Piper ornatum N.E.Br.
Summary
Sirih merah (Piper ornatum) is a vine that can reach tens of meters long of the Piperaceae family, native to Peru, South America. Research shows its leaves are rich in antioxidants and contain neolignan and steroid compounds that act as immunomodulators. Sirih merah is traditionally believed to treat ulcers, hepatitis, gout, and kidney stones.
Agroecology
Grows well in regions up to elevations of 300 m above sea level, soil pH 6-7, receiving 60-75% sunlight and cannot grow well in hot regions.
Morphology
- Root a taproot, round-shaped and yellowish-brown in color.
- Stem round, jointed, node length 7-15 cm, base part woody, purplish-green in color.
- Leaves single, stalked, heart-shaped, flat edges, and glossy surface, pinnate venation, up to 15-20 cm long, upper color green with silvery patterns, underside bright maroon, mucilaginous.
Cultivation
- Cuttings: cut a fairly mature stem about 2 nodes and preferably having 2-3 leaves. Soak in water for 15 minutes, plant in growing media.
- Layering: choose a long tendril, arrange so the tendril bends down and attaches to the growing media/soil.
Chemical Content
Alkaloid, flavonoid, tannin, saponin, terpenoid, phenols, carvacrol, eugenol, essential oil, neolignan.
Benefits
Treats ulcers, hepatitis, gout, kidney stones, vaginal discharge, prostate inflammation, eye inflammation, lowers cholesterol, prevents stroke, addresses fatigue and joint pain, smooths skin, treats breast tumor and heart disease. Has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, antidiabetic, antiproliferative (cancer cell activity), antioxidant activity.
Simplisia
- Wash sirih merah leaves with running water until clean.
- Then dry in an oven at 40°C, for 24 hours or until completely dry.
- Then store in a clean, closed container.
Local Names
Belo-belo (Karo), Sirih talan (Maluku).
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. Breast tumor
- Boil 1 fresh sirih merah leaf with 2 glasses of water until boiling and the water is reduced to 1 glass, divide the boiled water into 3 doses.
- Drink 3 times a day before meals.
2. Heart disease
- Wash 3-4 medium-sized sirih merah leaves or 6-8 small leaves thoroughly. Then slice thinly.
- Boil the sirih leaves in 4 glasses of clean water (800 ml) until reduced to 2 glasses then strain.
- Drink while warm, twice a day before meals. Each time drink 1 glass.
Reference Sources
- Utami P. 2013. The Miracle of Herbs. Jakarta: AgroMedia Pusaka. https://www.jamudigital.com/berita?id=Sirih_Merah_Pelindung_Organ_Jantung akses 26 juni 2020 (Obat penyakit jantung)
- Sulianti SB, Chairul. 2002. Perbandingan komponen komia penyusun minyak atsiri sirih liar (Piper ornatum) yang berasal dari Sulawesi Selatan dab pulau Seram dengan Sirih biasa (Piper betle) Berita Biologi 6(3): 493-499.
- Agustini, Laela. 2008. Potensi Daun Sirih Merah (Piper crocatum) Sebagai Aktivator Enzim Glukosa Oksidase. Program Studi Biokimia, FAkultas Mtematika Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam, Institut Pertanian Bogor. Bogor.
- Fitriyani, Atika dkk. 2011. Uji Antiinflamasi Ekstrak Metanol Daun Sirih Merah (Piper crocatum Ruiz & Pav ) Pada Tikus Putih. Majalah Obat Tradisional, 16(1), 34 – 42.
- Rahmawati, Ain Nur, Ani kurniawati. 2016. Pertumbuhan Beberapa Jenis Sirih (Piper spp.) pada Berbagai Intensitas Naungan. Departemen Agronomi dan Hortikultura, Fakultas Pertanian, Institut Pertanian Bogor. Bogor.
- Shinta, D. Y., & Sudyanto. 2016. Pemberian Air Rebusan Daun Sirih Merah (Piper Crocatum Ruiz & Pav) terhadap Kadar Glukosa dan Kolesterol Darah Mencit Putih Jantan. Journal of Sainstek 8(2): 180-185.