Gynura procumbens Merr.

Sambung nyawa (Gynura procumbens) is a shrub up to 1-3 meters tall of the Asteraceae family, a plant native to Southeast Asia including Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. In Thailand, its leaves are commonly eaten as a vegetable, while in various regions it is processed into tea or health capsules. Sambung nyawa is believed to have antihypertensive and anticancer properties, and is traditionally used as an antidote for venomous animal bites.

This plant grows well in areas at an elevation of 1-1,200 m above sea level, temperate to humid regions with rainfall of 1,500-3,500 mm/year. Air temperature 25-32°C, humidity 70-90%, high sunlight intensity. Prefers land that is not too open or 25% shaded, andosol or regosol soil types. Commonly found growing in ditches, house fences, forest edges, grasslands.
 

• Roots fibrous.
• Stem soft, round surface, purplish-green in color.
• Leaves single, egg-shaped, pinnate venation, green, slightly wavy edges, tapering base and tip, 15 cm long, 7 cm wide, has a leaf stalk, arranged alternately
   

• Propagated vegetatively (stem cuttings, root shoots, and tubers).
• Recommended planting hole depth is 6-8 cm, planting distance 50 cm x 75 cm.
• Leaves are harvested 1-2 months after planting, while tubers are harvested 4-5 months after planting.
   

Glycoside compounds, flavonoids, essential oils, saponins, tannins, triterpenoids, polyphenols, steroids, alkaloids
 

• Has antioxidant, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activity.
• Treats kidney disease, stops bleeding, antidote for venomous animal bites, reduces fever, gout, and boils
   

• Choose fresh leaves that are not damaged or rotten. Wash the leaves with clean running water then drain.
• Dry in the sun covered with a dark cloth.
• Sort dry material to remove any unwanted foreign matter. Store the dried material in a container/plastic bag, at room temperature and away from direct sunlight
   

Longevity spinach, Leaves of life, Ngokilo, Sambung nyowo (Java), Kalingsir (Sunda)