There have been numerous non-scientific reports on the behavioural effects of Asian plants
in humans who consumed these plants wholly or part thereof. Knowledge passed from generation
to generation informs us of plants that increase effort and stamina, such as during paddy planting
after the ingestion of
Mitragyna speciosa
Korth (ketum) as a tea supplement.
Centella asiatica
and
Myristica fragrans
are used as herbs to improve memory and to treat epilepsy, respectively.
Zizyphus
mauritiana
is used to treat headache and burn pain, acts as an antitussive, and reduces rigor mortis
immediately after death. These plants, which have been identified to exhibit analgaesic, musclerelaxing,
and nootropic effects, may contain important bio-compounds for medicinal chemistry and
pharmaceutical research in Malaysia. The electrophysiology properties of these plants and their
effects on epilepsy, behaviour, and pain will lead Malaysia to future new drug discoveries.
