Mitracarpus hirtus (L.) DC.

Daun samak (Mitracarpus hirtus) is an erect annual herb 30-60 cm tall of the Rubiaceae family, native to South America, distributed from Argentina to Mexico. Its leaf extract is widely used in traditional West African medicine, especially to relieve toothache. Daun samak is also believed to help address digestive disorders and skin diseases.

Generally, this plant can be found throughout terrestrial lowland regions, especially along coastlines, and grows as a weed in gardens and farmland. In Guatemala, it grows up to an elevation of 1,900 m above sea level.

• Stem erect, heavily branched.
• Leaves ovate, 2-4 x 1.5-2 cm in size, blunt base (obtuse), pointed tip (acute).
• Flowers white, perpendicular in the leaf axils with 4 sepals. Corolla length 1.5 mm, funnel-shaped with 4 lobes, 4 stamens.
• Seeds yellowish-brown, oblong-shaped, 0.8-0.9 mm in size.

• Propagated generatively using seed.
• Not widely cultivated, generally grows wild as a weed.

• Alkaloids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, saponins, terpenoids, steroids, anthraquinones, flavonoids, phenols.

• Treats headache and toothache, liver disease, digestive disorders (dyspepsia); relieves pain; used for oral care; treats lung problems, parasitic skin infections and leprosy, sexually transmitted diseases; addresses venomous animal stings.

• Clean daun samak leaves of debris and wash thoroughly.
• Drain, then sun-dry until completely dry.
• Dry-sort. Pack in clean, airtight plastic.

Information not found. Further research needed.