A Systematic Review of the Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, and Cultural Heritage of Embelia Philippinensis A.DC.: Bridging Indigenous Knowledge and Biodiversity Conservation

Abstract ―​

Embelia philippinensis A.DC. (Primulaceae), a woody vine endemic to the Philippines, embodies both biological diversity and Indigenous cultural heritage. Despite its cultural and ecological importance, a comprehensive synthesis of its ethnobotanical and pharmacological roles has been lacking. This systematic review, guided by the PRISMA framework, analyzed 142 records, of which 11 met the inclusion criteria. Findings highlight a “Sustainability Gap”: Indigenous practices emphasize renewable leaf harvesting for rituals and culinary uses, while modern pharmacological studies disproportionately focus on destructive root extraction. Phytochemical evidence confirms the presence of embelin, an antioxidant compound, yet leaf-based studies remain underrepresented. Bridging traditional ecological knowledge with sustainable scientific approaches offers a pathway for biodiversity conservation and community livelihood. The study recommends prioritizing leaf-centered phytochemical profiling, conservation policies aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 12 and SDG 15), and the development of sustainable leaf-based products to support both species survival and local communities.