Medicinal Plants

Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn.

Kapuk

Malvaceae

Location in the garden Fruit
Photo 1 of medicinal plant Ceiba pentandra (Kapuk) Photo 2 of medicinal plant Ceiba pentandra (Kapuk) Photo 3 of medicinal plant Ceiba pentandra (Kapuk)

Summary

Kapuk randu (Ceiba pentandra) is a tree 10-50 meters tall of the Malvaceae family, originating from tropical America, growing wild along the west coast of Africa from Senegal to Angola before being brought to Asia. Its light, soft fiber has long been used in the furniture and spinning industries. Various parts of kapuk are traditionally believed to treat fever, cough, and chronic dysentery.

Agroecology

This plant grows well at elevations of 100-800 m above sea level and nighttime temperatures below 17 °C. Prefers high rainfall, around 1,500–2,500 mm/year, and is easily damaged by strong winds.

Morphology

  • Roots taproot.
  • Stem straight, cylindrical, branching or unbranched. Cone-shaped thorns are often found.
  • Leaves palmate, oblong shaped, tapering leaf tip, smooth leaf edges, connected pinnate venation, dark green on the upper surface and light green underneath, has 5-9 leaflets up to 15 cm long.
  • Flowers clustered, white or reddish-pink, 5 petals and stamens, small, large pistil head, flower stalk length up to 20 cm.
  • Fruit a capsule 7.5-30 x 3-7.5 cm, tapering at both ends, green when young and brown when mature, has 5 valves (shells).
  • Seeds round, dark brown in color.

Cultivation

Propagated generatively (by seed) or vegetatively (cuttings). 

Chemical Content

Phenolic compounds, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, phytic acid, TIA (trypsin inhibitor), HIA (hemagglutinin inhibitor), oxalic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid.

Benefits

Leaves: fever remedy, cough, hoarseness, hair growth promoter, addresses ulcers. Fruit peel: has diuretic, astringent properties, treats fever, asthma, gonorrhea, and diarrhea. Roots: reduces fever, chronic dysentery.

Simplisia

  • Select fresh kapuk leaves. Clean off unwanted parts. Wash the leaves thoroughly with running water and drain.
  • Arrange the leaves on a tray and cover with a thin dark cloth. Dry in the sun until dry (leaves crumble easily when crushed).
  • Once dry, put into a clean, tightly sealed, airtight plastic bag.

Local Names

Kapuk randu, Kapas jawa, Kapuk jawa, Kapas sutra.

Traditional Recipes

The following recipes reflect traditional knowledge passed down through generations, not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or advice. Consult a healthcare provider before use.

Traditional recipe Ulcers from Kapuk

1. Ulcers

  • Prepare an adequate amount of kapuk leaves and sembung leaves.
  • Wash all ingredients thoroughly then add boiled water, squeeze and strain.
  • Drink twice a day, morning and evening. 

Reference Sources

  1. Deni B. 2002. The Royal Horticultural Society New Encyclopedia of Herbs & Their Uses (revised edition). London: Dorling Kindersley. 448 pp
  2. Direktorat Budidaya Tanaman Tahunan. 2008. Budidaya Kapuk. Direktorat Jenderal Perkebunan. Jakarta. http://wirausaha.blog.unsoed.ac.id/files/2012/05/Panduan-Budidaya-Kapuk.pdf 07-02- 2020.
  3. Elela MEA, Orabi MAA, Abdelkader MSA, Darwish FMM. 2015. Phytochemical screening and HPTLC studies of Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn. variety pentandra cultivated in Egypt. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 4(1): 10-1
  4. Khare CP. 2014. Ceiba pentandra (Linn.)Gaertn. Indian Medicinal Plants. New York. Springer New York: 1-1. ISBN 978038776375.
  5. Kiran CR, Madhavi Y, Rao TR. 2012. Evaluation of phytochemicals and antioxidant activities of Ceiba pentandra (Kapok) Seed Oil. J Bioanal Biomed. 4(4): 068-073
  6. Pratiwi RH. 2014. Potensi Kapuk Randu (Ceiba Pentandra Gaertn) dalam Penyediaan Obat Herbal. Journal Widya Kesehatan dan Lingkungan 1(1): 53-60.
  7. Prosea. 2016. Ceiba pentandra L. https://uses.plantnet-project.org/en/Ceiba_pentandra _(PROSEA) 10-12-2019
  8. Saptarini NM, Deswati DA. 2015. The antipyretic activity of leaves extract of Ceiba pentandra better than Gossypium arboretum. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science 5(7): 118-12
  9. Wa Ode Jumiarni. 2017. Eksplorasi Jenis Dan Pemanfaatan Tumbuhan Obat Pada Masyarakat Suku Muna Di Permukiman Kota Wuna. Traditional Medicine Journal
  10. Stuartxchange. Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn. http://www.stuartxchange.org/Buboi, 22-02-2021
  11. Academic journals. Fatty acid profile and quality parameters of Ceiba pentandra (L.) seed oil: A potential source of biodiesel. https://academicjournals.org/journal/JPTAF/article-full-text-pdf/0D465E659580, 22-02-2021