p–ISSN: 2723 – 6609 e-ISSN: 2745-5254
Vol. 6, No. 1, January 2025 http://jist.publikasiindonesia.id/

Indonesian Journal of Social Technology, Vol. 6, No. 1, January 2025 69

Michelia alba: A Review on Its Biological Profile and Ethnobotany
in Java

Ahmad Naharuddin Ramadhan1*, MK Antony2, SP Pradana3, Susi Dewiyeti4

Universitas Negeri Semarang, Indonesia1, Universitas Sriwijaya, Indonesia2, Universitas
Pattimura, Indonesia3, Universitas Muhammadiyah Palembang, Indonesia4

Email: [email protected]*, [email protected],
[email protected], [email protected]

*Correspondence

ABSTRACT
Keywords: essential oil,
local wisdom, michelia,
review, traditional medicine.

Michelia alba DC (white champaca) is an ornamental, flowering,
and aromatic plant that grows widely in tropical and subtropical
areas of Southeast Asia. This plant has long been known as a
medicinal plant in several regions in Southeast Asia. However,
this plant is still not widely known by people in various parts of
the world, the number of studies that examine this plant is still
relatively small, and ethnobotanical discussions about this plant
are difficult to find. This study aims to provide a review of the
current ethnobotanical status of Michelia alba in Java, Indonesia,
which includes its biological profile, role in Javanese customs,
related myths, and scientific review in terms of its
pharmacological activity. The results of the ethnobotanical study
revealed that this plant is fairly unique because it is often
associated with magical things and is very closely related to
various cultural practices of the Javanese indigenous people
(kejawen). Scientifically, the results of research prove that the M.
alba plant does contain various chemical constituents that have
many benefits. The pharmacological activities of M. alba reported
include anti-cancer, antistress, anti-fungal, antioxidant, skin
protection, and effective in killing Trypanosoma parasites.

Introduction

Indonesia has long been known as an archipelago rich in biodiversity, flora and
fauna. With the mixture of native species from the Asian and Australian continents, it is
stated that biodiversity in Indonesia ranks the second largest in the world, including
40,000 endemic plant species, including 6,000 species of medicinal plants (Nugraha &
Keller, 2011). Apart from the richness of biodiversity, the ethnicity is also diverse, no less
than 300 ethnic groups with different customs and cultures (Pitoyo & Triwahyudi, 2018).
This causes interaction between the culture of each ethnic group (including the view of
life, values, norms, and applicable rules) and the surrounding environment, which then
gives birth to patterns of behavior that are typical of the community in treating its
environment (Mustaqin et al., 2018). Since ancient times, these community groups have
used plants for various needs such as building materials, clothing, household appliances,
traditional ceremonial equipment, as well as food and medicine. Composition of

Ahmad Naharuddin Ramadhan, MK Antony, SP Pradana, Susi Dewiyeti

Indonesian Journal of Social Technology, Vol. 6, No. 1, January 2025 70

ingredients; composition; processing process; Until the efficacy that is believed,
everything is still traditional according to the way of their respective ethnicities or groups
and is passed down from generation to generation (Hulyati et al., 2014). The relationship
between community groups (ethnicities) and the plants around them, as well as how
indigenous knowledge of plants to support life is a central theme in ethnobotany (Dhea
Dani et al., 2019).

Indigenous knowledge about the benefits of various plant species for medicine,
food, and other uses is a treasure trove of knowledge that is very valuable to study, as
many have been proven to be useful after empirical testing. From here, ethnobotany,
ethnomedicine, ethnopharmacology, and so on developed studies (Usbar et al., 2018).
Various studies have also been carried out and succeeded in revealing the scientific side
of local wisdom in Indonesia in utilizing plants, including: how the tradition "Nginang"
(i.e. chewing betel nut mixed with gambier, areca nut, and betel leaves) can improve
periodontal health (Lumbantoruan & Halawati, 2019) and how the ingredients "Nginang"
can be an antimicrobial compound in the mouth (Saraswati et al., 2019), how betel leaves
can stop nosebleeds (Sutopo, 2016), androgenic and estrogenic effects of purwoceng in
which it is widely used as aprodisiaka by many ethnicities; its ability to increase LH
(luteinizing hormone) and testosterone; increase the degree of spermatogenesis; as well
as increasing the number and motility of spermatozoa (Darwati & Roostika, 2016; Fauzi
et al., 2019), and so on.

However, the rapid advancement of science and technology, the development of the
times, and the transformation of society due to globalization have brought many changes
in various aspects of life, including culture. These changes led to the marginalization of
traditional knowledge; cultural products; and local wisdom, the abandonment of
everything that is traditional and the shift of most people—especially the younger
generation—to contemporary things (Mustaqin et al., 2018). This is a problem that occurs
almost everywhere, including in Indonesia, especially in the midst of urban communities.
Ethnobotanical products are considered primitive products and irrelevant to the progress
of the times. The perception of inferiority causes people living in modern times to abandon
traditional lifestyles that are in many ways more natural; more environmentally friendly;
even has exotic values (Purwanti et al., 2017; Yulina, 2017).

Therefore, a continuous study of these ethnobotanical products is needed. This effort
can start from the basics in the form of inventory and collection. Furthermore, it can be
continued by conducting studies to reveal the benefits of these various plants empirically
with the lens of modern science and cutting-edge technology (Hulyati et al., 2014). In
other words, indigenous knowledge and local wisdom about plants and their use must
continue to be studied and have great potential as a complement and support for modern
science. In addition, it also contributes benefits in providing prospects for product
development with economic value.

This study aims to provide a review of the current ethnobotanical status of Michelia
alba, one of the endemic flora of the island of Java, Indonesia (Gunawan et al., 2017;
Shodiq et al., 2019) known by the Javanese ethnicity or tribe as a plant"Cantil" or "White

Michelia alba: A Review on Its Biological Profile and Ethnobotany
in Java

Indonesian Journal of Social Technology, Vol. 6, No. 1, January 2025 71

cempaka"And it has long been used for various needs, including traditional ceremonies.
Michelia alba looks very close to Javanese culture to give birth to various myths and
public beliefs related to it (Puspita & Poerbantanoe, 2019). The benefits of this plant have
attracted the interest of many people, so that this plant has been widely cultivated in other
areas and is still used today. There are still few publications of research results or literature
reviews which discusses the Michelia alba, as also stated by H. M. Wang et al. (2010),
even more so in the ethnobiology review. Therefore, through this paper, the author tries
to elaborate on the biological profile of Michelia alba, its role in Javanese customs, myths
believed by the Javanese people, as well as a scientific review in terms of its
pharmacological activities.

Method

This study uses a literature review approach. The selection of this approach is
intended to synthesize information from the literature about the traditional knowledge of
the Javanese people and their traditional uses of the Michelia alba plant and how its
scientific side is seen from its biological, phytochemical, and pharmacological profiles.
The discussion in this study is also enriched with the potential use of Michelia alba in the
modern era so that it can be more widely accepted and provide economic benefits. This
literature review approach refers to the guidelines proposed by Oosterwyk, Brown &
Geeling (2017) which includes five steps, namely: 1) determination of protocols or
criteria; 2) literature search; 3) article selection; 4) analysis, synthesis, and interpretation,
and 5) review writing. In determining the protocol or criteria, we adopt the method used
by Oliver (2013). As a criterion set out in this literature review, topics are limited to
Michelia alba and literature sources include journal articles published between 2010 and
2020. The range of articles used in this study is through database searches such as PubMed
(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/), JSTOR (https://www.jstor.org/), ProQuest
(https://www.proquest.com/), Taylor and Francis (https://www.tandfonline.com/),
Science Direct (https://www.sciencedirect.com/), and Google Scholar
(https://scholar.google.com/). Searches on Indonesian journal databases such as the
Garuda Portal (http://garuda.ristekbrin.go.id/) are also used considering that Michelia alba
is an endemic plant so there is a possibility that it will be discussed more in local-scale
journals. The keywords used to conduct searches are open in both English and Indonesian,
namely: Michelia alba; Magnolia alba; white cempaka; Cantil flower or combined with
one or more of the following terms: chemical; phytochemical; pharmacological;
ethnobotany; traditional uses; traditional health practices; traditional rituals. Reference
books and theses are also used to enrich information that cannot be found in journal
articles.

