Indigenous knowledge of Indonesian traditional medicines in science teaching and learning using a science–technology–engineering–mathematics (STEM) approach

Abstract

In this work, indigenous knowledge of Indonesian medicinal plants and their preparation for traditional medicines in Semarang Regency, Central Java, Indonesia, is investigated. This indigenous knowledge was incorporated into STEM-based teaching/learning as a meaningful aspect of science education in Indonesia. This indigenous knowledge was also scientifically correlated and its integration into STEM-based learning was evaluated. Field visits involving traditional medicine sellers and makers were conducted to gather information on Indonesian traditional medicines. A semi-structured interview technique was used. In addition, field observations were conducted to observe the process of preparing traditional medicines, along with literature studies on their ingredients and benefits. Twenty species of medicinal plants commonly used as herbs were investigated. The STEM approach was used descriptively in the data analysis. Comparative analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between STEM and indigenous knowledge of Indonesian traditional medicines. The correlation between the original knowledge in the community and scientific knowledge in the literature was analyzed to integrate this indigenous knowledge into STEM education and therefore to re-design the experiences in the teaching/learning process. This study showed that scientific concepts in the preparation of traditional medicines have important implications for indigenizing the science curriculum in Indonesia through an ethno-STEM-oriented teaching/learning approach.

Abstrak

Kearifan lokal tentang tumbuhan obat Indonesia dan pembuatan obat tradisional dari tumbuhan obat tersebut di Kabupaten Semarang, Jawa Tengah, Indonesia dipelajari pada penelitian ini. Kearifan lokal ini dibawa ke dalam proses belajar mengajar sains berbasis STEM sebagai aspek penting dalam pendidikan sains di Indonesia. Selain itu, kearifan lokal obat tradisional Indonesia ini dikorelasikan dan diintegrasikan dengan pembelajaran berbasis STEM. Kunjungan lapangan yang melibatkan penjual dan pembuat obat tradisional dilakukan untuk mengumpulkan informasi mengenai obat tradisional Indonesia. Teknik wawancara semi-terstruktur digunakan dalam penelitian ini. Selain itu, observasi lapangan terhadap proses pembuatan obat tradisional yang terintegrasi dengan studi literatur tentang kandungan dan manfaat obat tradisional tersebut juga dilakukan. Dua puluh spesies tanaman obat yang biasa digunakan sebagai tumbuhan diselidiki selama penelitian ini. Pendekatan STEM digunakan secara deskriptif dalam analisis data. Analisis hubungan sains-teknologi-teknik-matematika dengan kearifan lokal obat tradisional Indonesia dalam pendekatan STEM dilakukan dengan metode komparatif. Analisis kritis terhadap kearifan lokal di masyarakat dan korelasinya dengan pengetahuan ilmiah dalam literatur dilakukan untuk membawa kearifan lokal ini ke dalam pendidikan STEM dan selanjutnya digunakan untuk merancang ulang pengalaman dalam proses belajar mengajar. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa konsep ilmiah dalam proses pembuatan obat tradisional memberikan implikasi penting dalam “mempribumikan” kurikulum IPA di Indonesia melalui pembelajaran yang berorientasi pada ethno-STEM.

Appendices

Appendix 1: Description of the local names, scientific names, chemical content and health benefits of various Indonesian traditional herbs

No.	Local name, botanical name and parts used	Therapeutic uses and chemical content (scientific knowledge)	Therapeutic uses (indigenous knowledge)
1	Jahe Zingiber officinale Rhizomes	Raw ginger extract (Zingiber officinale) showed significant anti-TB activity in an in vitro test and other TB-related diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, cough, whooping cough, pulmonary infection and fever (Sanusi et al. 2017). Several studies have reported the antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, analgesic, anti-atherosclerosis, anthelmintic and anticancer activities of Zingiberaceae extract which contains many essential oils such as terpenes, alcohol, ketones, flavonoids, carotenoids, gingerols and phytoestrogens. Some of the bioactive components in ginger extract are phenolic compounds, such as (6)-gingerol, (6)-shogaol, diaryl heptanoate and curcumin	Ginger (Z. officinale) has been traditionally used in Indonesia to cure various diseases, e.g. nausea, vomiting, asthma, cough, inflammation, dyspepsia, loss of appetite, constipation and digestion disorders. Ginger warms the body and can help overcome rheumatic diseases, asthma, stroke, toothache, diabetes, sore muscles, sore throat, cramps, hypertension, nausea, fever and infections
2	Kencur/Greater galingale Kaempferia galanga L. Rhizomes	Kencur (Kaempferia galanga L.) has been widely used for the treatment of diarrhea and migraine. This herb was also beneficial to increase energy and overcome fatigue, febrifuge, rheumatism, asthma, cough, bronchitis, wounds, ulcers, helminthiasis, fever, malaria, inflammation, nasal obstruction and hemorrhoids. Kaempferia rhizome contains essential oils, several alkaloids, starch, protein, amino acids, minerals and fats. Essential oils were reported to contain more than 54 components where the main constituents were ethyl-trans-p-methoxy cinnamate, pentadecane, 1,8-cineole, g-carene and borneol. In addition, it also contains camphene, kaempferol, kaempferide, cinnamaldehyde, p-methoxy cinnamic acid and ethyl cinnamate. Essential oils (0.02%) in the form of cineol, cinnamic acid, ethyl ester, borneol, camphene, paraeumarin, and alkaloids were also found	Kencur (Kaempferia galanga L.) has been widely used for eliminating fatigue and pain in the body, increasing appetite and maintaining blood circulation
