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Traditional and Herbal Medicine in the Cook Islands
Abstract and Figures
The modern day health care system in the Cook Islands is a combination of neo-traditional ways and Western medicine. The practice of "Maori medicine" is widespread in the Cook Islands, with native healers using a variety of herbal medicines and traditional practices to treat many of the common ailments affecting the people. After a historical review, the current methods of preparing and administering herbal medicines are discussed, followed by a discussion of what is commonly called "ghost sickness (maki tupapaku) in the islands. Included is a list of the 49 plants most commonly used in native cures, with information on how often and for what they are used. Also included is a glossary of Maori terms for the various ailments with which the healers are familiar.
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... In addition, the plant is used for the treatment of various diseases. The leaves are used to treat sore throat and neck pain [29], as a hemostatic [30,31], and to induce abortion [32], and the roots are used for toothache, laryngitis, and to treat infections of the mammary glands [31,33]. ...
... Three new steroidal saponins, spirosta-5,25 (27) (19), and (22S)cholest-5-ene-1β,3β,16β,22-tetrol-1-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl-16-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (fruticoside J) (20) were reported from the leaves of Cordyline fruticosa ( Figure 2 A new sulfated steroidal derivative fruticogenin A: 1-sulfo-australigenin-3-sodium sulphate, (25) (Figure 3) and three new steroidal saponins, namely, fruticoside K (3-sulfospirostan-25 (27) (27) and fruticoside M (spirostan-25 (27) (28) were isolated from the aerial parts of C. fruticosa (Figure 2) [11]. Other reports have shown that these leaves contain apigenin (29) The compound 4-O-methylglucuronoxylan (97) and a very small amount of a glucomannan (98) ( Figure 5) have been isolated from the trunk of the tropical liliaceous tree C. indivisa (Steud.) [65]. ...
Cordyline species have a long history in traditional medicine as a basis of treatment for various ailments such as a bloody cough, dysentery, and a high fever. There are about 26 accepted species names in this genus distributed worldwide, including C. fruticosa, C. autralis, C. stricta, C. cannifolia, and C. dracaenosides. This work presents a comprehensive review of the traditional uses of plants of the genus Cordylie and their chemical constituents and biological activities. A bibliographic search was conducted to identify available information on ethnobotany, ethnopharmacology, chemical composition, and biological activities. A total of 98 isolated compounds potentially responsible for most of the traditional medicinal applications have been reported from eight species of Cordyline and are characterised as flavonoid, spirostane, furostane, and cholestane glycosides. Some of these pure compounds, as well as extracts from some species of Cordyline, have exhibited noteworthy anti-oxidant, antiproliferative, antimicrobial, and hypolipidemic activities. Although many of these species have not yet been investigated phytochemically or pharmacologically, they remain a potential source of new bioactive compounds.
... 42,43 Hibiscus rosa-sinensis has been documented as a botanical method of inducing abortion, but it is unclear if and how commonly it is used. 44,45 ...
... 22,50 In the Pacific, in Maori medicine it is called kaute 'enua, and among Tahitians, it is called 'aute 'u 'umu; infusions of the flowers are thought to cause abortion. 45 Although many in vivo and in vitro studies have been conducted on various parts of the plant, the active parts appear to be the flowers. Extracts were found to have postcoital antiimplantation activity, likely due to an antiestrogenic effect that intercepts the estrogen-induced increase in progesterone from the corpus luteum, leading to unsuccessful implantation. ...
Abortion has existed throughout history, often outside of formal health care systems. This type of care, now called self‐managed abortion, has historically been achieved in part through botanicals and traditional medicines. Their use continues into the modern day, especially in Asia, Hawai‘i, and other Pacific Islands, where indigenous medicine traditions practice alongside allopathic medicine. Many of these botanicals, such as papaya leaves, hibiscus flowers, and young kī, and traditional medicines, such as tianhuafen, yuanhua, and Shenghua Decoction, have undergone scientific and clinical investigation of their potential abortifacient and antifertility action. The incidence of self‐managed abortion with such abortifacients in countries with severe abortion restrictions are only estimates, leading to the possibility that legal rulings and societal pressures may cause underreporting. The Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities in the United States also suffer from a lack of abortion access in addition to unique health disparities and barriers to reproductive health care. As difficulties in abortion access increases due to the Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, some may seek or even prefer self‐managed abortion through traditional methods that have been passed down in their communities. Midwives and other health care providers may then be contacted during this process. This narrative review provides an overview of the literature on the use of botanicals, herbs, and traditional medicines used for self‐managed abortion, specifically in Asia, Hawai‧i, and other Pacific Islands. Their implications for practice for providers in the United States and further opportunities for research are also presented.
