis
33.12
396.56
22
Mineral Analysis
Both macronutrients (P, K, Ca) and micronutrients (Fe, Zn) were found present in
the tissues of the vegetable crops (Table 6) which are all necessary for normal body
functioning. To cite some, Potassium regulates stable blood pressure levels and may
help in the prevention of strokes; Calcium promotes healthy bones and teeth; aids in
weight loss and increases the breakdown of body fats and decreases its formation,
thereby maintaining blood pressure; Zinc protects the liver from damage, promotes
rapid healing of wounds, and maintains healthy prostate function.
Table 6. Tissue Analysis of IVs
Indigenous
P (%)
K (%)
Ca (%)
Fe (ppm)
Zn (ppm)
Vegetables
Amaranthus blitum
0.53
6.35
1.08
530
50
Bidens pilosa
0.40
3.33
1.74
517
103
Cestrum nocturnum
0.71
3.39
0.71
ND
83
Passiflora edulis
0.62
4.13
0.33
170
100
Rorippa indica
0.40
3.87
1.89
386
33
Sonchus arvensis
0.42
4.84
1.49
764
61
Solanum nigrum
0.42
2.75
1.63
329
44
Brassica chinensis
0.35
ND
1.68
370
ND
• ND = No Data
Antioxidant Activity
The antioxidant contents (Table 7) would prove that indigenous vegetables have
the ability to directly scavenge hydroxyl radicals and reduce harm from damaging
chemical processes in the body.
Fruits and vegetables are known to contain phytochemicals with antioxidant
properties. Antioxidants of plants such as phenolics, carotenoids and ascorbic acid are
considered beneficial to health and contribute to the prevention of some chronic
diseases. An adequate intake of natural antioxidants in food is therefore of great
23
importance for protection of macromolecules against oxidative damage in cells
(Gutteridge, 1999).
Table 7. Antioxidant Activity Analysis of IVs
Indigenous Vegetables
Antioxidant Activity (%)
Site properties
Non-Site properties
Amaranthus blitum
52.63
85.33
Bidens pilosa
58.49
81.20
Cestrum nocturnum
63.16
84.67
Crassocephalum crepidioides
23.26
90.73
Passiflora edulis
60.53
80.00
Pteridium aquilinum
33.72
90.73
Sonchus arvensis
60.53
80.67
Solanum nigrum
60.53
80.00
Brassica chinensis
25.58
90.73
BHA
68.42
84.00
BHT
80.26
94.67
Toxicity Test
Plants utilized by man as food contain undesirable natural products called toxins.
However, reports of the cyanogenic glycosides can be detoxified by adequate
processing technique or by traditional methods of preparation. A common method is
heating or cooking the plants, for some toxic components volatilize when the plant is
cooked hence making it safe for human consumption (Bolayo, 2006).
One indicator of the toxicity of a substance is LD50 which refers to the amount of
a substance that kills half of the test organisms. LD50 less than 30 µg/ml / 0.03 mg/ml
indicates toxicity.
A total of 8 species belonging to six genera were tested using the fresh and
ethanol extracts (Table 8). Three species of the fresh extract showed potential toxicity
24
against brine shrimps. These include Amaranthus blitum with an LD50 value of 1.55
µg/ml, Sonchus arvensis with a value of 3.81µg/ml, and Ambelia philippinensis with a
value of 11.22 µg/ml. However, ethanol extract of IVs showed no toxicity. As extracting
with organic solvent such as ethanol involves heating of the plant extract, this implies
that cooking or heating the food plants before consumption destroys the toxicity, thereby
making the IVs safe for human consumption.
Table 8. Toxicity Test of Indigenous Vegetables
Family Name
Scientific Name/
Parts
LD50 (µg/ml)
Local Name
Utilized
Fresh
Ethanol
Amaranthus blitum
Shoots /
Amaranthaceae (kalunay)
Tops
1.55
681.17
Rorippa indica
Shoots /
(gendey, kundey)
Tops
512,861.38
84.43
Brassicaceae
Cardamine hirsuta
(palpalsik)
Aerial part
1,071.51
592.83
Bidens pilosa
Shoots /
Puket/ puriket /pullet
Tops
1,995.26
562.34
Compositae
Sonchus arvensis
(gagattang)
Aerial part
3.81
102.53
Ambelia
Myrsinaceae
philippinensis
Leaves
11.22
35,939.40
(Bina-uk/ palungpong)
Solanum nigrum
Shoot /
Solanaceae
(amti/ nateng)
Tops
102, 329.30
6,020.68
CONCLUSIONS
The nutritional contents of the indigenous vegetables provide the scientific basis
and the justification in recognizing them due to their nutritional contribution to human
health and in preventing ‘hidden hunger’. Knowing the nutritional contents of traditional
food species is an essential and positive step towards the goal of building health
awareness and promotion activities on IVs. These vegetables are naturally growing
25
along with the crops that can be found anywhere, which folks say they cook as viand to
vary flavor for the reason that they already feel satiated with the tastes of the cultivated
ones. Now it can be said that these plants they eat are highly nutritious ones. As major
sources of vitamins and minerals, they offer variety and broaden the food base. Uses of
indigenous vegetables vary from one community depending on satisfying the nutritional
needs and medicinal value. Successful food systems effectively draw on locally
available foods, food variety, and traditional food cultures.