Results and Discussion
The plant names and scientific classification

Michelia alba or Magnolia alba is known in Javanese and Indonesian as "white
cempaka". From an etymological point of view, cempaka means a gemstone. Indonesians

Ahmad Naharuddin Ramadhan, MK Antony, SP Pradana, Susi Dewiyeti

Indonesian Journal of Social Technology, Vol. 6, No. 1, January 2025 72

used to call topaz stone as "ratna cempaka stone" (Wind & Job, 2015). In fact, "champa"
became the name for the kingdom that flourished in Vietnam (Glover et al., 2004). This
plant is so named because of the beauty of its flowers, like white topaz stones. Therefore,
in English, this plant is also called white jade orchid tree.

Because each ethnicity in Indonesia has its own regional language, this plant is also
called by other names in various regions in Indonesia, including: "kantil", or "white
seeker" (Javanese), "campaka bodas" (Sundane), "campaka pote" (Madura), "cempaka
mawure" (North Sulawesi), "jeumpa gadeng" (Aceh), "campaka putieh" (Minangkabau),
"sampaka mopusi" (Mongondow), "bunga eja kebo" (Makassar), "patene" (Ujung
Pandang), "bunga eja mapute" (Bugis), "capaka bobudo" (Ternate), and "capaka bobulo"
(Tidore) (Hariana, 2013; Julianto, 2016). In English, this plant is known as white
champaca, magnolia blossom, joy perfume tree, or banana shrub (Lim, 2014; Rhind,
2015). The scientific classification is shown in table 1.

Table 1

Scientific classification of Michelia alba
Kingdom Plantae
Division Magnoliophyta
Class Magnoliopsida
Order Magnoliales
Family Magnoliaceae
Genus Michelia
Species Michelia alba

Distribution
Michelia alba is a species belonging to the Magnoliaceae family. The family

consists of 12 genera and 220 species of perennial evergreens and shrubs native to the
tropics and subtropics of the South and Southeast Asia (Indomalaya) Region, including
Southern China (Raja & Koduru, 2014). Michelia alba itself is a plant native to Indonesia
(Kumar et al., 2012; C.-H. Lee et al., 2018; H. M. Wang et al., 2008; H. M. Wang, Chen,
et al., 2010), precisely from Java (Randhawa & Mukhopadhyay, 2001), but its distribution
reaches Southeast Asia, East Asia, the southeastern United States, Central America, and
India (Sukewijaya et al., 2016). This plant grows in lowlands (≤ 300 m above sea level)
to 1200 m above sea level (Julianto, 2016). According to the IUCN RedList database, the
Michelia alba plant is included in the category of least-concern species.
Botanical description

Michelia alba is a tree with a height range of between 10-15 meters and can even
reach 20-30 meters if cultivated in areas with high humidity levels. The trunk is woody.
The bark is brown. If split, it is light yellow in color and easily splits. As for the root bark,
it is red. The leaves are single, flat-edged, green, ovate, and staggered in position. On the
underside of the leaves there are fluffy hairs. Each leaf bud is protected by 2 protective
leaves. The petioles are quite long and can reach almost half the length of the leaves. The
flowers are white and have a very pleasant smell. Inflorescences with a single flower that
are terminal, often look axial. Flower diameter ± 5 cm. Bisexual flowers, actinomorphic,
with elongated receptacula. Flowering all year round. The flowers begin to bloom in the

Michelia alba: A Review on Its Biological Profile and Ethnobotany
in Java

Indonesian Journal of Social Technology, Vol. 6, No. 1, January 2025 73

evening followed by a fragrant aroma; The scent begins to fade at night. The tent leaves
(tepal) number 6 to many, obviously, sometimes the outermost 3 are modified like petal
leaves (sepal). Stamens are numerous, the stamens are thick, short, undifferentiated into
pronounced stamens. Heteropolar pollen, monosulkat (1-sulcate), between 40-110 μm in
length. The fruiting proximity (> 20), obviously, is located on an elongated receptacle,
with lateral placenta. Seed seeds usually amount to 2 per fruit, sometimes many. There
are no honey glands. The fruit is elongated, slightly bent, first green, then pale gray. Seeds
with red or orange fleshy seed membranes, small embryos, and homogeneous endosperm
(Avizienis, 2019; Erdtman, 1986; C.-H. Lee et al., 2018; Sudarsono et al., 2005;
Tjitrosoepomo, 2007; van Steenis, 2013). This plant is the host of the butterflies "Tailed
Jay" Graphium agamemnon and "Common Jay" Graphium doson (Sulistyani, 2013;
Suwarno et al., 2018).
Myths, customs and traditional uses related to the tree

For the traditional Javanese people —or commonly referred to as "Kejawen" which
is a syncretism between Hinduism and Hinduism Islamic Folk-, M. alba or tree Cantil It
is considered a plant that is very closely related to the mystical dimension. Javanese myth
says that this plant is very popular with supernatural beings and can attract their attention.
It is believed that kuntilanak —The type of female ghost that is described as having a
terrifying appearance, with long hair, dressed in white- is the waiter of this tree.
Occurrence kuntilanak often attributed to the appearance of scents such as those emitted
by flowers Cantil (Duile, 2020; Mayangsari & Dorjanto, 2016; Newland, 2001). It is even
believed that kantil flowers are one of the favorites of Nyi Roro Kidul, a subtle spirit that
the Javanese people believe to be the queen of the southern sea (Triyanto et al., 2018).

M. alba It is also believed to have magical powers to attract the opposite sex or
known as "Pellets”. Kantil can mean "Kemantils" in Javanese, which means: crazy. Not a
few of the shamans who serve this clinic practice ask the perpetrators Pellets to store the
clothes of the intended person and hang them with kantil flowers so that the intended
person always remembers and misses the perpetrator (Elvitasari & Faidah, 2020). In the
conception of planting in the yard according to Yogyakarta customs, kantil trees are
planted on the right and left pendhapa (large pavilion) and the mother house. This tree is
planted near the door with the intention that the person who enters through the door feels
"Kemantils" (dear and cherished) by the owner of the house, so that things that are not
good or expected will not happen (Sadilah et al., 1992). It should also be noted that the
word Cantil can also mean bed. This word is used in books Chronicles of the Land of Jawi
(The Chronicles of Java) to refer to Nyi Roro Kidul's golden bed where he lay down when
he saw the distraction caused by the meditation of Panembahan Senopati —founder of the
Sultanate of Mataram-. This may be nothing more than a coincidence. However, the
relationship of the cantils with the magic of love; the erotic aspects inherent in Nyi Roro
Kidul; as well as the Javanese belief that Senopati and Nyi Roro Kidul had sex which
created a relationship between the southern sea supernatural palace and the Mataram
Sultanate, all of this deserves attention to understand the myth of the magical power of
trees Cantil (Koelink, 2020).