3	Kunir Curcuma domestica Val. Rhizomes	Turmeric has been reported to have many medicinal properties such as strengthening the body's overall energy, removing gas and worms, improving digestion, regulating menstruation, dissolving gallstones and relieving arthritis. Many people in South Asian countries have used it as an antiseptic for wounds, burns and bruises, and as an antibacterial agent (Prasad & Aggarwal, 2011). Curcumin, desmethoxycurcumin and bis-desmethoxycurcumin were reported as the primary components in turmeric. The rest were essential oils (keto sesquiterpene, turmerone, tumen, zingiberene, phellandrene, sabinene, borneol and cineol)	In traditional medicines, turmeric has been used as a therapeutic medicine for centuries, e.g. as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-protozoa, nematocidal, antibacterial, antivenom, anti-HIV, and anti-tumor agent
4	Lengkuas/Ginger plant Alpinia galangal Rhizomes	Alpinia galangal Willd (galangal) (family of Zingiberaceae) has been used in medicines, food and cosmetics for centuries. It has been widely used in traditional medicine systems, such as Ayurveda, Unani and traditional Chinese and Thai medicines. It has been used as an anti-inflammatory (Ghosh et al. 2011), restorative, digestion, anti-tussis, effective drug against colds, with analgesic, anti-hermetic, anti-cardiopathic, anti-thermic, anti-inflammatory urinary tract, diuretic, sweat-releasing and anti-allergic effects (Sousa et al. 2010). It contains essential oils, methyl cinnamate, cineol, eugenol, chamfer, sesquiterpenes, δ-pinene and galanin. It also contains galangol, kaempferide, flavonoid and caryophyllene oxide	Galangal rhizome has been commonly used to overcome rheumatism, bronchitis and lung disorders, increase appetite, and as an anti-tumor agent
5	Sereh Cymbopogon citrates Leaf	Lemongrass plants (Cymbopogon nardus L.) are useful as an anti-inflammatory and can relieve pain and promote blood circulation. Another benefit is to relieve headaches, muscles pain, cough, stomach pain, irregular menstruation and swelling after childbirth. Active chemicals such as saponins, flavonoids, polyphenols and alkaloids are found. Essential oils such as citral, citronellal, geraniol, myrcene, nerol, farnesols, methyl heptenone, dipentene, eugenol methyl ether, cadinene, cadinol and limonene are also detected (Chanthai et al. 2012). It has been known that saponins, flavonoids and citral compounds show antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral and antifungal activities (Nakahara et al. 2013; Aini et al. 2006; De Toledo et al. 2016). The essential oils in lemongrass, i.e. citronellal and geraniol compounds, can be used as mosquito repellents due to their typical odor. This can affect the mosquito's respiratory system (Farm & Farm, 2018)	The roots of lemongrass are used as urine and sputum expedite, as well as ingredients for gargling and as body warmers. Lemongrass oil has been widely used as a fragrance agent in soap, spray, disinfectants and lustrous materials. The leaves of lemongrass are used as a belly-wind lighter, appetite enhancer, postpartum treatment, febrifuge and in seizure relief
6	Sambiloto Andrographis paniculata Leaf	Sambiloto (Andrographis paniculata) leaves have been widely used due to their immunostimulatory, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, angiogenic, antiviral, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, cardiovascular and antimalarial activities. Recent studies showed that A. paniculata extract has the potential to interfere with the survival of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It was able to overcome AIDS if combined with modern medicines. The main content was diterpenes, lactones and flavonoid compounds. The four detected lactone compounds were deoxyandrographolide, andrographolide, neo-andrographolide and 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide	Sambiloto leaves have been used as an anticancer, antibacterial and anti-viral drug, anti-pyrectics, internal hot medicine, analgesics, anti-inflammatory, anti-toxic and antibacterial medicines. Also, it was used to overcome infections and phagocytosis
7	Brotowali Tinospora rumphii Boerl All parts	Brotowali leaves (Tinospora crispa (L) Miers) have been used as antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, tonic, antispasmodic, analgesic, anti-arthritic, anti-allergenic and antidiabetic medicines. Some active compounds in the leaves, stems and roots were identified, including, among others, berberine alkaloids, soft resin, starch, alkaloids, diterpenoid lactones, glycosides, steroids, sesquiterpenoids, phenolics, aliphatic compounds and polysaccharides. The leaves are rich in protein, calcium and phosphorus (Srivastava 2011). The main contents are alkaloids, soft dammar, starch, picroretoside glycosides, palmatine and columbine. The bark of the Tinospora crispa plant contains many alkaloids, soft resin, starch, picroretoside glycosides, bitter picroretine, harsa, berberine, palmatine and columbine	All parts of this herb can be used as herbal remedies. The stem is used for the treatment of rheumatism, bruising, fever, to stimulate appetite and treat a cough. Tinospora crispa leaves-containing boiling water is used for washing wounds and reducing itching
