The Potential of Tali Bamboo (Gigantochloa apus J.A & J.H. Schult. Kurz) As Medicine In Bali

Abstract

Publications that revealed about the utilization of bamboo in the world of medicine are still very little compared to other plants. The objectives of this research were to understand indigenous knowledge of tali bamboo as medicine, basic chemical components, and active chemical compounds which are potential for medicine. The methods used were interview, exploration, and laboratory analysis (proximity and GCMS tests). Results showed that 51.85% of respondents clarified that tali bamboo is potential as medicine. The respondent’s statement was based on lontar usada (a manuscript about healing system, the medicinal ingredients, and the method in Bali traditional healing) and results from direct practice to the patient. The roots of tali bamboo were used to cure cough, liver, hypertension, breast cancer, diabetic etc. While the culms were used to cure heartburn, skin rejuvenation etc. Results of proximity test showed that root and culms of tali bamboo contained 2.02 and 4.72% protein; 7.78 and 6.71% fat; 11.21 and 4.05% ash; 8.51 and 8.51% water; 70.49 and 76% carbo-hydrate; 13.07 and 12.18% starch; 62.67 and 59.21% fiber; and 42.88 and 29.91 ppm antioxidant. The GCMS test with non-polar solvent (hexane) revealed that tali bamboo contained saturated fatty acid (palmitic, myristic, and stearic acids etc.) and unsaturated fatty acid (oleic acid). The other compounds were also found such as curcumene, limonene etc. Some aromatic compounds were also found such as toluene, naphthalene, and 1,3,5-trimethyl benzene.