Ahmad Naharuddin Ramadhan, MK Antony, SP Pradana, Susi Dewiyeti

Indonesian Journal of Social Technology, Vol. 6, No. 1, January 2025 74

Flower M. alba It is also very close to various traditional rituals. In the Javanese
traditional wedding procession, kantil flowers are used in rituals flushing (bathing the
bride-to-be). This ritual is usually used "Seven-fold flower" or seven types of flowers —
The number seven has magical value in Javanese culture- which consists of: flowers Cantil
(M. alba), yellow cempaka (M. champaca), rose (Rosa hybrida), jasmine (Jasminum
sambac), good nightshade (Polianthes tuberose), water henna (Impatiens balsamina), and
ylang ylang (Cananga odorata) (Nurhadi et al., 2018). Ritual flushing This is sometimes
also done for women who are pregnant. The use of these flowers is believed to be
beneficial for pregnancy health (Nuha & Nisak, 2020). Similar to this ritual, together with
jasmine and roses, the flowers Cantil Immersed in water used for rituals ranupada (ranu:
washing, at: feet). In this ritual, the bride washes the groom's feet as a sign of a wife's
devotion to her husband (Hidaya et al., 2016). Cantil flowers are also used to make
necklaces that become bridal accessories, called Tri Puspita Sari necklaces (Tri:three
puspita:flower sari: beautiful), in a threefold arrangement that depicts the three stages of
human life: birth, marriage, and death. The myth is that kantil flowers can make the love
of the bride and groom always last (Elvitasari & Faidah, 2020). In some areas, rituals are
also held.Balangan Gantal" (throwing gantal). The bride and groom threw each other
Gantal which is made from betel leaf rolls and filled with flowers Cantil and tied with
woven threads. It is said that the meaning of this ritual is to throw love to each other
between husband and wife (Hidaya et al., 2016). In addition, the interest M. alba is also
one of the components that always exists in various forms of offerings in traditional and
religious ceremonies, in Java (Purwanto et al., 2020) and also in Bali (Sujarwo et al., 2020;
Sukewijaya et al., 2016).

Parts commonly used in traditional use of plants M. alba are the flowers. As
previously explained, the fragrance of this flower makes it often used in various Javanese
traditional rituals, in addition to being used as a fragrance in traditional cosmetics (for
example, as an ingredient in making "cem-ceman" oil), an herb for spice baths to eliminate
body odor, and as a hair fragrance (Puspita & Poerbantanoe, 2019; Tilaar, 1999). In
addition, it is also used to make fragrant tea (Lim, 2014). As a traditional herb, the flowers
are used to treat vertigo, sinusitis, and vaginal discharge. It is also used for the treatment
of gonorrhea by boiling it with young coconut. Its leaves are traditionally used as
medicine. Usually leaf decoction water M. alba It is used as a mouthwash to eliminate bad
breath, as well as used for the treatment of coughs, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, and
breaking down kidney stones, and when added honey can be used to treat stomach pain.
The bark of its roots is used in the treatment of inflammation, constipation, irregular
menstruation and dysmenorrhea. The bark of the trunk is used in the treatment of gastritis
and fever. There are also other uses, for example the trunk, which is used to make
household furniture (Aditya & Ramadhania, 2019; Gede Bawa, 2011; Julianto, 2016;
Puspita & Poerbantanoe, 2019).
Phytochemistry

The results of testing the composition of essential oils and absolute oils using GC-
MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy) show that linalool is the main component

Michelia alba: A Review on Its Biological Profile and Ethnobotany
in Java

Indonesian Journal of Social Technology, Vol. 6, No. 1, January 2025 75

of essential oils. While indole, linalool and phenylethyl alcohol are the main components
of absolute oils (Punjee et al., 2009). The content of essential oils from flowers M. alba
(Figure 1) among them are linalool 72.8%, α-terpineol (6.04%), β-phenylethyl alcohol
(2.58%), β-pinene (2.3%), methyl 2-methylbutyrate (1.46), geraniol (1.239%), and 1,8-
cineole (1.03%) (Burdock, 2016). Another study succeeded in uncovering 78 volatile
compounds (approximately representing 93-98% of the total number of volatile
compounds present) at seven stages of flower development M. alba, namely: S5 = The
buds become yellowish and swollen; S6 = The bud turns greenish-cream, swollen and
elongated; S7 = The buds turn full beige and the bractea open; S8 = Quarter bloom, outer
circle of petals open; S9 = Half bloom, outer circle and middle petals open; S10 = Full
bloom, outer, middle and inner petals open and S11 = Stamens turn brown, part of the
petals fall off. Thirty-three of these compounds (30-50%) belong to the isoprenoid group,
while the rest belong to fatty acid derivatives, benzenoids, phenylpropanoids and other
hydrocarbon compounds.

Several studies have attempted to unravel the chemical constituents isolated from
the roots (D.-J. Wang, 1979; Yang, 1962)leaf (C. Y. Chen, Huang, et al., 2008; Qin et al.,
2018; H. M. Wang, Lo, et al., 2010)flower (Sanimah et al., 2008; Shang et al., 2002)trunk
(Lo et al., 2010), and bark (Asaruddin et al., 2003) M. alba. These phytoconstituents that
have been successfully isolated from various parts of the M. alba plant organs are
summarized in table 2 below.

Table 2

Some phytoconstituents successfully isolated from M. alba
Chemical Constituents Plant Parts Reference

ushinsunine roots, flowers (C. Y. Chen, Huang, et al., 2008;
D.-J. Wang, 1979; Yang, 1962)

oxoushinsunine roots, flowers (C. Y. Chen, Huang, et al., 2008;
D.-J. Wang, 1979; Yang, 1962)

Salicifoline roots, flowers (C. Y. Chen, Huang, et al., 2008;
D.-J. Wang, 1979; Yang, 1962)

Michelalbine roots, flowers (C. Y. Chen, Huang, et al., 2008;
D.-J. Wang, 1979; Yang, 1962)

S-limonene roots, flowers (C. Y. Chen, Huang, et al., 2008;
Shang et al., 2002; D.-J. Wang,
1979; Yang, 1962)

benzyl acetate roots, flowers (C. Y. Chen, Huang, et al., 2008;
D.-J. Wang, 1979; Yang, 1962)

Linalool roots, flowers (C. Y. Chen, Huang, et al., 2008;
Punjee et al., 2009; Sanimah et
al., 2008; Shang et al., 2002; D.-
J. Wang, 1979; Xia et al., 2010;
Yang, 1962)

Nerol roots, flowers (C. Y. Chen, Huang, et al., 2008;
D.-J. Wang, 1979; Yang, 1962)

hydroxycitronellal roots, flowers (C. Y. Chen, Huang, et al., 2008;
D.-J. Wang, 1979; Yang, 1962)

Ahmad Naharuddin Ramadhan, MK Antony, SP Pradana, Susi Dewiyeti

Indonesian Journal of Social Technology, Vol. 6, No. 1, January 2025 76

Chemical Constituents Plant Parts Reference
Benzaldehyde roots, flowers (C. Y. Chen, Huang, et al., 2008;

D.-J. Wang, 1979; Yang, 1962)
Benzyl benzoate roots, flowers (C. Y. Chen, Huang, et al., 2008;

D.-J. Wang, 1979; Yang, 1962)
eugenol methyl ether roots, flowers (C. Y. Chen, Huang, et al., 2008;

Pongpuntaruk, 2010; D.-J. Wang,
1979; Yang, 1962)

lariciresinol roots (Pongpuntaruk, 2010)
-(3',4',5'-trihydroxy-3'-
methylbutanoyloxy)-11βH-
dihydroparthenolide

roots (Pongpuntaruk, 2010)

