Researchers from the Ateneo de Manila University have created an innovative card game, Herbularyo, designed to teach players about organic chemistry through the lens of traditional Filipino herbal medicine.
A Unique Educational Tool
Lasting between five to ten minutes, Herbularyo is ideal for both classroom settings and outreach programs. Players take on the roles of traditional healers, using medicinal herbs to treat various ailments.
We wanted to make a game that not only teaches organic chemistry and Filipino traditions, but also how these areas of knowledge can inform each other.
Maryjane Magsino, Researcher
The game ingeniously combines elements of Filipino culture, such as binat (relapse), sumpa (curse), and himala (miracle), with scientific principles.
- Players match medicinal herbs to illnesses
- Identify the organic compounds responsible for healing properties
The plants featured in Herbularyo are sourced from the “Encyclopedia of Common Medicinal Plants of the Philippines Volume 3,” a project supported by the Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC).
Magsino emphasizes the project's goal of connecting traditional Filipino medicinal knowledge with modern science, highlighting the importance of local practices grounded in scientific validation.
As educational tools continue to evolve, Herbularyo stands out by fostering a deeper appreciation for both cultural heritage and scientific inquiry, making learning engaging and accessible.