Local wisdom on processing and utilization of geronggang's oil for daily remedy and healthcare

Abstract

Geronggang oil has been utilized in various traditional remedy for a long time. However, oil processing from Cratoxylon arborescens applied in simple technique through boiling water, while extraction involving organic solvents to increase productivity were limited. This study aims to explore local wisdom in processing of geronggang oil through applications of several fatty oils such as virgin coconut oil; virgin olive oil; moringa oil; and castor oil and to explore the local knowledge on traditional utilization and sustainable management of this non-timber forest product. Samples of dried bark with 20% moisture content from 8-year-old plants were involved in study. Some proportions of weight of barks were immersed in particular fatty oils and then heated at 100°C. Various literatures were reviewed regarding the traditional application of this organic oil. The results showed that all carrier oils dissolved the extractive substances contained in the barks. The colour of solution becomes darker in higher proportion of barks to carrier oil. This indicates the higher concentration of oil-soluble extractives. It required 30 minutes to dissolve most of extractives, and no colour change was observed thereafter. Furthermore, local wisdom revealed the potential of geronggang oil for various daily remedies and for skin care products.