Ethnomedicinal Knowledge and Phytochemical Screening of Saluyot (Corchorus olitorius L.) Leaf Extract Used by the Tigwahanon Tribe of San Fernando, Bukidnon, Philippines

Abstract

The Philippines is a global biodiversity hotspot and has numerous ethnic communities that utilize their rich local flora as a foundational element of their traditional healing systems and irreplaceable ethnomedical knowledge. This study systematically documented and scientifically validated the ethnomedicinal uses of Saluyot (Corchorus olitorius L.) leaf by the Tigwahanon tribe in San Fernando, Bukidnon, and correlated these uses with the plant's phytochemical profile. An ethnopharmacological survey was conducted among ten key informants (healers and elders) using semi-structured interviews, with a 70% consensus threshold used to classify claims as validated. Additionally, an ethanolic leaf extract was subjected to qualitative phytochemical screening to identify major secondary metabolites. The findings demonstrated strong community agreement, with seven out of eight traditional claims achieving validated status. The highest consensus was found for treating diabetes (100%) and arthritis (90%), followed by fever, wounds, and headaches (≥70%). The phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, saponins, and tannins. The data triangulation established a strong scientific rationale: the high consensus for diabetes is supported by the confirmed presence of flavonoids and saponins, known for their anti-hyperglycemic activity. Similarly, the use against arthritis and fever is linked to flavonoids and terpenoids, which exhibit potent anti-inflammatory effects. These findings validate the traditional knowledge of the Tigwahanon tribe and strongly recommend the C. olitorius for future isolation studies to develop standardized phytomedicines.