Introduction
The use of herbs as drugs started more than 2,000 years ago. It was on 460 B.C. that Hippocrates of Kos, the father of western medicine, was born.“During his time that the first known drug is wine “350 B.C.” Proverbs, 31:6-7: “Give strong drink to him who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress; let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more”. (http: / / inpud.wordpress.com/timeline-of-events-in-history-of-drugs/)
This timeline in history proves the interaction between herbs and drugs. Through the advance of science and technology, some ingredients in the drugs came from herbs either in its natural form or processed form. Until about 150 years ago, all medicines were derived from the natural materials. Most of those early medicines described under the board as healing “herbs” although that term may prove misleading. Even though people often think of herbs as plants or plant derived materials, several commonly used items were obtained from animals…show more content… In the Philippines, a decoction of the plant is used to decrease the uric acid in the blood and to treat kidney problems. Filipinos are fond in using leaves as a cure for pimples, boils, carbuncles, and other skin related problems, which is often caused by bacteria. However, research indicated that the Peperomia pellucida contains poisonous elements associated with alkaloids in the leaves and in the stems (David, 2006).
Pansit-pansitan, scientifically known as Peperomia pellucida, is a medicinal plant valued for its anti-gout properties which helps lower uric acid in the blood. It was one of the ten clinically tested medicinal plants endorsed by the Department of Health. It was reported that pansit-pansitan contained high amount of toxic metal like lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) surpassing the limits allowed by the WHO (World Health Organization)
(Medical Health Guide,