... The green leaves serve to be constituent in the making "green tea". Additionally, Guavas are employed to be potted herb in a steaming cure for fever (Malaria) (Whistler et al., 1985) Indeed, the primary ethnotherapeutic application in Africa is said to be for dengue. ...
Guava (Psidium guajava L.) is a tropical fruit indigenous to region of South America. This plant mainly relates to the Myrtaceae family as well-known plant. Guava is a more nutritious alternative since, unlike the rest of the fruit, it is not chemically processed. Guava is widely known for its culinary value. Around the world, it has commonly been utilized as a homoeopathic medicine to cure a wide range of illnesses. Tannins, quercetin, ursolic acid, saponins, lectins, beta-sitosterol, guajanoic acid, carotenoid, amritoside and uvanol are some of the useful chemical constituents in guava. Among its many health benefits, guava has antiseptic, anti-viral, against tussive, against inflammation, against cancer, against hyperglycaemia, as well as anti-oxidant qualities. Approximately 150 guava species are found worldwide, with the common guava, peer guava, cattley guavas being most popular ones. According to guava's nutrient profile, it is high in specific elements, such as protein, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins, which improve the well-being of people. Guava includes several pharmacologically functional elements that are in charge of a range of physiochemical actions, according to multiple research projects, effects that are covered in more detail in the review, including antipyretic medication, cardiogenic, liver protective, immune-modulation, spasmolytic, and muscular actions.
... Cordyline fruticosa is a shrub with a slender trunk that can reach 4 to 5 m in height. The leaves are used to treat sore throats and pain [10] , while the roots are used to treat toothache, laryngitis and mammary gland infections [11] . In Côte d'Ivoire, this plant is commonly used by certain populations as a decoction to relieve pain caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia. ...
... Scientists and medical professionals have shown increased interest in this field as they recognize the true health benefits of these remedies. Traditional medical practitioners in Hawaii and Polynesia have used Morinda citrifolia L. (Noni) for centuries to cure or prevent varieties of illnesses [2]. Moreover, the increasing vogue of M.citrifolia has attracted industries to employ it as apart applications source of medicines and chemical reagents as well as a green insecticidal. ...
Natural medicines have been the only option for the prevention and treatment of human diseases for thousands of years. Morinda citrifolia, popularly known as noni, is widely utilized in traditional medicine. Many components of the noni tree, including the roots, leaves, and seeds, are used in these traditions. The leaves of M. citrifolia have been utilized in a variety of commercial products marketed for their health benefits. The study was designed to investigate the phytochemical screening and antioxidant properties of M. citrifolia. Thereby, we tested the extract from M. citrifolia leaves obtained by hydro distillation against fungi and bacteria. Herewith, M.Citrifolia leaf Powder Extract was prepared with three different solvents of Ethanol, Methanol and water were obtained for further testing of qualitative Phytochemical Analysis. Moreover, the leaf extract was prepared by conventional extraction method and it was assessed with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against clinical isolate of Ecoli. Anti-fungal activity of M. citrifolia leaves extract against penicilium was tested in vitro. The antioxidant activity of these extract was evaluated by reducing the DPPH radical. Antioxidant Activity of DPPH radical scavenging Activity IC50 205µg. This M.Citrifolia demonstrated excellent anti-obesity and antioxidant potential with pancreatic lipase inhibitory effect (21.7 ± 1.3%). It is concluded that the flavonoids and phenols especially alkaloides are the major compounds in M. Citrifolia leaves which possess more Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Antifungal and Antiobesity activities of ethanolic extract of M. citrifola leaves.
... Polynesians and Micronesians, around west Pacific, Hawaiian and Southeast Asian (Whistler, 1985 (Zin et al., 2007) to chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes (Nishioka and Nerurkar, 2007), dyslipidaemia (Mandukhail et al., 2010), hypertension (Gilani et al., 2010), heart disease and organs failure (Wang et al., 2008). For the purpose of infections, molecular studies have shown it effects as a potential immune-stimulant herbal drug (Nayak andMengi, 2009, Wang et al., 2002). ...