T-cadinol roots (Pongpuntaruk, 2010)
reynosin roots (Pongpuntaruk, 2010)
aphorpines: (-)-anonaine, (-)-

norushinsunine,
ushinsunine, (-)-N-
acetylanonaine and (-)-N-
formylanonaine

leaves (C. Y. Chen, Huang, et al., 2008;
Pongpuntaruk, 2010; H. M.
Wang, Lo, et al., 2010; Yang,
1962)

Oxoaphorpines: liriodenine,
oxoxylopine

leaves (C. Y. Chen, Huang, et al., 2008)

sesquiterpene lactones:
michelenolide, costunolide,
dihydrocostunolide,
parthenolide, 9βhydroxy-
11βH-dihydroparthenolide,
11,13-dehydrolanuginolide

roots, leaves,
bark

(Asaruddin et al., 2003; C. Y.
Chen, Huang, et al., 2008;
Pongpuntaruk, 2010)

amide: N-trans-
feruloyltyramine

leaves (C. Y. Chen, Huang, et al., 2008)

lignan: (+)-syringaresinol leaves (C. Y. Chen, Huang, et al., 2008)
Benzenoids: 4-

hydroxybenazaldehide, 4-
hydroxybenzoic acid,
methylparaben

leaves (C. Y. Chen, Huang, et al., 2008)

Steroids: β-sitosterol and
stigmasterol

leaves (C. Y. Chen, Huang, et al., 2008)

Liphatic compounds: palmitic
acid, stearic acid and
linoleic acid

leaves (C. Y. Chen, Huang, et al., 2008;
Shang et al., 2002)

clorophylls: pheophorbide,
aristophyll-C, mycephyll-A,
and pheophytin-A

leaves (C. Y. Chen, Huang, et al., 2008;
H. M. Wang, Lo, et al., 2010)

(-)-oliveroline leaves (H. M. Wang, Lo, et al., 2010)
(+)-nornuciferine leaves (H. M. Wang, Lo, et al., 2010)
Lysicamine leaves (H. M. Wang, Lo, et al., 2010)
(+)-Cyperone leaves (H. M. Wang, Lo, et al., 2010)
(+)-epi-yangambin leaves (H. M. Wang, Lo, et al., 2010)
Ficaprenol-10 leaves (H. M. Wang, Lo, et al., 2010)
santamarine Bark (Asaruddin et al., 2003)
α-pinene flowers (Sanimah et al., 2008; Shang et

al., 2002)
β-pinene flowers (Shang et al., 2002)

Michelia alba: A Review on Its Biological Profile and Ethnobotany
in Java

Indonesian Journal of Social Technology, Vol. 6, No. 1, January 2025 77

Chemical Constituents Plant Parts Reference
Camphene flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
Yesterday flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
α-myrcene flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
α-phellandrene flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
β-phellandrene flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
3-carene flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
α-terpinene flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
γ-terpinene flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
p-cymene flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
Eucalyptole flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
(Z)-α-ocimene flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
Dihydromyrcenol flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
Acetic acid 5 -hexenyl ester flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
(R)-fenchone flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
2-nonanone flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
(Z)-rose oxide flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
Limonene-1,2-epoxide flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
Camphor flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
p-menth-8-en-2-ol flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
Linalyl acetate flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
Isolinalyl acetate flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
(Z)-geraniol flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
Isogeranyl formate flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
Cyclooctanol acetate flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
Isobornyl acetate flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
2-Undecanone flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
α-cubebene flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
1,2,3a,3ba,4,5,6,6aá,6ba-
decahydro-1á-isopropyl-3aá-
methyl-6-methylene-
cyclobuta[1,2:3,4]diclopentene

flowers (Shang et al., 2002)

γ-elememne flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
(Z)-β-farnesene flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
Caryophyllene flowers, bark (Asaruddin et al., 2003; Sanimah

et al., 2008; Shang et al., 2002)
Copaene flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
Cedrene flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
α-muurolene flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
Germacrene D flowers (Sanimah et al., 2008; Shang et

al., 2002)
n-Pentadecane flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
(E,E)-α-farnesene flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
1-methyl-4-(5-methyl-1-
methylene-4-hexenyl)-(S)-
cyclohexene

flowers (Shang et al., 2002)

Cadinene flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
Eudesma-4(14),11-diene flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
2,6-Dimethyl-6-(4-methyl-3-
pentenyl)-bicyclo[3,1,1]hept

flowers (Shang et al., 2002)

(Z)-α-santalol flowers (Shang et al., 2002)

Ahmad Naharuddin Ramadhan, MK Antony, SP Pradana, Susi Dewiyeti

Indonesian Journal of Social Technology, Vol. 6, No. 1, January 2025 78

Chemical Constituents Plant Parts Reference
Caryophyllene oxide flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
β-Patchoulene flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
(E,E,E)-3,7,11,15-
Tetramethylhexadeca-
1,3,6,10,14-pentaene

flowers (Shang et al., 2002)

6,10,14-Trimethyl-2-
pentadecanone
n-Nonadecane

flowers (Shang et al., 2002)

n-Eicosane flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
n-Heneicosane flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
n-Docosane flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
n-Tricosane flowers (Shang et al., 2002)
n-Penracosane flowers (Shang et al., 2002)

Pharmacological activity
1. Trypanocidal effect

Ethyl acetate (AcOEt) extract from bark M. alba has been reported to show
trypanocide activity against Trypanosoma cruzi. The eight chemical constituents that have
a killing effect on T. cruzi along with their minimum concentrations are: caryophyllene
oxide (61 μM), costunolide (7 μM), dihydrocostunolide (27 μM), parthenolide (0.04 μM),
dihydroparthenolide (0.78 μM), 11, 13-dehydrolanuginolide (0.16 μM), santamarine (25
μM) and a monoterpene (5 μM) (Asaruddin et al., 2003).
2. Antifungal activity

Steam from essential oils M. alba (300-900 μL/L) has been studied for its effect on
mold growth in brown rice. The results showed that oil vapor M. alba ≥ 450 μL/L provides
effective antifungal activity to inhibit the growth of brown rice's natural mold for a
minimum of 90 days of storage at 25oC and relative humidity (RH) 100%. In this study, it
was also reported that essential oils extracted from the leaves were more effective in
inhibiting the growth of mold Aspergillus flavus than those extracted from the flowers.
(Songsamoe et al., 2017, 2020). Songsamoe and Matan (2020) conducted research by
developing an essential oil emulsion from M. alba which can be absorbed by water
hyacinth plants in order to produce essential oil absorbent materials as a carrier of essential
oil vapors that can be released to control fungi in a closed packaging system. The results
showed that the roots, stems, and leaves of dried water hyacinth that had absorbed the
essential oil emulsion from M. alba can release the vapor of the essential oil so that it
inhibits the growth of mold Aspergillus flavus in malt extract agar (MEA) and Thai dessert
food (Ja Mongkut) with the highest antifungal activity at a concentration of 500 μL/mL.
To be optimal, fresh water hyacinth plants are soaked in an essential oil emulsion M. alba
for 48 hours. Water hyacinth is then dried (≥ 0.4 g/L of air) and can be used to inhibit
growth A. flavus in a closed packaging system (Songsamoe & Matan, 2020). This
antifungal activity is thought to be the role of linalool, a monoterpene alcohol that is one
of the main components of essential oils M. alba. Linalool is known to damage the cell

