Herbal plant known locally as busikad (Kyllinga brevifolia) may ease anxiety according to a study done by Pharmacy students at the San Pedro College in Davao City.

Busikad is a local medicinal plant grown locally across the country. Traditionally processed into tea, many local communities use busikad for its sedative property.

Laboratory examinations done by the students found huge amount of kaemferol in busikad. Kaemferol is a plant compound known to have antianxiety properties.

Researchers gave busikad leaves processed into capsules to laboratory mice that were subjected into various stressful games and activities. The stress-inducing activities on the mice elicited behavioural changes known to be signs of high level of anxiety such as increased stretching postures, grooming, freezing, and inhibition to explore open spaces, among others.

Comparing busikad’s effectiveness with that of Diazepam, a well-known brand of antianxiety medication, researchers found that doses of busikad capsule are as effective as the branded drug in relieving anxiety in mice. Research result showed that mice given with busikad capsules stopped showing behavioural signs of high level of anxiety at the same rate as those given with Diazepam.

Researchers discussed the importance of drug discovery and development in native Philippine plants, such as the busikad. They explained that with increasing cost of manufactured drugs, it is time to engage in finding alternative solution in local plants.

The study, entitled, “The Anxiolytic Activity of Kaemferol Fraction from Busikad (Kyllinga brevifolia) Leaves in Capsule Formation,” won third prize at the recently concluded Gruppo Medica Awards during the 8th Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) week celebration on August 12-14, 2014 in Cebu City.