... Scientists and medical professionals have shown increased interest in this field as they recognize the true health benefits of these remedies. Traditional medical practitioners in Hawaii and Polynesia have used Morinda citrifolia L. (Noni) for centuries to cure or prevent varieties of illnesses [2]. Moreover, the increasing vogue of M.citrifolia has attracted industries to employ it as apart applications source of medicines and chemical reagents as well as a green insecticidal. ...
Natural medicines have been the only option for the prevention and treatment of human diseases for thousands of years. Morinda citrifolia, popularly known as noni, is widely utilized in traditional medicine. Many components of the noni tree, including the roots, leaves, and seeds, are used in these traditions. The leaves of M. citrifolia have been utilized in a variety of commercial products marketed for their health benefits. The study was designed to investigate the phytochemical screening and antioxidant properties of M. citrifolia. Thereby, we tested the extract from M. citrifolia leaves obtained by hydro distillation against fungi and bacteria. Herewith, M.Citrifolia leaf Powder Extract was prepared with three different solvents of Ethanol, Methanol and water were obtained for further testing of qualitative Phytochemical Analysis. Moreover, the leaf extract was prepared by conventional extraction method and it was assessed with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against clinical isolate of Ecoli. Anti-fungal activity of M. citrifolia leaves extract against penicilium was tested in vitro. The antioxidant activity of these extract was evaluated by reducing the DPPH radical. Antioxidant Activity of DPPH radical scavenging Activity IC50 205µg. This M.Citrifolia demonstrated excellent anti-obesity and antioxidant potential with pancreatic lipase inhibitory effect (21.7 ± 1.3%). It is concluded that the flavonoids and phenols especially alkaloides are the major compounds in M. Citrifolia leaves which possess more Antioxidant, Antibacterial, Antifungal and Antiobesity activities of ethanolic extract of M. citrifola leaves.
... Medicinal plants have also played an important role in drug discovery, development, and production (16). In particular, the plants of Morinda citrifolia L., popularly known as noni, are one of the commonly used traditional medicinal plants discovered by Polynesian ancestors and have been used in Polynesia and almost worldwide for over 2000 years (17). Traditionally, noni has been used in the treatment of various diseases and medical disorders, including cancer, infection, cold, flu, diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, gastric ulcer, sprain, depression, senility, muscle ache, and pain (18). ...
Background
Hyperuricemia is generally defined as the high level of serum uric acid and is well known as an important risk factor for the development of various medical disorders. However, the medicinal treatment of hyperuricemia is frequently associated with multiple side-effects.
Methods
The therapeutic effect of noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) fruit juice on hyperuricemia and the underlying molecular mechanisms were investigated in mouse model of hyperuricemia induced by potassium oxonate using biochemical and high-throughput RNA sequencing analyses.
Results
The levels of serum uric acid (UA) and xanthine oxidase (XOD) in mice treated with noni fruit juice were significantly decreased, suggesting that the noni fruit juice could alleviate hyperuricemia by inhibiting the XOD activity and reducing the level of serum UA. The contents of both serum creatinine and blood urine nitrogen of the noni fruit juice group were significantly lower than those of the model group, suggesting that noni fruit juice promoted the excretion of UA without causing deleterious effect on the renal functions in mice. The differentially expressed microRNAs involved in the pathogenesis of hyperuricemia in mice were identified by RNA sequencing with their target genes further annotated based on both Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes databases to explore the metabolic pathways and molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect on hyperuricemia by noni fruit juice.
Conclusion
Our study provided strong experimental evidence to support the further investigations of the potential application of noni fruit juice in the treatment of hyperuricemia.
... Non-biomedical belief systems continue to play an important role in health-seeking behaviour in LMICs. Anthropology studies from the Pacific Islands reveal the co-existence of multiple health belief models, and that people accept multiple services to meet their health-seeking needs [23][24][25][26][27][28]. The evidence suggests that Pacific Islander populations may attribute childhood disability to supernatural causes [29]. ...
Objectives:
To assess the knowledge and attitudes of 150 female caregivers in Samoa to childhood hearing loss and hearing services, and to compare findings between urban (n = 100) and rural-dwelling (n = 50) caregivers.
Methods:
A semi-structured interview using a 26-item questionnaire was administered to participants in the Samoan language. Participants were required to respond "yes", "no", or "unsure".