Michelia alba: A Review on Its Biological Profile and Ethnobotany
in Java

Indonesian Journal of Social Technology, Vol. 6, No. 1, January 2025 79

walls and cell membranes of mold (Songsamoe et al., 2020; Zeng et al., 2011). The use of
linalool additives in food is proven to be safe based on testing and has also been approved
by the US-FDA without any specific restrictions (Hongratanaworakit & Buchbauer, 2004;
Songsamoe et al., 2020).
3. Antioxidant activity

It is known that reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as superoxide anions (O2
-.),

hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hydroxyl radical (· OH) is formed naturally by a number of
enzymes as part of metabolism in the cytoplasm (in vivo), is highly reactive and can be
produced endogenously or exogenously (Adegoke & Forbes, 2015; Hazra et al., 2004;
Rajurkar & Hande, 2011). Excessive production of ROS will cause oxidative stress that
can trigger a number of diseases such as cancer, stroke, Parkinson's disease, heart disease,
arteriosclerosis, infections, aging, and autoimmune diseases (Adegoke & Forbes, 2015;
K. J. Lee et al., 2015; Melo et al., 2015). Therefore, the intake of antioxidant compounds
in the food consumed is very necessary to help the body neutralize free radicals. Medicinal
plants include aromatic plants such as Michelia alba It is known to contain a number of
phenolic compounds with strong antioxidant activity (Leelapornpisid et al., 2008;
Rajurkar & Hande, 2011). This potential is very important to explore in order to find
natural antioxidants from plant extracts or products isolated from plants instead of
synthetic antioxidants that have a lot of records about the safety of their use (Brand-
Williams et al., 1995; Rajurkar & Hande, 2011; Tripathi et al., 2007).

Micephyll A, one of the chemical constituents of the leaf extract M. alba, has been
reported to have antioxidant activity against ABTS radicals+ (2,2'-azino-bis-3-
ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) with an inhibition percentage of 40.5% while also
showing metal chelation activity of 55.2% (at 100 μM) (H. M. Wang, Lo, et al., 2010). (-
)-N-Formylanoinane is reported to have beneficial activative activity for human skin, and
has the potential to be used in both medical cosmetology and dietary supplementation.
The compound has antioxidant activity in DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-pikrilhydrazile) radical
scavenging assay, has reducing power, and is able to chelate metal ions (H. M. Wang,
Chen, et al., 2010). This result is reinforced by the finding that the extract M. alba can
fight photoaging due to UV radiation by inhibiting the expression of MMPs (matrix
metalloproteinases). Phytoconstituents on M. alba the putative ones that have antioxidant
action are aporphines such as (-)-N-formylanonaine; (+)-nornuciferine; and lysicamine,
chlorophyll such as pheophorbide A; aristophyll-C; and mycephyll A, as well as lignans
such as yangambin and (+)-syringaresinol (Chiang et al., 2012). Extract n-hexane
containing flavonoids and non-essential triterpenoids from M. alba flowers was reported
to have a large antioxidant activity of 79.14% at 60 minutes in GC-MS (Gas
Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy) analysis. (Gede Bawa, 2011).
4. Anticancer activity

One of the alkaloid compounds isolated from the leaves M. alba, (-)-anonaine (Table
2), has been reported to have many useful pharmacological activities, among which is
anti-cancer activity. The compound (-)-anonaine is known to induce the mechanism of

Ahmad Naharuddin Ramadhan, MK Antony, SP Pradana, Susi Dewiyeti

Indonesian Journal of Social Technology, Vol. 6, No. 1, January 2025 80

apoptosis in HeLa cancer cells. Specific doses of (-)-anonaine induce DNA damage of
dependent cancer cells which correlates with an increase in intracellular nitric oxide;
reactive oxygen species (ROS); glutathione depletion; potential disruption of
mitochondrial transmembranes; activation of caspases 3, 7, 8, and 9; and poly ADP ribose
polymerase cleavage. (-)-anonaine also regulates the up-regulation of Bax expression and
p53 proteins in HeLa cancer cells (C. Y. Chen, Liu, et al., 2008). (-)-anonaine in the
concentration range of 50-200 μM was also reported to show significant inhibition of the
growth and migration of human H1299 lung cancer cells within 24 hours (B. H. Chen et
al., 2011). It is information that (-)-anonaine can be developed in chemotherapy or as a
health dietary supplement as a method of hemoprevention of cervical cancer and lung
cancer. In addition to its potential due to its anticancer activity, (-)-anonaine is also
reported to show other pharmacological activities including as a relaxant (Chulia et al.,
1995; Valiente et al., 2004), anti-oxidative (Martinez et al., 1992), anti-depressant (Protais
et al., 1995), anti-bacterial and antifungal (Tsai et al., 1989; Villar et al., 1987).
5. Anti-stress activity

Effect of oil vapor M. alba that brown rice is administered to human brain activity
has been studied through electroencephalogram (EEG) analysis. The results showed that
brown rice cooked with the aroma of essential oil vapor M. alba (600 μL/L) can increase
the power of α and β waves in the human brain which shows anti-stress effects and relaxed
mood (Koomhin et al., 2020; Songsamoe et al., 2020). Linalool, is a chemical constituent
in the essential oils of the flower M. alba (Table 2) which is strongly suspected to be one
of the compounds that have antistress activity. A study has shown that the aroma of the
extract Vallaris glabra (bread flower), Plumeria acuminata (pagoda tree), and Dracaena
fragrans (Fragrant Dracaena) causes a relaxation stimulating effect because it contains the
component Linalool (Promsomboon et al., 2014). Linalool is a monoterpene found in the
essential oils of various aromatic plants. This compound is efficacious to induce
relaxation, anti-stress effects and can improve sleep quality (Linck et al., 2010). This
provides information for us that essential oils M. alba It can be developed as an aromatic
substance in aromatherapy to provide a relaxing effect.
6. Skin protection

It is undeniable that many women want to look beautiful and have fair skin. That is
why many women use skin lightening cosmetic products that often contain whitening
ingredients that can cause negative effects. Some of the dangerous skin whitening
ingredients that are sometimes found in cosmetics are mercury, hydroquinone and retinoic
acid. Actually, dark skin color is caused by the synthesis of melanin. An enzyme that plays
an important role in the melanin synthesis pathway is tyrosinase. Tyrosinase has the
activity of hydroxylation of tyrosine, oxidation of L-DOPA (3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine)
and oxidation of hydroxyindole. Therefore, tyrosinase can catalyze several steps in
melanin biosynthesis. The enzyme tyrosinase works to convert tyrosine into 3,4-
dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) and then into dopaquinone which then goes through
several stages of transformation converted into melanin. The abnormal process of pigment

Michelia alba: A Review on Its Biological Profile and Ethnobotany
in Java

Indonesian Journal of Social Technology, Vol. 6, No. 1, January 2025 81

formation results in the uneven distribution of melanin content in the skin called
hyperpigmentation. Therefore, inhibition of tyrosinase to safely and effectively address
hyperpigmentation is an effort that deserves attention (Marles et al., 2003; Naoi et al.,
2010; Solano et al., 2006). As mentioned earlier that the natural product, (-)-N-
formylanonaine, which is isolated from the leaves M. alba has been found to have a
significant effect in reducing tyrosinase activity in fungi with IC50 = 74.3 μM. In addition,
(-)-N-formylanonaine also has tyrosinase and melanin-reducing activity in human
epidermal melanocytes in the absence of significant cytotoxicity. It was even found that
(-)-N-formylanonaine showed superior results to known tyrosinase inhibitors, such as
kojic acid and 1-phenyl-2-thiourea (PTU) (H. M. Wang, Chen, et al., 2010). Leaf extract
M. alba and its hydrolysate has also been shown to decrease the expression of the
metalloproteinase matrix induced by UVB synapses, as well as decrease elastase activity;
hyaluronic acid and type I procollagen in human skin fibroblasts (Chiang et al., 2012).