8	Temu Lawak/ Wild ginger gathering Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb Rhizomes	The rhizome of this plant has been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems to treat several diseases such as hepatitis, liver complaints, diabetes, as an anti-hemorrhoid and to reduce cholesterol. Other potentials of ginger are as an antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antihyperglycemic (Oon et al. 2015; Yasni et al. 1991) due to the active components such as sesquiterpenoids, curcumin, desmethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, camphor, geranyl acetate, zerumbone, β-curcumin, zingiberene and xanthorrhizol. It was also due to ginger essential oils, i.e. isofuranogermacren, tricyclene, allo-aromadendren, germacrene and xanthorrhizol. In addition, a component as an insect repellent was identified, i.e. ar-turmerone. The main ingredients in the curcuma essential oil are xanthorrhizol (21%), germacrene, isofuranogermacren tricyclin and alloaromadendrene (Yasni et al. 1993)	Empirically, Temulawak (Curcuma xanthorhizzha Roxb) has been widely used as a medicine both in single form and in combination with other ingredients. There are about 50 types of ethnomedicine formulations containing this ginger (Rosidi et al. 2016). It is used as antimicrobial, anti-metastatic, anticancer, anti-candida, antioxidant and anti-epidemic medicines. Moreover, it has been used to maintain liver health, overcome hepatitis, yellow pain, improve appetite, and overcome bloating and hemorrhoids
9	Temuireng Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb Rhizomes	Temuireng (Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb) is commonly used as a traditional medicine for anti-diarrhea, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-HIV, contraception, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitussive, anti-asthma and anthelmintic medicines. It is also used for stimulating gastric activity. Phytochemical tests showed that Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb contains monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenes, volatile oils, terpenoids, flavonoids, alcohol, saponins, starch, fat, bitter substances, blue substances, tannins, polyphenols, curcumin, essential oils, tannin, curcumol, curcumenol, isocurcumenol, curzerenon, curdione, curcumalactone, germacron, α, ß, γ-elements, linderazulene, curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin	Temuireng (Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb) has been commonly used as a traditional medicine for anti-diarrhea and antifungal effects. It is also used to stimulate appetite, overcome intestinal worms and overcome various skin diseases, e.g. abscesses, scabies, ringworm and other skin diseases
10	Lempuyang Zingiber oronaticum Rhizomes	There are several species of Lempuyang in Indonesia, namely Lempuyang Gajah (Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Smith), Lempuyang Pahit (Zingiber amaricans BL.) and Lempuyang Wangi (Zingiber aromaticumVahl.). The rhizome of Lempuyang Wangi (ZingiberaromaticumVahl.) has been used as an antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and antioxidant drug and can help to increase appetite (Sutardi et al. 2015; Nag et al. 2013). The phytochemical test results showed that several sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, tannins and aromatic compounds can be isolated from this herb. The essential oils of the rhizome contain zerumbone, humulene, camphene, α-caryophyllene and camphene. In addition, curcumin, zingiberene, caryophyllene, bisabolene, sesquiphellandrene, zerumbone, chamfer, limonene and spicy substances such as gingerol, zingerone, shogaol, hexahydroxy curcumin, paradol and dihydro gingerol are also found in the essential oils	There are several species of Lempuyang commonly used as herbal medicines in Indonesia. They have been used to increase appetite, treat whooping cough, overcome rheumatism/gout, and overcome allergies due to shrimp and sea fishes
11	Adas Foeniculum vulgare Mill Mainly leaf	Stems, fruits, leaves, seeds and all fennel of this (Foeniculum vulgare Mill) plant have been widely used as traditional medicines in many countries including Indonesia, India, Iran, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Italy, Jordan, Mexico, Pakistan, Serbia, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, the United States and Portugal (Neves et al. 2009). The diseases treated using these plants include cough, wounds, abdominal pain, anti-emetics, alcoholism, arthritis, cancer, colic in children, conjunctivitis, constipation, depurative, diarrhea, fever, flatulence, gastralgia, gastritis, insomnia, kidney disease, laxative, vaginal discharge, liver pain, canker sores and cancer. The volatile compounds such as flavonoids, phenolics, fatty acids and amino acids cause fennel leaves to show an antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, antinociceptive, antipyretic, antispasmodic, anti-thrombotic, apoptotic, cardiovascular, chemo-modulator, anti-tumor, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities. This herb also contains essential oils (Oleum foeniculi) at 1–6%, 50–60% anethol, approximately 20% phenol, pinene, limonene, dipentene, phellandrene, methyl chavicol, anisaldehyde and anisic acid, and 12% fatty oil	Besides being used as a galactagogue agent for nursing mothers, it has also been used as a traditional medicine for around 40 types of diseases related to digestion, endocrine, reproductive and respiratory systems. In addition, it is also used to overcome coughing, flatulence, colic in infants and improve vision
12	Jeruk nipis/lime calamondin Citrus aurantifolia Fruit	The health benefits of Citrus aurantifolia were possibly due to the high number of phytochemical and bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, limonoids, phenol, carotenoids, minerals and vitamins. Citric acid, amino acids (tryptophan, lysine), essential oils (citral, limonene, phellandrene, lemon chamfer, cadinene, geranyl acetate, linalyl acetate, acetyl aldehyde, nonyl aldehyde), resin, glycosides, citric acid, fat, calcium, phosphorus, iron, sulfur vitamins B1 and C were also reported to show effects on health. In addition, lime also contains saponin and flavonoid compounds, i.e. hesperidin (hesperetin-7-rutinoside), tangeretin, naringin, eriocitrin, and eriocitrocide. Lime also contains 7% of citral-containing essential oils, limonene, fenchone, terpineol, bisabolene, and other terpenoids. Hesperidin is useful for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, as well as inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis	Lime fruit (Citrus aurantifolia) has been used traditionally as an antiseptic, antiviral, antifungal, anthelmintic, astringent, diuretic, mosquito repellent, for the treatment of stomach ailments, constipation, headaches, arthritis, runny nose, cough, sore throat and used to stimulate appetite. It was also believed to be able to cure cough, sore throat, fever and sore rheumatic pain. In addition, lime fruit is also useful as a medicine for dysentery, constipation, hemorrhoids, irregular menstruation, diphtheria, acne and dizziness/vertigo. There is also a belief that this fruit is able to increase appetite, prevent hair loss and dandruff, treat flu/fever, aid smoking cessation, cure tonsilitis, anyang-anyangan (hard to urinate) diseases and nosebleed
