Medicinal Plants

Graptophyllum pictum (L.) Griff.

Daun Ungu

Acanthaceae

Location in the garden Main
Photo 1 of medicinal plant Graptophyllum pictum (Daun Ungu) Photo 2 of medicinal plant Graptophyllum pictum (Daun Ungu) Photo 3 of medicinal plant Graptophyllum pictum (Daun Ungu)

Summary

Daun ungu (Graptophyllum pictum) is an erect shrub up to 3.5 meters tall of the Acanthaceae family, native to Papua New Guinea and Polynesia, introduced to Indo-China, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Its purplish leaves can even be used as a natural soap substitute. Traditionally, daun ungu is believed to address hemorrhoids, gallstones, and constipation.

Agroecology

On Java, it grows from lowlands to mountains at an elevation of 1,250 m above sea level. Favors full sun, moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. This plant does not tolerate dry, barren soil conditions.

Morphology

  • Roots taproot and light brown.
  • Stem woody, jointed, smooth surface with a purplish-green color.
  • Leaves simple, short-stalked, round-shaped, pinnate venation, glossy upper surface, and smooth margins.
  • Flowers compound, emerging at the stem tip, in a purplish raceme 3-12 cm long.
  • Fruit an oblong box, brownish-purple.
  • Seeds round and white with a thick skin.

Cultivation

  • Propagated vegetatively (stem cuttings), generatively (by seed).

Chemical Content

  • Flavonoids (4,5,7-trihydroxyflavonol, 4,4-dihydroxyflavone, 3,4,7-trihydroxyflavone-trihydroxyflavone, and luteolin 7-glucoside), non-toxic alkaloids, saponins, gallotannins, anthocyanins, and phenolic acids.

Benefits

  • Addresses hemorrhoids, treats gallstones, boils; addresses constipation; promotes urination; treats rheumatism, irregular menstruation.

Local Names

Tulak, Wungu (Java), Daun temen-temen, Handeuleum (Sunda), Karotong (Madura), Temen (Bali), Kadi-kadi, Kobi-kobi (Ternate), and Daun putri. 

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 Gallstones from Daun Ungu

1. Gallstones

  • Prepare 15 g fresh daun ungu leaves, 30 g fresh Strobilanthes crispus leaves, and 100 g corn silk.
  • Wash all ingredients, boil in 800 ml water until boiling and reduced to 400 ml, then strain the mixture.
  • Drink twice a day.
Traditional recipe Rheumatic Rub from Daun Ungu

2. Rheumatic Rub

  • Pound 1-2 handfuls of daun ungu leaves until fine, then apply to the affected area.
Traditional recipe Hemorrhoids Stage 1-2 from Daun Ungu

3. Hemorrhoids Stage 1-2

  • Wash 9 daun ungu leaves thoroughly. Boil in 2 cups of water until boiling, reduce heat, and wait until reduced to 1 cup.
  • Drink twice a day while warm.

Reference Sources

  1. Anggraini R. S. 2010. Pengaruh Ekstrak Daun Sendok (Plantago Major L.)Terhadap Kadar Malondialdehyde Pada Mencit Balb/C Induksi Streptozotocin. Skripsi. Universitas Sebelas Maret. Surakarta.
  2. Dalimartha S. 2002. Atlas Tumbuhan Obat Indonesia Jilid 1, Puspa Swara, Depok.
  3. Sitta HS. 2008. Uji Efek Infusa Daun Sendok (Plantago major L.) Terhadap Penurunan Kadar Glukosa Darah Kelinci Jantan. Skripsi. Universitas Muhamadiyah Surakarta. Surakarta.
  4. Irwan F. 2011. Aktivitas antidiabetes dan analisis fitokimia ekstrak air dan etanol Daun Wungu (Graptophyllum pictum (L.) Griff). Skripsi. Fakultas Matematika dan Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam. Institut Pertanian Bogor. Bogor.
  5. Pusat Studi Biofarmaka LPPM IPB dan Gagas Ulung, 2014. Sehat Alami dengan Herbal: 250 Tanaman Berkhasiat Obat. PT. Gramedia Pustaka Utama, Jakarta
  6. Rahmi, H, 2014. Aktivitas ekstrak Daun Wungu (Graptophyllum pictum (L.) Griff) dalam menurunkan kadar glukosa darah tikus hiperglikemia. Tesis. Sekolah Pasca Sarjana. Institut Pertanian Bogor. Bogor.
  7. Winata, H. 2011 Aktivitas antioksidan dan kandungan kimiawi ekstrak Daun Wungu (Graptophyllum pictum L.Griff.). Skripsi. Fakultas Matematika dan Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam. Institut Pertanian Bogor. Bogor.
  8. W Hembing. 2008. Ramuan Lengkap Herbal Taklukan Penyakit: Pengobatan batu empedu. Niaga swadaya.
  9. Hidayat Syamsul, M Rodame. 2015. Kitab Tumbuhan Obat: Parem encok atau rheumatik. Agriflo, Jakarta .
  10. Hilda Rangkuti. 2020. Pengobatan Wasir atau Ambeien Stadium 1-2. Kebun SSPL, Bangun Bandar.