As explained earlier, the plant part M. alba The most widely used traditionally both
in weddings, traditional ceremonies, and others is the flower. From flowers M. alba
Essential and absolute oils that contain a number of volatile constituents that receive a lot
of attention (Sanimah et al., 2008; Shang et al., 2002; D.-J. Wang, 1979; Yang, 1962).
Essential oils from flowers M. alba contains many chemical constituents, especially
terpene compounds (Table 3) which give rise to a fragrant aroma and have anti-stress and
relaxation effects. In lavender, linalool compounds; 1,8-cineole; linalyl actetate;
terpinene-4-ol; camphor; and B-ocimene has shown useful effects in therapeutic methods
for neurological disorders such as anxiolytic (anti-anxiety); mood stabilizer; sedative
(sedative); analgesic (pain reliever); anticonsultative, and neuroprotective (Koulivand et
al., 2013). Rationally, it can be said that this relaxing fragrance is most likely the
background for the myths related to flowers M. alba and its widespread use in wedding
customs, pregnancy, religious rituals, beauty, medicine, and so on.

Table 3

A number of terpene compounds in M. alba, their aroma and uses
Terpene
compounds

Aroma Uses Also found in Reference

Linalool

Floral, citrus,
candy

anti-
inflammatory,
analgesic, anti-
stress/anxiety,
sedation, anti-
depressant,
modulation of
motor
movements and
locomotion, anti-
bacterial,
anticonvulsant,
anti-insomnia,
and antioxidant.

lavender,
citrus,
coriander,
rosewood,
laurels, birch
trees

(Buchbauer et
al., 1991; Cline
et al., 2008; De
Sousa et al.,
2010; by
Socorro S Rosa
et al., 2003; X.-
J. Li et al.,
2016; Ma et al.,
2015;
Nakamura et
al., 2009;
Peana et al.,
2003; Russo,
2011)

Ahmad Naharuddin Ramadhan, MK Antony, SP Pradana, Susi Dewiyeti

Indonesian Journal of Social Technology, Vol. 6, No. 1, January 2025 82

Myrcene

Earthy cloves,
herbs

anti-
inflammatory,
anti-cancer,
relaxant,
analgesic, and
anxiolytic
properties

sweet basil,
bay leaves,
lemongrass,
wild thyme,
parsley, and
tropical fruits
such as
mango, and
hops

(Do Vale et al.,
2002;
Lorenzetti et
al., 1991;
Maggi et al.,
2013; Rufino et
al., 2015)

Limonene

Citrus anti-
inflammation,
antioxidation,
anti-cancer
against skin
cancer; breast
cancer; prostate
cancer;
immunostimulan
t

All citrus
fruits

(Crowell &
Gould, 1994;
Hansen et al.,
2016; Jia et al.,
2013; Komori
et al., 1995;
Mediavilla-
Varela et al.,
2009)

Pinene

Pine anti-
inflammation,
anti-cancer,
antioxidation,
neuroprotection

Fresh pine
needles,
conifers, and
sage

(Cheng et al.,
2014; Q. Li,
2010; Porres-
Martínez et al.,
2016; Rufino et
al., 2014)

Caryophyllene

Pepper, woody,
spicy

anti-
inflammation,
anti-cancer,
antioxidation,
neuroprotection,
anti-bacterial,
larvicidal effect

Cinnamon,
cloves, black
pepper,
oregano,
basil,
rosemary, and
hops

(Calleja et al.,
2013; Dahham
et al., 2015;
Govindarajan
et al., 2016;
Ojha et al.,
2016; Pichette
et al., 2006)

1,8-cineole
(eucalyptol)

Fresh mint-like Antioxidation,
neuroprotection,
potential for use
in Alzheimer's
disease, anti-
inflammatory
and analgesic
properties

Tea tree,
rosemary,
sweet basil,
wormwood,
mugwort, bay
leaves,
common
sage, and
eucalyptus

(Moss &
Oliver, 2012;
Porres-
Martínez et al.,
2016; Santos &
Rao, 2000)

Camphene

Similar as
camphor

antioxidant,
analgesic,
antifungal

Turpentine,
Camphor Oil,
Citronella
Oil, Cypress
Oil, and
Valerian

(Marei et al.,
2012;
Quintans-
Júnior et al.,
2013)

Based on the uses it has, there are various prospects for its use M. alba, is it as an

industrial raw material of essential oils for aromatherapy (Punjee et al., 2009; Qin et al.,

Michelia alba: A Review on Its Biological Profile and Ethnobotany
in Java

Indonesian Journal of Social Technology, Vol. 6, No. 1, January 2025 83

2018; Sanimah et al., 2008; Sukewijaya et al., 2016), perfume making (Nasution et al.,
2019)cosmetics (Hartati, 2012), medicines, or as exotic ornamental plants.

Figure 2

: Google Trends graph on M. alba information search from 2004 to the present

Figure 3

: Google Trends results on M. alba information search interest by region

Figure 4

Overlay visualization of M. alba's research results

The M. alba plant, its uses, and the commercial products that can be produced from
it need to be introduced more widely. From the search results on Google Trends with the
query "Michelia alba" and with a time span between 2004 and now, it is found that search
interest for M. alba is only seen in three countries: Australia, Indonesia, and the United
States (Figure 3), and the graph shows a decline in search interest for information about
M. alba (Figure 2). Research on M. alba can also be said to be very little. From the results

Ahmad Naharuddin Ramadhan, MK Antony, SP Pradana, Susi Dewiyeti

Indonesian Journal of Social Technology, Vol. 6, No. 1, January 2025 84

of metadata harvesting using LENS (https://www.lens.org/) using the keyword michelia
alba, only 72 scholarly works were found. Similarly, based on the results of bibliometric
analysis (Figure 4), it can be seen that previous studies on M. alba have highlighted more
about the essential oil of its flowers. There is still a need for more in-depth studies on
other parts of M. alba besides its flowers, testing of pharmacological effects, and
innovation of processed products as food additives; medicines; and cosmetics.

Conclusion

M. alba has long been known and used by the people in Java and has a very close
relationship with the culture, customs and beliefs of the Javanese people. M. alba flowers
are inseparable from ubarampe (parts or components) in weddings, pregnancy, and also
offerings. M. alba is also mythical as the most preferred plant by female spirits and is a
plant that has magical power to attract the opposite sex. Traditionally, people have used
their flowers, leaves, stem bark, and root bark for beauty and medicinal purposes. The
results of scientific research have shown that the M. alba plant has great biological
potential. M. alba essential oil is known to contain a variety of chemical constituents,
including terpene compounds that provide a distinctive aroma and have many uses.
Phytoconstituents of M. alba have been reported to show several pharmacological
activities such as anti-cancer, anti-stress, anti-fungal, antioxidant, skin protection, as well
as effective as tripanosides. The information described in this review regarding the
various chemical constituents of M. alba and its pharmacological activity provides
evidence for the use of M. alba as a medicinal plant while providing more prospects for
its future use in the essential oil, perfume, medicine, food, and cosmetics industries. The
results of the study also provide rationalization to myths about this plant and its use in
various traditional and religious rituals.