Results:
Highest awareness of aetiology of childhood hearing loss was found for otitis media (88.7%), followed by noise exposure (64.7%) and family history (38%). Highest awareness of public health measures that may prevent/reduce otitis media was found for routine childhood immunizations (74.7%) and breast-feeding for first 6 months of life (69.3%). Overall, 40% of Samoan caregivers agreed that curses may cause childhood hearing loss. There was overwhelming support for community-based hearing services for newborns/infants (98%) and school students (97.3%).
Conclusions:
There is positive support for community-based hearing health services for children among female caregivers of Samoa. There was high awareness of otitis media as a major cause of childhood hearing loss, as well as good knowledge of public health measures that reduce/minimise the risk of otitis media.
Background
Traditional Polynesian medicine for children has been poorly documented, and few data are available on their efficacy and safety. In this context, the aim of this study was to identify traditional practices used for treating children and then assess the efficacy and safety of the most cited remedies by reviewing the literature.
Methods
In 2022, a semi-structured survey was carried out on five islands from the Society archipelago (Bora Bora, Huahine, Moorea, Raiatea, and Tahiti). A total of 86 participants were interviewed including 19 experts in herbalism. A thorough literature review was performed on the most cited plant species to gather the relevant ethnobotanical, pharmacological, and clinical data of each remedy.
Results
Participants mentioned using 469 remedies to treat 69 health disorders. The most represented health categories were digestive system, skin disorders, infectious diseases, and respiratory system. A total of 67 plant species (representing 731 use-reports) were mentioned and Annona muricata, Gardenia taitensis, and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis were the main plants reported. Regarding the safety of cited remedies, one plant (Microsorum grossum) showed high risk of toxicity, and its use should be avoided in infants and children.
Conclusion
Our survey confirms the importance of traditional medical practices for children in the Society Islands. A lack of data in children for most cited remedies demonstrate the need for more pharmacological and toxicological research on Polynesian medicinal plants. Finally, the potential risk of toxicity for some cited plant species reported calls for a better information of traditional medicine users and healers.
The "English-Hawaiian Dictionary," companion volume to the "Hawaiian-English Dictionary," compiled by the same authors in 1957, contains Hawaiian equivalents of approximately 12,500 English words. While serving as a key to the 25,00 entries in the Hawaiian-English volume, this dictionary is designed to be used independently. Certain features of the language and the method of compilation are described in the Introduction. Entries having variation in their English meaning, as well as semantic nuances in Hawaiian which do not exist in English, are indicated separately. A special feature is a supplement giving the Hawaiian equivalent of some 700 English given names. A bibliography of works cited or consulted concludes the volumes. (AMM)
Head-pieces; initials.; C & C 5985.; Beddie 712.; Sample plates available in an electronic version via the Internet at http://nla.gov.au/nla.aus-nk873; Rex Nan Kivell Collection NK873, NK2702.; RB copy inscribed by R. Sutherland.; RB copy accession no. 1076.
A Dictionary of the Muon' Language of the Rarotonga. Department of Island Territories, Wellington, New Zealand, 460 pp. Te Rangi Hiroa (1932) Ethnology of Tongareva
- S Savage
Savage, S. (1962) A Dictionary of the Muon' Language of the Rarotonga. Department of Island Territories, Wellington, New Zealand, 460 pp. Te Rangi Hiroa (1932) Ethnology of Tongareva. B.P. Bishop Museum Bulletin 92, l-225. Te Rangi Hiroa (1932a) Ethnology of Manihiki and Rakahanga. B.P. Bishop Museum Bulletin 99, l-238. Te Rangi Hiroa (1934) Mangaian society. B.P. Bishop Museum Bulletin 122, l-207.
Polynesian Herbal Medicine. Pacific Tropical Botanical Garden
- W A Whistler
Whistler, W.A. (1985) Polynesian Herbal Medicine. Pacific Tropical Botanical Garden, Kauai, Hawaii (in press).
An infected puncture wound (such as from stepping on a fish bone), especially one on the hand or foot. This usually requires an incision. Literally, dry or hard bone
- Ivi
- Maro
IVI MARO ( 4) An infected puncture wound (such as from stepping on a fish
bone), especially one on the hand or foot. This usually requires an incision.
Literally, dry or hard bone. Also recorded by MacKenzie.