Abstract:
This study is aimed at exploring the medicinal uses and perceived effectiveness of Pereskia bleo in
treating certain diseases among the users from three selected villages in the State of Kelantan in
Malaysia. This study employed qualitative, structured interview research design. The survey was
carried out in three villages in the State of Kelantan in Malaysia. The names of the villages are as
follows: Kampung Banggol Setol, Kampung Bunut Susu and Kampung Cherang. Nine informants,
who were actually using Pereskia bleo for treating certain diseases, were recruited by the snowball
sampling techniques. Thematic Content Analysis method was used for the analysis of data collected
from the informants’ interview responses. The use of Pereskia bleo to treat diseases by users was
based on the recommendation of their relatives and friends. Without consuming any medications
from the hospitals, the users reported that the use of leaves, tips and flower of Pereskia bleo was
alone effective against cancer, hypertension, boils, diabetes mellitus and also as a health supplement.
No conclusive medical studies had been reported on the potential effects of Pereskia bleo on
hypertension, diabetes mellitus and boils as reported and claimed by the informants. Thus it may be
necessary to do further research to evaluate the use of Pereskia bleo in terms of its safety, efficacy
and quality