IVs remain the cheapest sources of important proteins, vitamins, mineral, and
antioxidants. Recommendations to increase the intake of vegetables and fruits are
supported by a wealth of epidemiological data, most of which are related to preventing
cancer incidence. Undoubtedly, the increase in vegetable consumption should be one
of the primary approaches to combating nutritional disorders (Chadha and Olouch,
2007).
IMPLICATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
More varied and better food products using these indigenous, readily available
resources should be a subject for future activity. Results of this study would provide
knowledge which is of paramount interest to scientific development in the fields of
pharmaceuticals, neutraceuticals or foodstuffs, etc.
The country’s rich natural resources, its people’s unique customary practices are
important heritage that indeed need to be properly documented before they are gone.
Education campaign and community participation is a must in order to
disseminate activities, which are necessary to sustain nature’s biodiversity. In fact,
participatory strategy through home gardening will be the next activity of this project in
26
the areas of Bokod, Benguet, and Sabangan. In Sagada, Mountain Province
collaboration with the Northern Sagada Women’s Organization had been informally
forged to help in the promotion of homegardening in their nearby community. Flyers on
food preparation using IVs as ingredients were also prepared for distribution so that
people would have the needed awareness on the utilization of their indigenous
vegetable resources.
For a strong nation, we must have good governance that will promote the
nutrition needed for a well-educated, healthy and, thereby, productive workforce which
is the actually the gauge of development. In practice this involves empirical research,
public policy, promotion and applied action in support of multi- sectoral, community-
based strategies linking rural producers and urban consumers and subsistence and
market economies.
LITERATURE CITED
ARUNACHALAM, V. 2000. Participatory Conservation: A Means of Encouraging
Community Diversity. Plant Genetic Resources Newsletter. 122: 1-6
BOLAYO, Y.D. 2006. Phytonutrient Analysis of the Shoots of Passion Fruit (Passiflora
edulis, Sims). M. S. Thesis Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet
CHADHA M. and M. OLOUCH. 2007. Home-based vegetable gardens and other
strategies to overcome micronutrient malnutrition in developing countries.
http:/www.avrdc.org
COTTON, C.N. 1996. Ethnobotany:Principles and Applications. New York. John
Willey and Sons Inc.
GUEVARA. A. et al. 1999. Transaction of National Academy of Science and
Technology. Philippines. Vol 21. National Academy of Science and Technology,
Bicutan, Metro Manila.
GUTTERIDGE, H. 1999. Oxygen is a toxic gas-an introduction to oxygen toxicity and
reactive oxygen species. In Free Radical in Biology and Medicine. Oxford Univ.
Press. United Kingdom.pp 1-35
27
HIDAYAT, I. T., R. SUHERMAN, R. K. KUSMANA, R. G. NURHARTUTI, I.
SULASTRINI, T. HANDAYANI AND U. S. NUGHARA. 2006 Promotion of
Indigenous Vegetable Utilization for Conservation and Better Nutrition. Abstract
of paper presented during the First International Conference on Indigenous
Vegetables and Legumes. Hyderabad, India. October 12 – 15. P.35.
HILL, A. F. 1952. Economic Botany. 2nd ed. Mc Graw Hill Book Company, New York
LIRIO, L. G. 2000. Screening of Extracts of Philippine Plants for Antibacterial Activity
and Identification of 3-(3,4-Dihydrooxyphenyl)-1-Propeen. Ph. D. Dissertation.
University of Gent. Belgium
LIRIO, L. G. L.O. AYYOKAD AND J. N. PAING. 2006. Indigenous Semi-Temperate
Vegetables of the Cordillera. Semi-Temperate Vegetable Research and
Development Center, Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
OKIGBO, B. N. 1990. Vegetable in Tropical Africa. Proceedings of Workshop in the
Vegetable Research and Development in SADCC Countries. Asian Vegetable
Research and Development Center. Arusha, Tanzania.
ORDOÑEZ, E. 2007. Nutrition and Governance. Philippine Daily Inquirer. October 26,
2007. B2. Col. 1-4. pp.
SAUPE, S.G. 2006. Plants and Human Affairs. http://www.employees.csbsju.SSAUPE
SHANMUGASUNDARAM, S. 2007. Past, Present and Future of Indigenous
Vegetabales. Abstract submitted during the First International Conference on
Indigenous Vegetables and Legumes. Hyderabad, India. P.87
YANG, R. Y. J. WU, M. LIN, R. SHIAW, AND G. KUO. 2006. Variation among 120
Edible Plants for Nutraceutical Values: Abstract of paper presented during the
First International Conference on Indigenous Vegetables and Legumes:
Hyderabad, India, Dec. 12-15, 2006. P. 34
Manual on Food Analyses. 1991. Institute of Food Sciences University of the
Philippines at Los Baños, College, Laguna.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Funding support from VLIR through STVRDC – PIUC - BSU
The rural folks, staff of the various offices of the municipal agriculture office
LGU’s and farmers for their cooperation during interviews.
Northern Sagada Women’s Organization
28
Document Outline
- indigenous semi-temperate vegetables of cordillera.pdf
- 1