A PLANT their forefathers used as a traditional medicine to treat skin ailments is now spinning money for two ethnic communities in Sarawak.

State Education, Innovation and Talent Development Minister Roland Sagah, told the state assembly today that the plant, known as “bunga ta’ang” among the Bidayuh and “bangkit engkerawan”  among the Iban of Lubok Antu was used in traditional medicine to treat rashes and itch and as a flea and tick repellent.

But when the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) analysed and tested the plant, whose scientific name is Adenosma nelsonioides, it was found to have valuable essential oil, he said.

“Laboratory analysis by the SBC showed it has phytochemical properties with the potential to be developed for perfumery, aromatherapy and healthcare products as well as a food preservative. It can also be used in poultry and pet care products and as a larvicide,” Sagah said.

Sagah said SBC has signed a deal with with the Bidayuh of Kampung Semadang in Penrissen and the Iban of Rumah Simon, for the supply of the plant’s essential oil.

He said the bunga ta’ang essential oil has been trademarked and is now knowns as “adenosara”.

Sagah said the two local communities have produced 517 litres of the essential oil this year.

SBC is working with 24 indigenous communities on a traditional knowledge documentation programme, he added.

He said 6,568 plants in 111 sites have been documented in Sarawak.

To undertake research, Sagah said SBC will build the RM2 million Sarawak Bio-Industrial Park in Samarahan. – November 29, 2022.