Cissus quadrangularis L.

Tikel balung (Cissus quadrangularis) is a climbing plant up to 2 meters long of the Vitaceae family, originating from tropical Africa, India, and Southeast Asia. In Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, its jointed stem has traditionally been used to aid recovery from broken bones, while in South India its young shoots are eaten as a vegetable. Its roots are also believed to be an effective natural pesticide, repelling termites and flies.

Generally grows in coastal areas, secondary forests, forest edges, among riparian vegetation (river or lake banks), in house yards and gardens. Grows at elevations up to 2,000 m above sea level. Prefers full sunlight, suited to sandy or loamy soil.

• Roots taproot, white in color.
• Stem has branches with a square cross-section, segments 8-10 cm (length) and 1-1.5 cm (width). Each corner has a rough edge.
• Leaves trilobed, toothed, 2-5 cm wide, emerging at nodes, base wide and forming a triangle-like shape at the tip. Leaf texture fleshy, edges serrated. Each has a tendril emerging from the opposite side of the node.
• Flowers greenish-red, numerous, and sweetly scented.
• Fruit round like a berry, red when ripe, 7 mm diameter, contains 1 obovoid seed.

Propagated vegetatively (by stem cuttings). Cut the stem into several segments. Leave for 2 days, then plant in growing media.

Carotenoids, triterpenoids, ascorbic acid, ketosteroids, resveratrol, anabolic steroid compounds, asymmetric tetracyclic triterpenoids, β-sitosterol, δ-amyrin, δ-amyrone, flavonoids (quercetin).

Aids recovery from broken bones, rheumatism, treats burns, boils, scabies, hemorrhoids, osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease, digestive disorders, asthma, ear problems, nosebleeds, weight reduction (adiposity), analgesic (pain reliever).

• Collect the stems, then cut into pieces about 1 cm long.
• Air-dry the material or place in an oven at 60 °C for 48 hours.
• Once dry, grind the stems into powder.
• Store or pack in clean, airtight plastic.

Sangkal putung, Cikal tulang, Sipatah-patah (Aceh).