13	Sirih/betel Piper betle Leaf	Sirih (Piper betle) is one of the Piperaceae or pepper family. Sirih leaf is the most valuable part of this plant. In the past, people routinely used it as a chewing agent to eliminate annoying breath odors. Sirih contains various chemical compounds such as tannins, chavicol, phenyl, propane, sesquiterpene, cineole, alkaloids, sugar and some essential oils. These oils can be used as drugs to prevent digestive disorders, as expectorants, stimulants, antibacterial, euphoric plants, anti-protozoa, carminatives and antifungal agents (Shah et al. 2016). Sirih leaves show antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic and anti-helminthic properties. Sirih leaves are traditionally known to be useful for the treatment of various diseases such as dyspnea, bad breath, boils and abscesses, conjunctivitis, coughing, bronchitis, constipation, asthma, headaches, itching, mastitis, mastoiditis, vaginal discharge, otorrhea, gum swelling, rheumatism, wounds and injuries. The essential oils from Sirih leaves have been used for the treatment of respiratory and antiseptic cataracts (Sugumaran et al. 2013)	Betel leaves have been used as an external medicine, e.g. antiseptic and antifungal. In addition, the betel leaves have been used as a mouthwash that serves to remove phlegm, shed saliva, hemostatic, thrush drugs, toothache, and inflammation of the throat. As a medicine for consumption, it has the properties to treat organ diseases to overcome digestive tract disorders
14	Pepaya/papaya Carica papaya L. Leaf	Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is one species of the Caricaceae family, i.e. Passifloraceae. Empirically, it has long been consumed as a food or used as a medicine for kidney stones, hypertension, urinary tract disorders, abdominal pain during menstruation, analgesics, dysentery, diarrhea, fever and anti-inflammation (Owoyele et al. 2008). Papaya (Carica papaya L) leaves produce papain enzyme, a group of sulfhydryl protease enzymes (Zusfahair et al. 2014). Besides containing carpaine alkaloids, this leaf also contains pseudo-carpaine, glycoside, carposide, saponins, sucrose, dextrose and levulose. The ethanol extract from papaya leaves showed the best analgesic activity that was comparable to aspirin (Hasimun et al. 2014). Papaya leaf extract has significantly increased platelets in post-chemotherapy cancer patients. It contains tocopherol and phenolics	It is efficacious as a worm medicine. It can treat constipation, malaria and fever. In addition to killing microbes, e.g. amoeba, papaya leaves are also effective for treating diseases such as dysentery, syphilis, beri-beri, asthma and boils
15	Pala/nutmeg Myristica fragrans Fruit	Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt) seeds have high nutritional value and are rich in carbohydrates, proteins, dietary fiber, vitamins A, C and E and minerals such as calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, zinc and phosphorus. Nutmeg is well-known to have many uses and applications of drugs, including the treatment of gastrointestinal conditions such as stomach ulcers, digestive disorders, liver disorders, emmenagogue, nerves, digestion, diuretics, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-diarrhea, antioxidants and antimicrobials. Nutmeg essential oil contains monoterpenes, monoterpene alcohols, aromatics and various other compounds. The main components found in monoterpenes are α-pinene, sabinene, 1,8-p-menthadiene, β-pinene, 1,4-p-menthadiene and camphene. The aromatic fractions of the nutmeg oils contain myristicin, elemicin and safrole, while minor constituents include methyl eugenol, eugenol, isoeugenol, toluene (Periasamy et al. 2016), D-limonene, 1,3,8-p-menthatriene, safrole, myristicin, essential oils, saponins, myristicin, elemisi, lipase enzymes, pectin and oleanolic acid	Nutmeg is believed to be able to treat sleeplessness (insomnia), headache, aching ears, relieve abdominal pain, remove acne, overcome nausea, relieve ulcer disease and cure hoarse sounds
16	Asam jawa/tamarind Tamarindus indica Fruit	Ripe and dried tamarind fruit mainly contains tartaric acid, reducing sugars (glucose and fructose), pectin, tannin, fiber and cellulose. It also contains potassium, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, zinc and iron (Rao and Mathew 2012; Ebifa-Othieno et al. 2017). Tamarind is rich in riboflavin and is a good source of thiamin and niacin, but poor in vitamin A and C. Tamarind products are often used as health solutions throughout Asia, Africa and America as an anthelminthic (expelling worms), antimicrobial, antiseptic, antiviral, sunscreen and astringent. In addition, it has been used to improve wound healing, treat asthma, bacterial skin infections, boils, chest pain, disorders of cholesterol metabolism, colds, colic, conjunctivitis, constipation (chronic or acute), diabetes, diarrhea, dry eyes, dysentery, eye inflammation, fever, gallbladder disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, gingivitis, hemorrhoids, indigestion, jaundice, keratitis, leprosy, liver disorders, pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting (Rao and Mathew 2012). Tamarind is often also used throughout Southeast Asia as a poultice applied to the forehead of a fever sufferer. Tamarind fruit flesh contains tartaric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, acetic acid, sugar, citric acid, potassium bitartrate, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium and potassium	Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) is widely used as ethno-medicines for humans and often served as fresh drinks. It has been used for streamlining defecation, improving blood circulation, and as an antiseptic, painkiller, anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidant
