Medicinal Plants

Plantago major L.

Daun Sendok

Plantaginaceae

Location in the garden Main
Photo 1 of medicinal plant Plantago major (Daun Sendok) Photo 2 of medicinal plant Plantago major (Daun Sendok) Photo 3 of medicinal plant Plantago major (Daun Sendok)

Summary

Daun sendok (Plantago major) is a herb 15-45 cm tall of the Plantaginaceae family, originating from Asia and Europe and known for hundreds of years. This plant is one of nine sacred plants of the Anglo Saxons, while in Mexico and Chile it is used as a traditional antidiabetic remedy. Daun sendok is also believed to be diuretic and help treat boils and bleeding gums.

Agroecology

Generally found from lowlands up to elevations of 3,300 m above sea level, mostly above 700 m above sea level. Daun sendok is a weed in tea and rubber plantations and can grow wild in forests, fields, and somewhat moist grassy yards.

Morphology

  • Roots fibrous, dirty white in color.
  • Stem short, round and brown in color.
  • Leaves single, egg-shaped to lance-shaped, blunt tip, tapering base, serrated edges, basal rosette, smooth surface, curved venation, light green.
  • Flowers compound arranged in a spike 30 cm long, small, white in color. 
  • Fruit consists of compartments, each compartment contains 2-4 seeds, green in color.

Cultivation

Propagated generatively (by seed). Not yet widely cultivated, usually grows wild as a weed.

Chemical Content

Saponins, flavonoids, polyphenols, plantagin aucubin, ursolic acid, β-sitosterol, n-hentriacontane, plantaglucide (methyl d-galacturonate d-galactose, l-arabinose) and l-rhamnose, tannins, planterolic acid, naphozilin compounds.

Benefits

Remedy for boils, laxative, bleeding gums, stomach ache, weak heart, sprains, stomach pain, diuretic, jaundice, throat infection, kidney stones, and urinary tract infections.

Simplisia

  • Select fresh, non-rotten daun sendok leaves. Wash with water until clean then drain.
  • Air-dry in a shaded place for 3-5 days until dry.
  • Pack the dried material in a clean, airtight container.

Local Names

Ki urat, Ceuli, Ceuli uncal (Sunda), Meloh kiloh, Otot-ototan, Sangkabuah, Sembung otot, Suri pandak (Java), Daun urat, Ekor angin, Kuping menjangan (Sumatra), Torongoat (Minahasa).

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 Kidney Stones from Daun Sendok

1. Kidney Stones

  • Boil 1/2 handful of daun sendok leaves with 3 glasses of water until it boils and the water is reduced to 2 1/4 glasses then strain.
  • Drink 3 times a day, 3/4 glass each time, add 1 tbsp honey (to taste).
Traditional recipe Urinary Tract Infection from Daun Sendok

2. Urinary Tract Infection

  • Take 15 g daun sendok herb, 15 g cockscomb flower, 30 g cat's whiskers leaves, and 20 g sambiloto leaves.
  • Wash all ingredients then boil with 3 glasses of water until the water is reduced by half. Cool the concoction then strain.
  • Drink 3 times a day, 1/2 glass each time. Treatment is done daily until recovered/improved.

Reference Sources

  1. Adom MB, Taher M, Mutalabisin MF, Amri MS, Kudosa MBA, Sulaiman MWAW, Sengupta P, Susanti D. 2017. Chemical constituents and medical benefits of Plantago major. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy 96: 348–360.
  2. Anggraini R. S. 2010. Pengaruh Ekstrak Daun Sendok (Plantago Major L.)Terhadap Kadar Malondialdehyde Pada Mencit Balb/C Induksi Streptozotocin. Skripsi. Universitas Sebelas Maret. Surakarta.
  3. Dalimartha S. 2002. Atlas Tumbuhan Obat Indonesia Jilid 1, Puspa Swara, Depok.
  4. Lukova P, Dyulgerova ID, Bahchevanska DK, Mladenov R, Iliev I, Nikolova M. 2017. Comparative morphological and qualitative phytochemical analysis of Plantago media L. leaves with P. Major L. and P. Lanceolata L. Leaves. International Journal of Medical Research and Pharmaceutical Sciences 4 (6): 20-26.
  5. Pusat Studi Biofarmaka LPPM IPB dan Gagas Ulung, 2014. Sehat Alami dengan Herbal: 250 Tanaman Berkhasiat Obat. PT. Gramedia Pustaka Utama, Jakarta.
  6. Sitta HS. 2008. Uji Efek Infusa Daun Sendok (Plantago major L.) Terhadap Penurunan Kadar Glukosa Darah Kelinci Jantan. Skripsi. Universitas Muhamadiyah Surakarta. Surakarta.
  7. Vandana J, Gupta AK, Mukerjee A. 2017. Phytochemical screening and evaluation on anti-inflammatory activity of aerial part extract of Plantago major L. Asian J. Pharm. Clin. Res. 10( 9): 307-311.