Mental Model-Based Ethnochemistry Approach: Local Wisdom on the Utilization of "Penbrike" Leaves in the Context of Postpartum Health in the Indigenous People of the Byak Tribe of Yendidori Village, Papua
DOI:
10.29303/jppipa.v11i10.12766Published:
2025-10-25Downloads
Abstract
The local wisdom of the indigenous people of the Byak tribe of Kampung Yendidori in utilizing the leaves of red hibiscus (the local name of the leaves "Penbrike") as an herb for mothers after childbirth shows rich empirical knowledge and is relevant to modern chemical concepts. This research aims to integrate an ethnographic perspective based on a mental model in describing the cultural significance of this practice and explaining the content of active compounds in these plants through macroscopic, submicroscopic, and symbolic level approaches. This type of research is qualitative with an ethnographic approach based on mental models. The results obtained show the sacredness of the use of "Penbrike" leaves. The community believes that treatment is effective if it is carried out by the clan or the person appointed to inherit its use. The results of a literature review show that the main content in its leaves is alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, saponins, phenols, proanthocyanidins. The active compounds in this plant function as powerful antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress and postpartum inflammation, some accelerate hemostasis and wound recovery, and some provide vasoconstriction and protein binding effects and help stop bleeding. However, based on the results of other literature reviews, it was found that hibiscus leaves contain anti-fertility compounds, so further research is needed. These studies can serve as a basis for the development of ethnoscience-based chemistry learning models and further research on ethnopharmaceuticals.
Keywords:
Byak Tribe Kampung Yendidori, Ethnochemistry, Mental models, Penbrike leaves, Postpartum maternal healthReferences
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