Analysis of ash suspension obtained from Piper aduncum that claimed to cure cancer in Papua New Guinea

Objective: To analyse the Piper ash suspension and the salts obtained from young and matured P. aduncum species. Methods: Salts obtained by evaporating the ash filtrates of young and matured Piper aduncum shrubs and an ash suspension sample obtained from Busiga village were analysed for cations and anions. Results: No organic part was found and only common inorganic cations and anions were present in all these samples. The Busiga sample, in addition, contained huge amounts of carbon ash (21.18 g/L). The essential mineral electrolyte content for the two salts was found to be 58.25% and 48.59% respectively. Details on electrical conductivity, Fourier transform infrared spectral and antimicrobial studies are discussed. Conclusions: Though it has been a myth and mystery that people get cured from maladies, the rate of curing is possibly related to the presence of mineral electrolytes present in the suspension, and a rich change in the diet the patients adapt during such circumstances.