Medicinal Plants

Dianella ensifolia (L.) Redouté

Rumput Siak-Siak

Asphodelaceae

Location in the garden Main
Photo 1 of medicinal plant Dianella ensifolia (Rumput Siak-Siak) Photo 2 of medicinal plant Dianella ensifolia (Rumput Siak-Siak) Photo 3 of medicinal plant Dianella ensifolia (Rumput Siak-Siak)

Summary

Rumput siak-siak (Dianella ensifolia) is a clump-forming herb up to 1.5 meters tall of the Asphodelaceae family, thought to originate from Australia, Southeast Asia, and Africa. Its rhizome and roots are used as cosmetic and perfume ingredients, while its attractive fruit is actually toxic if consumed. Traditionally, this plant is believed to treat kidney stones, itching, and worm infections.

Agroecology

This plant can grow in tropical and subtropical climates. Commonly found along riverbanks, open grasslands, up to elevations of 3,000 m above sea level. Prefers fertile soil, in full sunlight or partial shade.

Morphology

  • Rhizome branching, white.
  • Leaves long (elliptic/lanceolate) like a sword, somewhat stiff, sheathed and tapering at the base and tip.
  • Flowers emerge at the tip of a stalk that exceeds the length of the leaf blade (30-60 cm), bisexual. Petals and calyx white or bluish-white, sometimes yellowish. Anthers bright yellow-orange.
  • Fruit round berry shape, purplish blue and glossier once ripe. Each fruit contains 3-6 seeds.
  • Seeds egg-shaped, 3-5 mm long, soft, black and glossy.

Cultivation

  • Propagated generatively (by seed) or by offshoots.
  • Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours. Sow and place 3-4 seeds in a polybag.
  • Germination occurs within 1-3 months at 25 °C. Once large enough, transplant.

Chemical Content

Essential oils (longifolene, β-caryophyllene, allo-aromadendrene, geranylacetone, hexahydrofarnesyl acetone), triterpenoids, benzenoids (musizin), armandinol, quinones (chrysophanol, isoeugenitol).

Benefits

Treats worm infections, boils, itching, jaundice, herpes sores, rheumatism, dysentery, dysuria (pain when urinating), kidney stones, and vaginal discharge.

Simplisia

  • Prepare fresh, undamaged rumput siak roots. Wash with running water, drain.
  • Dry using an oven (temperature 60 °C) until evenly dry.
  • Grind the dried material into powder.
  • Store in a clean, closed container.

Local Names

Siek-siek (Minangkabau), Tegari (Bangka Island), Jamaka or Sulinga (Sunda), Teghari (Madura), Dewangga (Bali), Kajulungan, Kurambil (Banjar).

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 Boils from Rumput Siak-Siak

1. Boils

  • Prepare dried rumput siak-siak roots.
  • Pound the roots until fine.
  • Apply to the affected part of the body.

Reference Sources

  1. He QZ, Shen XY, Cheng ZY, Wang RL, Lai PX, Xing X. 2019. Chemical composition, antibacterial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the essential oil of Dianella ensifolia. Rec. Nat. Prod.
  2. Globinmed. Dianella ensifolia http://globinmed.com/index.php?option=com_conten&view=article&id=105862: dianella-ensifolia-l-dc&cadid=286&itemid=357 12-06-2020
  3. Balitbangtan. 2019. http ://www.litbang.pertanian.go.id/info-teknologi/1661 19-03-2020.
  4. Mammone T, Muizzuddin N, Declercq L, Clio D, Corstjens H, Sente I, Van Rillaer K, Matsui M, Niki Y, Ichihashi M, Giacomoni PU, Yarosh D. 2010. Modification of skin discoloration by a topical treatment containing an extract of Dianella ensifolia: a potent antioxidant. J. Cosmetic Dermatol. 9: 89–95.
  5. Tang B, Chen Z, Sun J, Lee SM, Lu J. 2017. Phytochemical and chemotaxonomic study on Dianella ensifolia (L.) DC. Biochem. Syst. and Ecol. 72: 12-14.
  6. Tang BQ, Huang SS, Liang YE, Sun JB, Ma Y, Zeng B, Lee SMY, Lu JL. 2017. Two new flavans from the roots of Dianella ensifolia (L.) DC. Nat. Prod. Res. 31(13): 1561-1565.
  7. Thin NN, Thanh NT. 2002. Dianella ensifolia (L.) D.C. dalam Van Valkenburg, J.L.C.H, Bunyapraphatsara, N. (Editor): Plant Resource of South-East Asia 12(2). Medicinal and poisonous plants 2. Prosea Foundation, Bogor, Indonesia223.
  8. BF1 Shop. Siak-siak - Daniella ensifolia. https://herba.berita1.com/siak-siak-daniella-ensifolia. 07-07-2020
  9. Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. Dianella ensifolia http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Dianella+ensifolia 02-02-2021
  10. Researchgate.net. Chemical composition, antibacterial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the essential oil of Dianella ensifolia. https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Chemical-composition-of-Cosmos-bipinnatus-leaf-essential-oil_tbl1_270965242 15-01-2021
  11. Globinmed. Global Information Hub On Integrated Medicine. https://www.globinmed.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=105862:dianella-ensifolia-l-dc&catid=286&Itemid=357 15-01-2021