Medicinal Plants

Curcuma zanthorrhiza Roxb.

Temulawak

Zingiberaceae

Location in the garden Main
Photo 1 of medicinal plant Curcuma zanthorrhiza (Temulawak) Photo 2 of medicinal plant Curcuma zanthorrhiza (Temulawak) Photo 3 of medicinal plant Curcuma zanthorrhiza (Temulawak)

Summary

Temulawak, or Javanese turmeric (Curcuma zanthorrhiza), is an erect herb up to 2 meters tall of the Zingiberaceae family, a medicinal plant native to Indonesia now also cultivated in Malaysia, India, and Thailand. Its rhizome is the main ingredient of traditional jamu believed to boost immunity and appetite. Javanese turmeric is also used for generations to address fatigue, high blood pressure, and digestive disorders.

Agroecology

Grows well up to an elevation of 750 m above sea level, in sandy clay soil texture, loose, fertile, rich in organic matter, and moist soil. Able to adapt to both open locations and under tree canopies, with an annual temperature of 28-34 ºC, rainfall of ± 223.97 mm/year.

Morphology

  • Rhizome strongly branched, large, reddish-brown, dark yellow or dark green in color. The rhizome flesh is dark orange or brownish, with a sharp pungent aroma and bitter taste.
  • Stem a pseudostem, formed from erect, overlapping leaf sheaths, green to dark brown.
  • Leaves elongated, green or light to dark purplish-brown. Leaf length 31-84 cm and width 10-18 cm. Each blade is connected by a fairly long sheath and petiole.
  • Flowers clustered. Floral bracts elongated-round, white, with red tips.

Cultivation

  • Propagated vegetatively, i.e. offshoots growing from a mature rhizome 10-12 months old; seedlings are sprouted in a moist, dark location for 2-3 weeks before planting. Alternatively, cut a mature rhizome that already has shoots.
  • Harvest time is at 11-12 months of age.

Chemical Content

Xanthorrhizol, curcumin, myrcene, linalool, zingiberene, camphor, geranyl acetate, zerumbone, β-curcumene, ar-curcumene, cycloisoprenmyrcene, carbinol, turmerol, geraniol, phenolics, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids.

Benefits

Addresses fatigue, high blood pressure, allergies; anticancer; treats kidney and lower back pain; stimulates appetite; addresses digestive problems.

Simplisia

  • Prepare Javanese turmeric rhizome, remove debris, then wash and drain. Weigh the material, then slice thinly.
  • Arrange the tubers on a tray and air-dry for 7 days.
  • Once dry, pack in plastic and vacuum-seal.

Local Names

Koneng gede (Sunda), Temu lebak (Madura).

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 Appetite Stimulant from Temulawak

1. Appetite Stimulant

  • Prepare 250 g Javanese turmeric, 50 g turmeric, 100 g sliced palm sugar, and 1,200 ml water.
  • Boil all ingredients over low heat until boiling and the water is slightly reduced.
  • Drink 1-2 times a day.
Traditional recipe Allergies from Temulawak

2. Allergies

  • Prepare 20 g sliced Javanese turmeric, 10 g tamarind, and a sufficient amount of palm sugar.
  • Boil all ingredients in 500 ml water until boiling and reduced to 250 ml.
  • Drink the mixture all at once, repeat for 5 days.

Reference Sources

  1. Aznam N, Atun S. 2016. Pharmacological test of herbal products from T temulawak (Curcuma Xanthorhiza) as antihypercholesterol by In Vivo. I.J.P.P.R. 8(5): 807-811.
  2. Batubaraa I, Julitaa I, Darusmana LK, Muddathirc AM , Mitsunaga T. 2015. Flower Bracts of Temulawak (Curcuma xanthorrhiza) for Skin Care: Anti-Acne and Whitening Agents. Procedia chemistry 14:216-224.
  3. Dinas Pertanian DIY. Temulawak. https://distan.jogjaprov.go.id/wp-content/download/tanaman_obat/temulawak.pdf
  4. Helen MPA, Gomathy SK, Jayasree S, Nizzy AM, Rajagopal B, Jeeva S. 2012. Phytochemical characterization and antimicrobial activity of Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine: 637-640.
  5. Julita I. 2013. Daun pelindung bunga temulawak (Curcuma xanthorriza Roxb.) sebagai inhibitor tirosinase dan antioksidan. Skripsi. Fakultas Matematika dan Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam. Institut Pertanian Bogor. Bogor.
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  9. Wahyuni S. 2012. Penapisan senyawa aktif bunga dan daun temulawak (Curcuma xanthorrhiza) sebagai antioksidan. Skripsi. Institut Pertanian Bogor. Bogor.
  10. Wijayanto EA. 2013. Kandungan kurkuminoid dan daya antioksidan aksesi temulawak (Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb.) asal Sukabumi. Skripsi. Fakultas Matematika dan Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam. Institut Pertanian Bogor. Bogor.
  11. Katarina Purba. 2020. Menambah Nafsu Makan. Kebun Lae Butar.
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  13. Sirait Midian, dkk. 1985. Cara Pembuatan Simplisia. Departemen Kesehatan Republik Indonesia. Jakarta 73