17	Kayu manis/cinnamon Cinnamomum burmannii Bark	Indonesian cinnamon (Cinnamon burmani), widely grown in Java and Sumatra, is called cinnamon (kayu manis) and sometimes Cassia vera; the "real" cassia is one of the medicinal plants such as Ceylon cinnamon, Vietnamese cinnamon and Chinese cinnamon. Each type has distinctive characteristics. Cinnamon Ceylon consists of a very thin layer of bark (1 mm thickness or less). The color is young sorrel. Indonesian cinnamon, on the other hand, is much thicker (1 to 3 mm) and is not easily broken, regularly rolls with a color similar to that of Ceylon cinnamon. Vietnamese cinnamon or Saigon cinnamon looks like Chinese species. The latter looks uneven and rough, brittle, does not roll regularly and is sold in small or irregular pieces. Cinnamon contains several compounds that are beneficial to health among others efficacious drugs for gout and high blood pressure. It can also function as an antibacterial for Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli. Cinnamon contains many active compounds such as cinnamic acid, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamate, caryophyllene oxide, eugenol and L-borneol. Cinnamaldehyde shows antibacterial and antioxidant activities. In addition, it shows other medicinal activities such as anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory activities	It has been used as anti-rheumatic, carminative, analgesic, diaphoretic and stomachic medicines. It is believed to be able to reduce cholesterol, increase vitality, reduce and control blood sugar, gout medicine, hypertension, gastric inflammation or gastritis (gastritis) and cure Alzheimer's disease
18	Secang Caesalpinia sappan Hinn. Stem	Secang (Caesalpinia sappan Hinn) wood is one of the plants commonly used by Indonesian people as a traditional medicine and coloring agent. The part of the plant that is often used is the wood. Secang wood is often used as an ingredient for making healthy traditional drinks such as herbs, secang drink and pletok beer (traditional Betawi drinks). This wood contains brazilin, polyphenols, flavonoids, saponins, tannins and essential oils. People believe that drinks containing secang wood can be used to reduce symptoms of colds and coughs as well as warm the body, overcome thrush, rheumatism and blood circulation. Some phytochemical compounds in secang wood positively showed important benefits possibly due to the content of flavonoids. These chemicals help a biological response to natural modifiers due to their ability to modify the body response to allergies and viruses. Therefore, it has the potential to be anti-allergenic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anticancer. Saponins are used as detergents and histochemical intercellular dyes in the treatment of patients with hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycemia. This wood can serve as antioxidants, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antifungal. Alkaloids and phenolics in this wood act as an antioxidant. Tannin shows antiviral, antibacterial and antitumor activity. Certain tannins are able to inhibit HIV replication selectively and as a diuretic. Triterpenoids and glycosides play a role in stimulating the heart muscle and affecting ion transport	Secang wood has been used as a natural dye, antioxidant, natural antibiotic, antibacterial, antiseptic, to counteract free radicals, stop bleeding, as abdominal pain medication and as analgesic ingredients
19	Kapulaga jawa/Javanese cardamom Amomum compactum Seed	Cardamom (Amomum compactum) fruit. This plant is widely grown in Southeast Asia such as Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Western Australia, the Himalayas and China (Droop et al. 2013). In international trade, cardamom is divided into three types, namely green cardamom (ordinary cardamom), black cardamom and Madagascar cardamom. Amomum compactum is one of the species producing black cardamom which is native to Indonesia and grows wild in the forests of Java, so it is also called the Java cardamom. Indonesian people use a compactum for various purposes such as cooking spices and preservatives for rendang and curry, as traditional medicine ingredients related to the content of essential oils and phenolic compounds, healthy drinks and aroma therapy. A. compactum is used to treat various diseases such as digestive disorders, emmenagogues (stimulates menstrual flow and facilitates abortion), as an antipyretic, as an ingredient in asthma and cough medicine, to treat fever and cancer, and as antioxidant and antibacterial agents. According to some researchers, the aromas produced by cardamom are related to the content of sesquiterpenoids and monoterpenoids which easily evaporate at room temperature. The highest content in Amomum compactum is about 60–80% cineole and other components such as α-pinene, β-pinene, camphene, limonene, ρ-cymene, α-terpineol, α-humulene (Feng et al. 2011; Lim 2013), terpineol, terpineol acetate, cineol, borneol and camphor	Javanese cardamom (Kapulaga jawa) can treat several diseases such as stomach cramps, rheumatism, cough, body odor, high fever, chronic tonsillitis, disorders during menstruation, flue, convulsions (step), shortness of breath, nausea, poor appetite, stomach inflammation and excessive phlegm. It also warms, cleanses the blood, relieves pain, acts as a stimulant and provides scents
