Oldenlandia corymbosa L.
Summary
Pearl grass (Oldenlandia corymbosa) is an erect herb, sometimes perennial, 15-50 cm tall of the Rubiaceae family, distributed from Asia to the Northwest Pacific islands. Although considered a weed, this plant has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine under the name shui xian chao, and in India it is used as a natural dye. Traditionally, pearl grass is also believed to address hepatitis and urinary tract infections.
Agroecology
Grows in grasslands with long or short grass, shrubland, mountain shrubs, shallow soil over rocks, sandy riverbanks, cultivated and disturbed land, at elevations from sea level up to 2,300 m.
Morphology
- Roots taproot, 1 mm in diameter, thread-like.
- Stem square, branched, greenish-brown.
- Leaves 2-5 cm long, pointed tip and base, short hairs at the tip.
- Flowers compound and emerging from the leaf axils, white. The main flower stalk is wiry and hard, 5-10 mm long.
- Fruit round with a split tip.
Cultivation
- Propagated generatively (by seed).
- Seedlings planted with a spacing of 2-4 cm, adding sand to improve absorption of excess water during rain.
Chemical Content
Ursolic acid, stigmasterol, hentriacontane, β-sitosterol, and flavonoid glycosides, oleanolic acid, sitosterol-D-glucoside, p-coumaric acid, baihuasheshe.
Benefits
- Treats appendicitis, hepatitis, pelvic inflammation, urinary tract infections, boils, ulcers, cancer, viral infections, eye problems, sperm duct blockage, and bleeding.
Simplisia
not available
Local Names
Rumput siku-siku, Bunga telor belungkas (Jakarta), Katepan, Urek-urek (Java), Pengka (Makassar).
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.
1. Appendicitis
- Wash 50 g pearl grass thoroughly.
- Boil in 4 cups of water until boiling and reduced to 2 cups.
- Drink twice a day, 1 cup each time, for 7 days.
2. Sperm Duct Blockage
- Boil 30 g pearl grass in 4 cups of water until boiling and reduced to 2 cups. Let cool and strain.
- Drink twice a day, 1 cup each time, for 3-4 weeks.
3. Blood Cancer
- Prepare 15-60 g fresh pearl grass, 10-20 g dried king of bitters, and 15 g Madagascar periwinkle.
- Boil all ingredients in a pot with 5 cups of water over low heat. Let it reduce to 1-2 cups.
- Remove from heat and strain the decoction.
- Once cool, drink the decoction several times until finished within a day.