Michelia alba: A Review on Its Biological Profile and Ethnobotany
in Java

Indonesian Journal of Social Technology, Vol. 6, No. 1, January 2025 85

Bibliography

Chulia, S., Ivorra, M. D., Cave, A., Cortes, D., Noguera, M. A., & D’Ocon, M. P. (1995).
Relaxant Activity of Three Aporphine Alkaloids from Annona cherimolia on
Isolated Aorta of Rat. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 47(8), 647–650.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-7158.1995.tb05852.x

Dahham, S. S., Tabana, Y. M., Iqbal, M. A., Ahamed, M. B. K., Ezzat, M. O., Majid, A.
S. A., & Majid, A. M. S. A. (2015). The Anticancer, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial
Properties of the Sesquiterpene β-Caryophyllene from the Essential Oil of
Aquilaria crassna. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 20(7), 11808–11829.
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules200711808

Darwati, I., & Roostika, I. (2016). Status Penelitian Purwoceng (Pimpinella alpina Molk.)
di Indonesia. Buletin Plasma Nutfah, 12(1), 9–15.
https://doi.org/10.21082/blpn.v12n1.2006.p9-15

De Sousa, D. P., Nóbrega, F. F. F., Santos, C. C. M. P., & De Almeida, R. N. (2010).
Anticonvulsant activity of the linalool enantiomers and racemate: Investigation of
chiral influence. Natural Product Communications, 5(12), 1847–1851.
https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578x1000501201

Dhea Dani, B. Y., Wahidah, B. F., & Syaifudin, A. (2019). Etnobotani Tanaman Kelor
(Moringa oleifera Lam.) di Desa Kedungbulus Gembong Pati. Al-Hayat: Journal of
Biology and Applied Biology, 2(2), 44. https://doi.org/10.21580/ah.v2i2.4659

DDuile, T. (2020). Kuntilanak Ghost Narratives and Malay Modernity in Pontianak,
Indonesia. Bijdragen Tot de Taal-, Land- En Volkenkunde, 176(2–3), 279–303.
https://doi.org/10.1163/22134379-17601001

Elvitasari, D. P., & Faidah, M. (2020). Tata Rias Pengantin pada Suku Tengger. E-
Journal, 9(1), 44–51.

Erdtman, G. (1986). Pollen Morphology and Plant Taxonomy: Angiosperms. E.J. Brill.

Fauzi, F., Widodo, H., & Haryanti, S. (2019). Kajian Tumbuhan Obat yang Banyak
Digunakan untuk Aprodisiaka oleh Beberapa Etnis Indonesia. Media Penelitian
Dan Pengembangan Kesehatan, 29(1), 51–64.
https://doi.org/10.22435/mpk.v29i1.466

Gede Bawa, I. (2011). Aktivitas Antioksidan Dan Antijamur Senyawa Atsiri Bunga
Cempaka Putih (Michelia Alba). Jurnal Kimia, 5(1), 43–50.

Glover, I., Bellwood, P., & Bellwood, P. S. (2004). Southeast Asia: From Prehistory to
History. RoutledgeCurzon.

Govindarajan, M., Rajeswary, M., Arivoli, S., Tennyson, S., & Benelli, G. (2016).
Larvicidal and repellent potential of Zingiber nimmonii (J. Graham) Dalzell

Ahmad Naharuddin Ramadhan, MK Antony, SP Pradana, Susi Dewiyeti

Indonesian Journal of Social Technology, Vol. 6, No. 1, January 2025 86

(Zingiberaceae) essential oil: an eco-friendly tool against malaria, dengue, and
lymphatic filariasis mosquito vectors? Parasitology Research, 115(5), 1807–1816.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00436-016-4920-x

Gunawan, H., Sugiarti, Rianti, A., Rendra, R. P. R., & Sudarso, I. (2017). Hutan kota
kawasan industri untuk konservasi ex-situ flora endemik dan terancam punah di
lingkungan perkotaan. Prosiding Seminar Nasional Masyarakat Biodiversitas
Indonesia, 3(2011), 323–333. https://doi.org/10.13057/psnmbi/m030307

Hansen, J. S., Nørgaard, A. W., Koponen, I. K., Sørli, J. B., Paidi, M. D., Hansen, S. W.
K., Clausen, P. A., Nielsen, G. D., Wolkoff, P., & Larsen, S. T. (2016). Limonene
and its ozone-initiated reaction products attenuate allergic lung inflammation in
mice. Journal of Immunotoxicology, 13(6), 793–803.
https://doi.org/10.1080/1547691X.2016.1195462

Hidaya, A. Al, Alfiati, A., & Khoirunnisaa, K. (2016). Nilai-Nilai Religius dalam
Tindakan Tutur pada Prosesi Temu Manten Upacara Pernikahan Adat Jawa di Kota
Madiun. An-Nuha, 3(1), 73–91.

Koelink, M. (2020). The Queen of the Sea and the Limits of Religion: How a Javanese
Sea Spirit Forces a Reconceptualization of Religion and Religious Syncretism.
Utrecht University.

Lee, K. J., Oh, Y. C., Cho, W. K., & Ma, J. Y. (2015). Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory
Activity Determination of One Hundred Kinds of Pure Chemical Compounds Using
Offline and Online Screening HPLC Assay. Evidence-Based Complementary and
Alternative Medicine, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/165457

Leelapornpisid, P., Chansakaow, S., Chaiyasut, C., & Wongwattananukul, N. (2008).
Antioxidant activity of some volatile oils and absolutes from Thai aromatic plants.
Acta Horticulturae, 786, 61–66. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2008.786.5

Li, Q. (2010). Effect of forest bathing trips on human immune function. Environmental
Health and Preventive Medicine, 15(1), 9–17. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12199-008-
0068-3

Li, X.-J., Yang, Y.-J., Li, Y.-S., Zhang, W. K., & Tang, H.-B. (2016). α-Pinene, linalool,
and 1-octanol contribute to the topical anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities
of frankincense by inhibiting COX-2. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 179, 22–26.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2015.12.039

Lorenzetti, B. B., Souza, G. E. P., Sarti, S. J., Santos Filho, D., & Ferreira, S. H. (1991).
Myrcene mimics the peripheral analgesic activity of lemongrass tea. Journal of
Ethnopharmacology, 34(1), 43–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-8741(91)90187-I

Lumbantoruan, M., & Halawati. (2019). Pengaruh Budaya Makan Sirih Terhadap Status
Kesehatan Periodontal pada Masyarakat Suku Karo di Desa Biru-Biru Kabupaten
Deli Serdang tahun 2009. Jurnal Mutiara Kesehatan Masyarakat, 4(1), 7–16.

Michelia alba: A Review on Its Biological Profile and Ethnobotany
in Java

Indonesian Journal of Social Technology, Vol. 6, No. 1, January 2025 87

Ma, J., Xu, H., Wu, J., Qu, C., Sun, F., & Xu, S. (2015). Linalool inhibits cigarette smoke-
induced lung inflammation by inhibiting NF-κB activation. International
Immunopharmacology, 29(2), 708–713.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intimp.2015.09.005

Maggi, F., Fortuné Randriana, R., Rasoanaivo, P., Nicoletti, M., Quassinti, L., Bramucci,
M., Lupidi, G., Petrelli, D., Vitali, L. A., Papa, F., & Vittori, S. (2013). Chemical
composition and in vitro biological activities of the essential oil of Vepris
macrophylla (BAKER) I.VERD. endemic to Madagascar. Chemistry &
Biodiversity, 10(3), 356–366. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.201200253

Martinez, L. A., Rios, J. L., Paya, M., & Alcaraz, M. J. (1992). Inhibition of nonenzymic
lipid proxidation by benzylisoquinoline alkaloids. Free Radical Biology &
Medicine, 12, 287–292.

Mayangsari, R., & Dorjanto, D. (2016). Kajian komik Tuti and Friends karya RM Fajar.
Jurnal Pendidikan Seni Rupa, 4(1), 97–105.

