Medicinal Plants

Piper retrofractum Vahl

Cabe Jawa

Piperaceae

Location in the garden Greenhouse
Photo 1 of medicinal plant Piper retrofractum (Cabe Jawa) Photo 2 of medicinal plant Piper retrofractum (Cabe Jawa) Photo 3 of medicinal plant Piper retrofractum (Cabe Jawa)

Summary

Cabe jawa (Piper retrofractum) is a vine 5-15 meters long of the Piperaceae family, a medicinal plant native to Indonesia found across Java, Sumatra, and Bali. Its flavor, spicier than black pepper, makes it popular as a pickle and curry seasoning in various countries. Cabe jawa is traditionally believed to relieve rheumatism, lower back pain, and cleanse the womb after childbirth.

Agroecology

This plant can grow in lowlands at elevations up to 600 m above sea level, temperature 20-30°C, humidity 40-80%, minimum rainfall 1,300-2,500 mm/year. Prefers open places with ample sunlight. Grows well in sandy loam, loose soil with a pH of 4-8 and good drainage.

Morphology

  • Root pale white taproot.
  • Stem soft, non-woody, 5-15 m long.
  • Leaves single, alternately arranged, elongated blade 3-10 cm long, 2.5-4.5 cm wide.
  • Flowers spike-shaped.
  • Fruit red when ripe, elongated round to cylindrical spike shape with a small tip, about 2-7 cm long.

Cultivation

  • Propagated by seed and stem cuttings.
  • Cutting length 30-40 cm or having 3-4 nodes.

Chemical Content

Root: piperine, piperartine, piperlonguminine. Fruit: piperine substance, chavicine, palmitic acids, 1-undecylenyl-3, 4-methylenedioxy benzene, piperidine, essential oil, Isobutylidene-trans-2-trans-4-dienamide, sesamin.

Benefits

Treats stroke, rheumatism, lower back pain, bloating, digestive disturbance, cleanses the womb after childbirth, addresses stomach cramps, toothache, tonic for digestion, digestive tract irritation, gout.

Simplisia

  • Collect cabe jawa fruit that is mature but not yet ripe, then wash with clean water and drain.
  • Dry the material in the sun until dry.
  • Place the dried material in an airtight container and store at room temperature.

Local Names

Long pepper, Cabe panjang (Sumatra), Cabe jawa (Sunda), Cabean, Cabe alas, Cabe sula, Cabe jamu (Java), Cabe jhamo, Cabe ongghu, Cabe solah (Madura), Cabia, Cabian (Sulawesi).

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 Gout from Cabe Jawa

1. Gout

  • Prepare 2.5 g dried cabe jawa root. Slice thinly. Boil with 3 glasses of clean water until reduced to 1 glass. Remove and strain.
  • Drink twice a day, ½ glass each time.
Traditional recipe Toothache from Cabe Jawa

2. Toothache

  • Wash 3 cabe jawa leaves thoroughly then pound finely.
  • Steep in ½ glass of hot water.
  • Strain the liquid, use it warm as a gargle.