20	Kedawung Parkia roxburghii G. Don Seed	Kedawung (Parkia roxburghii G. Don) seed is also called the bean trees (Parkia roxburghii G. Don Syn. P. timoriana (DC.) Merr.). It is one of the species of the family Leguminosae (sub-family Mimosoideae) which is widely grown in the Southeast Asia region, especially India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Java, Thailand and Malaysia (Roy et al., 2016). Kedawung seeds are edible and are a source of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamin C and minerals such as Na, Mg, P, K, Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn (Seal 2011). Kedawung seed extract contains, among others, saponins and flavonoids. It has been used as an insecticide, antibacterial, drugs to cure stomach disorders, stomach colic and bleeding and to regulate liver function. The fine powder seeds mixed with water are used to clean the face and head	Old Kedawung seeds are often used to treat colic and also as a mixture of cholera drugs. Steeping seed flour mixed with Sembung leaves is usually taken for the treatment of seizures during menstruation and as a gastric booster medicine. Kedawung seeds are prepared as a traditional medicine as a mixture with beras kencur, quail chili, nutmeg, kudu laos and uyup-uyup

Appendix 2: The original transcript (with English translation) of the interviews

Appendix 3: Description of the scientific analysis of the indigenous knowledge of traditional medicines in an ethno-STEM context

No.	Indigenous knowledge: types of traditional medicine and its benefits	Analysis of STEM aspects
		Science	Technology	Engineering	Mathematics
1	Paitan Paitan is considered as the most bitter traditional medicine The interviewees conveyed that this traditional medicine can help various health problems, such as dialysis, itch remover, biduran, appetite enhancer, diabetes, body odor, lower cholesterol, abdominal bloating, acne, aches and dizziness This traditional medicine is often called as a traditional female health recipe. It uses Andrographis paniculata leaf as the main ingredient with anti-infection and anti-inflammatory effects. Andrographis paniculate leaf-containing boiling water can treat vaginal discharge in women as well as overcome the cold and reduce fever and flu	The basic ingredient of the traditional medicine paitan is Andrographis paniculata. Other materials such as Tinospora crispa, Ziziphus mauritiana, doro putih, Alstonia scholaris and fennel are also used The bitter taste of this traditional medicine is possibly due to the presence of alkaloids as secondary metabolite compounds that have a bitter taste	This bitter traditional medicine is prepared by boiling all the ingredients with water, until a half of the cooking water is left to dissolve all nutritious substances contained in the material (known as extraction process) Other traditional medicines with a sweet and fresh taste, e.g. sinom, beras kencur or kunir asam, can be consumed sequentially to reduce the bitterness The science concepts covered are the techniques of isolation, extraction, separation and purification of secondary metabolite substances. The concepts of solution and colloids are also covered in the indigenous knowledge of paitan	A kwali/clay-made kettle is used to boil the ingredients of the traditional medicines due to its better efficacy in the traditional herbs. Furthermore, alu from wood or stone is also used in the herbs grinding. Metal tools are not allowed to be used in this process In order to maintain the nutritional content of the prepared traditional medicines, dried ingredients need to be used in the process of preparation	The interviewees conveyed that, traditionally, the composition of the ingredients and all aspects (the type of material, how to prepare, the dosage and the time and manner of use) must correspond to the hereditary heritage from the ancestors. A deviation from one possible aspect in the preparation process could affect the performance of the produced traditional medicines A small glass of this traditional medicine is currently valued at IDR 3000.00, while the package in a plastic bottle was sold at a rate of IDR 6000.00, with a sales turnover of about IDR 600.000, with a profit of IDR 75,000.00 to IDR 100,000.00 per day The interviewees conveyed that the materials are normally used up to 3–4 times to earn high profits. The palm sugar is not the only used sugar. Sugar cane is also used to increase the level of sweetness
2	Kunir asam Kunir asam is a traditional medicine which is referred to as the traditional medicine “adem-ademan or seger-segeran”. It can be used to refresh and cool off the body, to avoid heat or cancer sores, improve the belly convenience and to quicken the period of menstruation	The main ingredients are tamarind and turmeric. Sometimes, it can be mixed with sinom (young tamarind leaves), temulawak, kedawung and lemon/lime juice. Brown sugar mixed with white sugar and a little salt are used as a sweetener	At first, the turmeric is ground or crushed using a mortar and pestle. It is then mixed with other ingredients, i.e. tamarind and brown sugar or palm sugar and boiled in water (concept of solvent extraction). The obtained liquid can be drunk directly or put a bottle for storage. It needs to be shaken prior to use (the concept of colloidal system)	The used turmeric is selected from the rhizomes to obtain more nutritious extracts The tamarind used is tamarind that has been stored for a long time, usually called as asam kawak The older the plant, the larger composition of its attenuation. As a result, the starting materials are selected based on the age of the rhizome
