Benefit of Gambir (Uncaria gambir) and How it is Used a Traditional Medicine in The Pakpak Ethnic Group, West Pakpak Regency, North Sumatera

Abstract

Gambir is one of the annual plants that produce sap which is widely used for industrial and pharmaceutical purposes. Gambir is known by the public as an additional ingredient in chewing that can strengthen teeth and gums. Gambir is one of the products on the gambier plant which has been used by the Pakpak ethnic group for traditional medicine. This study aims to determine the benefits of gambier and its use by the Pakpak Ethnic community in West Pakpak Regency, North Sumatra. The method used in this study is a qualitative descriptive method through an emic and ethical approach with data collection techniques using semi-structural interview techniques based on a list of questions regarding the benefits of gambier and its use by the Pakpak ethnic community. The results showed that the benefits of gambier are as a treatment, which is categorized as the treatment of minor illnesses and serious illnesses, 14 types of minor illnesses that can be treated and 5 types of severe diseases that can be treated, and other benefits of gambir being used as a treatment that used by all ethnic pakpak. As for the use of gambier, namely as treatment and care, the use of gambier as treatment is greater, namely 76% of treatment compared to 24% of treatment. The most widely used way of using gambier is by drinking it. Gambir has the main compound, namely catechins, which are used in treating diseases.