Mediavilla-Varela, M., Pacheco, F. J., Almaguel, F., Perez, J., Sahakian, E., Daniels, T.
R., Leoh, L. S., Padilla, A., Wall, N. R., Lilly, M. B., De Leon, M., & Casiano, C.
A. (2009). Docetaxel-induced prostate cancer cell death involves concomitant
activation of caspase and lysosomal pathways and is attenuated by LEDGF/p75.
Molecular Cancer, 8(1), 68. https://doi.org/10.1186/1476-4598-8-68

Mustaqin, A. Z., Astriani, W., Husodo, T., & Partasasmita, R. (2018). Pemanfaatan
Tumbuhan Untuk Beberapa Upacara Adat Oleh Masyarakat Desa Pangandaran
Kecamatan Pangandaran Kabupaten Pangandaran. Jurnal Pro-Life, 5(1), 496–505.

Nakamura, A., Fujiwara, S., Matsumoto, I., & Abe, K. (2009). Stress Repression in
Restrained Rats by (R)-(−)-Linalool Inhalation and Gene Expression Profiling of
Their Whole Blood Cells. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 57(12),
5480–5485. https://doi.org/10.1021/jf900420g

Naoi, M., Maruyama, W., & Riederer, P. (2010). Melanin. In K. Kompoliti & L. V.
Metman (Eds.), Encyclopedia of Movement Disorders (pp. 169–171). Academic
Press. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-374105-9.00480-9

Nasution, R., Azwar, A. I., Helwati, H., & Marianne. (2019). Antibacterial Activities of
Perfume: Combination Flower Magnolia alba, Cananga odorata and Mimusops
elengi L, Fixed with Pogostemon cablin Oil. Indonesian Journal of Pharmaceutical
and Clinical Research, 2(1), 19–23. https://doi.org/10.32734/idjpcr.v2i1.814

Nurhadi, Z. F., Salamah, U., & Vidiyanti, T. (2018). Etnografi Komunikasi Tradisi
Siraman Pada Prosesi Pernikahan Adat Sunda. Jurnal Penelitian Komunikasi, 21(2),
101–118. https://doi.org/10.20422/jpk.v21i2.531

Ojha, S., Javed, H., Azimullah, S., & Haque, M. E. (2016). β-Caryophyllene, a
phytocannabinoid attenuates oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, glial activation,

Ahmad Naharuddin Ramadhan, MK Antony, SP Pradana, Susi Dewiyeti

Indonesian Journal of Social Technology, Vol. 6, No. 1, January 2025 88

and salvages dopaminergic neurons in a rat model of Parkinson disease. Molecular
and Cellular Biochemistry, 418(1–2), 59–70. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11010-016-
2733-y

Peana, A. T., D’Aquila, P. S., Chessa, M. L., Moretti, M. D. L., Serra, G., & Pippia, P.
(2003). (−)-Linalool produces antinociception in two experimental models of pain.
European Journal of Pharmacology, 460(1), 37–41.
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/S0014-2999(02)02856-X

Pichette, A., Larouche, P.-L., Lebrun, M., & Legault, J. (2006). Composition and
antibacterial activity of Abies balsamea essential oil. Phytotherapy Research : PTR,
20(5), 371–373. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1863

Pitoyo, A. J., & Triwahyudi, H. (2018). Dinamika Perkembangan Etnis di Indonesia
dalam Konteks Persatuan Negara. Populasi, 25(1), 64.
https://doi.org/10.22146/jp.32416

Pongpuntaruk, J. (2010). Chemical constituents from the stem of punica granatum and
the root of mechelia alba. Prince of Songkla University.

Purwanti, Miswan, & Pitopang, R. (2017). Studi Etnobotani Pada Proses Ritual Adat
Masyarakat Suku Saluan Di Desa Pasokan Kabupaten Tojo Una-Una. Biocelebes,
11(1), 46–60.

Purwanto, S. R., Novenda, I. L., & Narulita, E. (2020). ETHNOBIOLOGY STUDY ON
NATURE AND PROCESSING PLANTS AND. Jurnal Mangifera Edu, 5(1), 38–
54. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.31943/mangiferaedu.v5i1.90

Puspita, A., & Poerbantanoe, B. (2019). Galeri Bunga Cempaka di Kota Semarang. Jurnal
E-Dimensi Arsitektur, 7(1), 529–536.

Qin, D. Q., Huang, R. L., Li, Z. H., Wang, S. Y., Cheng, D. M., & Zhang, Z. X. (2018).
Volatile component analysis of michelia alba leaves and their effect on fumigation
activity and worker behavior of solenopsis invicta. Sociobiology, 65(2), 170–176.
https://doi.org/10.13102/sociobiology.v65i2.2014

Saraswati, R. A., Safitri, M., Rahmah, D. N. H., Monika, C., & ... (2019). Potensi
Senyawa Antimikrobia Dari Organ Tanaman Ramuan Nginang. Prosiding Seminar
Nasional Pendidikan Biologi Dan Saintek, 209–212.

Shodiq, M. A., Budiarti, T., & Nasrullah, N. (2019). Kajian Potensi Koleksi Pohon Lokal
Kebun Raya Cibodas Untuk Fungsi Estetika Dalam Lanskap [Institut Pertanian
Bogor]. https://doi.org/10.31220/osf.io/fhc6u

Songsamoe, S., Koomhin, P., & Matan, N. (2020). The effects of Michelia alba oil against
mould on brown rice and assessing the brain response using electroencephalogram
(EEG). Journal of Food Science and Technology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-
020-04689-8

Songsamoe, S., & Matan, N. (2020). Treatment of fresh water hyacinth with essential oil
emulsion and subsequent use of the plant material for control of Aspergillus flavus
on rice dessert products. BioResources, 15(2), 2147–2162.

Michelia alba: A Review on Its Biological Profile and Ethnobotany
in Java

Indonesian Journal of Social Technology, Vol. 6, No. 1, January 2025 89

https://doi.org/10.15376/biores.15.2.2147-2162
Songsamoe, S., Matan, N., & Matan, N. (2017). Antifungal activity of Michelia alba oil

in the vapor phase and the synergistic effect of major essential oil components
against Aspergillus flavus on brown rice. Food Control, 77, 150–157.
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2017.02.010

Sujarwo, W., Caneva, G., & Zuccarello, V. (2020). Patterns of plant use in religious
offerings in bali (Indonesia). Acta Botanica Brasilica, 34(1), 40–53.
https://doi.org/10.1590/0102-33062019abb0110

Sukewijaya, I. M., Mahendra, M. S., Rai, I. N., & Temaja, G. R. M. (2016).
Morphological Characters and Genetic Variability of Champaca in Bali.
International Journal of Bioscience and Biotechnology, 4(1), 29–38.

Usbar, N., Mahbub, A. S., & Makkarennu. (2018). Pengetahuan Lokal Masyarakat Adat
Kajang Dalam Memanfaatkan Tumbuhan Hutan Untuk Pengobatan. Jurnal
Universitas Hasanuddin, 1–11.

Valiente, M., D’Ocon, P., Noguera, M. A., Cassels, B. K., Lugnier, C., & Ivorra, M. D.
(2004). Vascular activity of (-)-anonaine, (-)-roemerine and (-)-pukateine, three
natural 6a(R)-1,2-methylenedioxyaporphines with different affinities for alpha1-
adrenoceptor subtypes. Planta Medica, 70(7), 603–609. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-
2004-827181

Yulina, I. K. (2017). Back to Nature: Kemajuan atau Kemunduran. Mangifera Edu, 2(1),
20–31. https://doi.org/10.31943/mangiferaedu.v2i1.15