3	Beras kencur The traditional medicine beras kencur consists of extracts of kencur, rice, ginger and tamarind. It tastes sweet and fresh. Thus, it is suitable for children and adults Kencur can relieve aches and rheumatism due to over-working. Furthermore, it can cure coughing and increase appetite. Kencur shows many benefits in treating ulcer disease in a regular basis The traditional medicine beras kencur can also help increase appetite due to the presence of tonicum galingale. Thus, beras kencur rice is suitable for children who have less appetite	The basic ingredients of beras kencur are white rice and kencur. Other added ingredients are kedawung, ginger, cardamom, aged tamarind, temu kunci, keningar wood, turmeric, lemon and nutmeg. Brown and white sugar are normally used as a sweetener	At first, the white rice is hand-held, then pounded until it is smooth. Other ingredients are crushed using a mortar and pestle. Rice and these ingredients are then mixed, squeezed and filtered or squeezed using a cloth (concept of solvent extraction). This obtained liquid is mixed into boiling water and stirred evenly. It can be drunk directly or put in a bottle for storage. It needs to be shaken prior to use (the concept of colloidal system)	In the preparation of traditional drinks, a certain substance could act as a stabilizer and solubilizer. The former stabilizes the active components in the main ingredient, while the latter increases the solubility of the active substances. For instance, curcuminoid, an active substance in turmeric, is unstable in an alkaline or neutral solution but stable in an acidic solution. Therefore, kunir asem drink is produced. Likewise, ethyl methoxy sinamat, an active substance in kencur, is rather difficult to dissolve in water. In order to increase its solubility, rice is added as a suspending agent which acts as a solubilizer. Thus, it is made a concoction of “rice curry” Kencur (Kaempferia galanga) is indeed beneficial to suppress cough. It is also able to increase the blood pressure. Therefore, people with hypertension are not recommended to drink kencur-containing drinks. Likewise, with brotowali (Tinospora sp.), it shows a side effect of interfering with a woman’s pregnancy and inhibiting the placental growth	The formulation and composition of the concoctions are made as precisely as possible so as not to cause contraindications. Even so, the types of ingredients that support each other must be correctly chosen
4	Godong kates This herb can increase appetite, cure itching skin, cleanse the blood, treat flatulence, improve the quality of breast milk and restore the body's condition after giving birth	The traditional medicine of godong kates includes papaya leaves, temu ireng, adas pulo waras, boiling water and a pinch of table salt	Temu ireng is peeled and mixed with adas pulo waras and papaya leaves. Those ingredients are washed and mashed until smooth. Enough boiling water and a little of table salt are added. The mixture is then squeezed to remove the water and strained	Pulverization is carried out with a mortar and pestle made of stone. The pulverization is intended to obtain a smooth mixture so that the extract obtained is thicker and more viscous	The formulation and composition of the ingredients are made as precise as possible so as not to cause any contraindications
5	Kunci suruh Jamu kunci suruh is a special herbal medicine for women. It is useful for treating vaginal discharge. It is believed to be able to close the intimate part of the woman (vagina), eliminate body odor, shrink the uterus and stomach and strengthen teeth	The raw materials are kunci rhizomes and betel leaves. Asam kawak (aged tamarind) is usually added. Sugar and brown sugar are added as a sweetener. A pinch of table salt is also usually added	The ingredients are roughly ground using a mortar and pestle or thinly sliced (turmeric), squeezed, filtered and put in boiling water that has been cooled. Next, sugar is added until a proper sweetness is obtained	Some traditional medicine sellers normally add other ingredients such as pomegranates, areca nuts, kunci pepet, majakani, jambe fruit, manis jangan, kayu legi, beluntas and kencur	The formulation and composition of the ingredients are made as precise as possible so as not to cause contraindications
6	Mengkudu laos According to the sellers, the effects of mengkudu laos are to reduce blood pressure, to promote blood circulation, warm the body, comfort the stomach, increase appetite, facilitate menstruation and refresh the body	The raw materials consist of cooked noni (Morinda citrifolia) fruit, galingale and aged tamarind. Brown and white sugar as well as a little of table salt are also added	The ingredients are roughly ground using a mortar and pestle and then squeezed and filtered into cold boiling water. Sugar is added until a proper sweetness is obtained	There are some herbal sellers who add pepper, garlic, kedawung and lime to increase their efficacy	The formulation and composition of the ingredients are made as precise as possible so as not to cause contraindications
7	Cabe puyang Cabe puyang are useful for relieving aches and rheumatic pain in the body, especially aches in the waist. However, there are also beliefs that this traditional medicine can eliminate and avoid tingling and eliminate complaints of body cold or fever	The basic ingredients of cabe puyang are chili and quail, added with other ingredients such as temu ireng, temu lawak, ginger, mengkudu, adas, pulo, turmeric, pepper, kedawung, keningar wood, tamarind and temu kunci. Brown and white sugar as well as a pinch of table salt are also added	The ingredients are crushed using a mortar and pestle then squeezed and filtered. The obtained liquid is then put in boiling water stirred evenly then put into bottles	The formulation and composition of the concoctions are made as precisely as possible so as not to cause contraindications. Further, the types of ingredients that support each other must be carefully chosen. For example, a formulation for reducing blood pressure consists of celery (as a vasodilator), apocate leaves or root puzzles (as diuretics), mulberry leaves and nutmeg seeds (as mild sedatives) Another formulation for body slimming consists of rapet bark and Dutch teak leaves (as chelating), Jungrahap leaves (as a diuretic), turmeric rhizome and temulawak (as stomatic as well as laxative). From this formulation, although appetite is increased by the mixture of temulawak and turmeric, the absorption of food essence can be held by rapet bark and Dutch teak leaves. The effect of the lack of defecation is neutralized by ginger and turmeric as a laxative. As a result, the slimming process would occur while the defecation and diuresis processes continue as usual	The formulation and composition of the concoctions are made as precisely as possible so as not to cause contraindications. Further, the types of ingredients that support each other must be carefully chosen
