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Papuan Jasmine Leaves Show Potential as Traditional Treatment for Boils in Papua
A new study by Marlina Flassy, Abner Herry Bajari, and Roby Amos Wato from Cenderawasih University, Jayapura, highlights the traditional use of Papuan jasmine leaves as a natural treatment for skin boils. Published in 2026 in the Jurnal Multidisiplin Madani (MUDIMA), the research documents how the plant Clerodendrum chinense has long been used in Papuan communities to treat infections caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. The findings are significant because they provide scientific documentation of a widely practiced traditional remedy and highlight its potential for development as an affordable herbal medicine.
Biodiversity and Traditional Medicine in Papua
Indonesia is recognized as one of the world’s megabiodiversity countries, with Papua alone containing approximately 32 million hectares of forest and thousands of plant species. Many of these plants have long been used in traditional medicine.
Traditional healthcare remains vital in many developing regions. The World Health Organization estimates that around 80 percent of people in developing countries rely on traditional medicine for primary healthcare. In Indonesia, national health surveys show that more than 30 percent of households still use herbal remedies or traditional treatments.
In Papua, these practices remain particularly important due to geographical challenges. Remote locations and limited healthcare facilities often make traditional medicine the most accessible option for many communities. As a result, knowledge about medicinal plants is preserved through generations and remains deeply integrated into cultural life.
One commonly treated health problem is boils, or furuncles, which are painful infections of hair follicles typically caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. These infections are common in tropical climates where humidity and heat create favorable conditions for bacterial growth.
Documenting Local Knowledge
The researchers used a qualitative descriptive approach to document the use of Papuan jasmine leaves as a traditional remedy. Data collection involved:
- In-depth interviews with local informants
- Direct observation of treatment practices
- Documentation, including field notes and photographs
This approach allowed the research team to capture detailed community knowledge about how the plant is prepared, applied, and perceived as a treatment.
The researchers also analyzed the data through an inductive qualitative method, identifying patterns in how the plant is used and how communities understand its healing effects.
How Papuan Communities Treat Boils
Interviews revealed that Papuan communities recognize boils as red, painful swellings filled with pus. While modern medical knowledge attributes boils to bacterial infection, some traditional beliefs also associate the condition with spiritual or moral causes, reflecting a broader cultural understanding of illness.
Despite these traditional interpretations, the study found that communities increasingly combine traditional and modern knowledge. Many residents now recognize hygiene and bacterial infection as contributing factors while still using plant-based remedies.
Key Findings from the Study
The research highlights several important findings about the use of Papuan jasmine leaves:
- The plant contains bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and steroids.
- These compounds are known for anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
- The leaves are traditionally used to treat boils, impetigo, and other skin infections.
- The treatment method is simple and accessible for rural communities.
Traditional Preparation Method
Papuan communities prepare the remedy using a simple technique:
- A single Papuan jasmine leaf is collected.
- The leaf is heated over a fire until it becomes soft and wilted.
- Pure coconut oil is applied to the surface of the leaf.
- The leaf is placed directly on the boil and left overnight.
According to local practice, the boil often bursts naturally the next day, releasing pus and reducing inflammation.
From a scientific perspective, heating the leaf may help release active compounds. Coconut oil also contains lauric acid, which has mild antimicrobial properties. Together, these factors may help reduce infection and accelerate healing.
Other Medicinal Plants Used for Boils
The research also identified several other plants commonly used in Papuan traditional medicine, including:
- Purple leaf (Graptophyllum pictum)
- Wild betel (Piper betle)
- Turmeric
- Garlic
- Aloe vera
These plants are widely known for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, showing that Papuan communities maintain a rich pharmacological knowledge of local plants.
Real-World Impact and Future Potential
The study highlights the potential of Papuan jasmine leaves as a low-cost herbal treatment that could benefit communities with limited access to healthcare. Traditional plant-based treatments are often more accessible and culturally accepted in remote areas.
The researchers suggest that Papuan jasmine could eventually be developed into modern herbal products, such as:
- Herbal ointments
- Plant extracts
- Medicinal creams or capsules
However, they emphasize that further scientific studies are needed before commercial development. These include:
- Phytochemical analysis to identify active compounds
- Laboratory antibacterial tests against Staphylococcus aureus
- Safety and toxicity testing
Such research could help transform traditional knowledge into validated herbal medicine while ensuring safety and effectiveness.
Bridging Traditional Knowledge and Modern Science
The study also highlights the importance of ethnomedicine, a field that studies how traditional cultures understand health and healing. Documenting these practices is crucial because many modern medicines have historically been derived from plants used in traditional remedies.
As Abner Herry Bajari of Cenderawasih University explains in the study, documenting local healing knowledge helps preserve cultural heritage while opening opportunities for scientific innovation. The use of Papuan jasmine leaves, he notes, demonstrates how community experience and empirical knowledge can guide modern medical research.
Preserving Indigenous Knowledge
Beyond its medical potential, the research emphasizes the cultural importance of traditional medicine in Papua. Knowledge about medicinal plants is often passed down through families and community leaders, forming part of the region’s cultural identity.
Without documentation and research, this knowledge could gradually disappear due to modernization and changing lifestyles. Studies like this therefore play a key role in preserving indigenous knowledge systems while exploring their scientific value.
Author Profiles
Marlina Flassy – Researcher in ethnomedicine and traditional health practices, affiliated with Cenderawasih University, Jayapura.
Abner Herry Bajari – Lecturer and researcher at Cenderawasih University, specializing in community-based health knowledge and ethnomedicine.
Roby Amos Wato – Academic researcher at Cenderawasih University, focusing on indigenous knowledge systems and traditional medicinal plants.
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