BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Given the abundance of plants in the area—more than a third of which are endemic to

the Philippines—it is not surprising that many indigenous communities have long utilized plants'

therapeutic capabilities. After investigations and discoveries in medicine confirmed their

traditional applications and validated their curative capabilities, several of these medicinal plants

eventually attained scientific acknowledgment, paving the path for contemporary natural

treatments.

Sinta (Andrographis paniculata) (Andrographis paniculata) is a tall, annual herb with a

height range of 30 to 100 centimeters. Stems have four quadrants. Simple, opposite, lanceolate

to ovate-lanceolate, and glabrous leaves are present. On axillary or terminal racemes or

panicles, the flowers are white, bilabiate, and have rose-purple dots or patterns in the lower lip.

Fruit is a compacted capsule with small seeds that is linear-oblong, up to 2 centimeters long,

and up to 4 millimeters diameter. Many indigenous groups utilize sinta as a general-purpose

remedy for colds and coughs. The Manobos are known to utilize a decoction of sinta to treat a

variety of ailments, including diarrhea, ulcers, dyspepsia, liver issues, gas pain, flatulence,

jaundice, malaria, diabetes, hypertension, heart enlargement, atherosclerosis, and stomach

discomfort. The Ati Negritos use it to treat stomach pain. The decoction is also applied to the

skin as a bath to cure dermatitis, skin rashes, and boils. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, use for

fevers and to remove toxins from the body. In Scandinavian countries, used to prevent and treat

common colds. In China, India, Thailand and Malaysia, used for treatment of sore throat, flu,

upper respiratory tract infections. In India, decoction of powdered herb used for post-partum

burning sensation in the palm and foot. Leaf mixed with grounded black pepper used for

dysmenorrhea. Roots and stems made into paste, mixed with mother's milk and taken internally
for intestinal worm infestation. Powdered herb mixed in oil applied to eczema. Leaf paste used

externally for abscesses. Aerial parts used for diabetes.

According to studies, in China, sinta plant was found effective in preventing blood clots

and re-clogging of arteries post-angioplasty. The herb activates fibrinolysis (dissolution of blood

clots) and has a blood pressure lowering effect. It also may inhibit the growth of human breast

cancer cells. Studied for its anti-viral activity in HIV and AIDS, found to increase AZT's ability to

inhibit HIV replication. Studied for E. coli associated diarrhea and dysentery. Study comparing

Kan Jang, a fixed herbal combination with Andrographis paniculata with Immunal containing E

purpurea found adjuvant treatment with Kan Jang more effective in parameters of nasal

congestion and secretion. The anti-inflammatory activity of A. paniculata is commonly attributed

to andrographolide, its main secondary metabolite. Standardized extracts showed considerable

physiochemical background variation. DPPH radical scavenging activity was attributed to

flavonoid/phenyl carboxylic acid compounds in the extracts. The inhibitory effect of

andrographolide on the release of TNF-α was little affected by variation of non-standardized

constituents. In this study the researchers aims to know the effectiveness of Sinta plant as a

herbal treatment for those with cough and stomach ache.