8	Uyup-uyup/gepyokan uyup-uyup or gepyokan is a special traditional medicine for nursing mothers. It is useful for increasing the production of breast milk, in addition to eliminating unpleasant body odor and as a stomach-cooling agent	The raw materials for this traditional medicine vary among herbal makers. Generally, it comprises herbal ingredients which consist of kencur, ginger, bengkle, gingale, turmeric, ginger, quail and temugiring	All ingredients are washed without peeling. The chips are chopped (thinly sliced) together with other ingredients and roughly crushed, squeezed and filtered. The juice is put in cold boiling water. Sugar (or artificial sweeteners) is added until the sweet taste is obtained (tasted)	The juice is put into cold boiling water. This is so that the active compounds in the herbal extract are not damaged/decomposed during heating	The formulation and composition of the concoction are made as precisely as possible so as not to cause contraindications. The types of ingredients that must support each other against the desired effect must be chosen
9	Cekok This traditional medicine is used to increase appetite for toddlers	The ingredients are white cumin, rice, sweet, coconut, burned, root simbukan, mesoyi, trawas, nutmeg, chili, temugiring, shallot, liman root and ginger	All ingredients are finely ground and fed to children who have low appetite	The ingredients of jamu cekok are not brewed or diluted with water but extracted to maintain the stability of the active compounds. Without heating, those compounds will not decompose	The formulation and composition of the ingredients are made as precise as possible so as not to cause contraindications
10	Temulawak Temulawak is good for children and adults. It can cure dizziness and nausea, relieve symptoms of colds, increase appetite, reduce flatulence, maintain liver health and overcome ulcers	The raw materials are ginger, kencur, seedless asamkawak, palm sugar, freshly made pandan leaves, cumin and water	Ginger and kencur are washed after being sliced ​​and roasted for a while. Ginger and kencur are flaked along with asem kawak and cumin until completely smooth. Boiling water is then added. Meanwhile, water and palm sugar along with pandan leaves are boiled. Finally, the obtained mixture of boiling water, pandan and palm sugar is mixed with ginger and crushed kencur then stirred until evenly distributed and fused. The last step is squeezing and straining the liquid from the herbs	Additional ingredients (to improve color, aroma and taste) and fillers (to meet a certain number/volume) are often added. Additives are often referred to as coringen, namely C. apaporis (as flavoring, for example menta or legi wood), C. odoris (flavoring/aroma, for example kedawung seeds or fennel fruit) and C. coloris (improving color to make it more attractive, for example secang wood, turmeric or pandan). Pulo or fennel can be used for fillers, as well as ingredients called adas-pulowaras or adas-pulo	The formulation and composition of the ingredients are made as precise as possible so as not to cause contraindications

Appendix 4: Relationship of the indigenous knowledge of Indonesian traditional medicines with the basic competencies of science subjects

Basic competency	Topics/concepts	Learning experience
Understanding the concept of a single substance and its mixture (elements and compounds), physical and chemical properties and physical and chemical changes in everyday life	Substances and characteristics:  Solid, liquid and gas  Elements, compounds and mixtures  Physical and chemical properties  Changes in physical and chemical properties  Separation of mixtures	Science: identification of elements, compounds and mixtures in the traditional herbs and medicines Technology: equipment used in the preparation of traditional medicines, the separation techniques of the mixtures in the preparation of traditional medicines (filtration, decantation, and extraction) with water at a temperature of 90 °C for 15 min. The extraction of the herbs is carried out in a traditional way Technology: boiling herbs using clay pots, wood-made stirrer, mortar and pestle made from stones Engineering: heating with a low heat; do not often open the lid of the container to boil the herbs
Applying the concept of measuring various quantities and the importance of using standard units in the measurements	Objects of natural sciences and their observations  Measurement  Principal and derived quantities  Standard and nonstandard units	Mathematics: measurement with standard units (grams, kilograms, liters) and nonstandard units found in the preparation of the traditional medicines (a handful, a pinch, a clove, a single bar, a slice, a chop, a bunch)
Distinguish the environmentally harmful and friendly processes and technology products	Environmentally friendly technology products	Technology: the process of preparation of traditional medicines starting from the ingredients to products is an environmentally friendly technology. Likewise, the use of waste as animal feed and fertilizer in agriculture is an environmentally friendly technology