Medicinal Plants

Murdannia bracteata (C.B.Clarke) J.K.Morton ex D.Y.Hong

Rumput Pada Suka

Commelinaceae

Location in the garden Main
Photo 1 of medicinal plant Murdannia bracteata (Rumput Pada Suka) Photo 2 of medicinal plant Murdannia bracteata (Rumput Pada Suka) Photo 3 of medicinal plant Murdannia bracteata (Rumput Pada Suka)

Summary

Rumput pada suka (Murdannia bracteata) is a creeping herb up to 24 cm long of the Commelinaceae family, native to southern China, popular in Malaysia and Thailand as traditional medicine. This plant is also often used as an ornamental in yards or pots. Rumput pada suka is believed to help address canker sores, glandular TB, and dysuria.

Agroecology

Grows well in places at elevations of 500-850 m above sea level with a tropical climate. Prefers open sunny places or slight shade and requires a lot of water. Usually found on the edges of sandy ravines.

Morphology

  • Root fibrous, like a horizontal rhizome.
  • Stem main stem does not grow, productive stem grows creeping.
  • Leaves single, alternate arrangement, green in color, elongated oblong shape, pointed tip, base clasping the stem, flat edges, parallel veins, white-haired,
  • Flowers compound, emerging from the stalk tip or leaf axils, long-stalked, clustered in a short raceme, corolla pale purple in color, has 3 sepals, stamens numbering 3. Produces clear mucus at night.
  • Seeds wrinkled, each valve has 2 seeds, yellowish-brown color, striated.

Cultivation

  • Propagated by seed and offsets.
  • Offsets will sprout five-sided after 60 days surrounding the parent plant. Flowers grow separately from the side of the parent. If the first seed spike turns yellow, cut the flower stalk to be dried as a source of seed for propagation.

Chemical Content

Phenolic, tannin, hydroxybutenolides (bracteanolide A, bracteanolide B, isovitexin).

Benefits

Remedy for cancer, remedy for tumors, remedy for canker sores, chickenpox, glandular TB, dysuria (pain during urination), leukemia, remedy for tonsils, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, scavenges free radicals, remedy for hepatitis, remedy for kidneys.

Simplisia

  • Choose fresh, undamaged leaves and roots of the plant.
  • Wash thoroughly with running water.
  • Air-dry the material without direct sunlight exposure for several days or using an oven at 40°C until dry.
  • Store in a clean, airtight container.

Local Names

Rumput taiwan, Lidah naga, Pandan jambi.

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 Treating cysts and tumors from Rumput Pada Suka

1. Treating cysts and tumors

  • Take 15 rumput pada suka leaves, wash thoroughly.
  • Boil the leaves with 200 ml water, over low heat until the water turns cloudy in color.
  • Drink while warm twice a day.
  • Drink for 1.5-2 months.
Traditional recipe Treating cancer from Rumput Pada Suka

2. Treating cancer

  • Take 3 rumput pada suka leaves, wash thoroughly.
  • Pound and add 2 tbsp boiling water. Strain using white cloth.
  • Adults: drink 2 tbsp, drink twice a day 1½ hours before breakfast and before going to bed at night.
  • Children: Reduce ½ of the adult dose.

Reference Sources

  1. Stationremodel. Mengobati Kanker https://stationremodel.com/2020/01/07/know-the-benefits-of-beijing-grass-angel-grass/. 30-10-2020.