Rhinacanthus nasutus (L.) Kurz

Daun kurap (Rhinacanthus nasutus) is a shrub up to 2 meters tall of the Acanthaceae family, native to India and widely distributed to China, Indonesia, and Madagascar. True to its name ("ringworm leaf"), the root and leaves of this plant have long been used in traditional Indian and Thai medicine specifically to address ringworm, tinea, and various other skin diseases. This plant is also believed to have antidiabetic and anticancer properties.

Grows at elevations above 750 m above sea level. Thrives in shrubland, forests, moist soil, well-drained lowlands with adequate water. Favors full or partial sun, average rainfall of 1,000-1,200 mm/year, at temperatures of 20-28 °C.

• Stem round, sympodial branching.
• Leaves simple, 10 x 5 cm in size, wavy, dark green surface, young leaves covered with fine hairs.
• Flowers shaped like a flying dove (zygomorphic), white.
• Fruit a long, dense cylinder, brownish. Latex is yellow and produces an unpleasant smell when crushed.

Propagated using seed and stem cuttings. Stem cuttings use a healthy stem 10 cm long with 2-3 nodes, planted under partial shade during the rainy season.

β-sitosterol, flavonoids, triterpenoids, saponins, polyphenols, tannins, phenols, lupeol, steroids, terpenoids, anthraquinones, lignans, and naphthoquinone analogues.

Anti-hepatitis, antidiabetic, anticancer; treats skin diseases and itching, rash, ringworm, boils; treats goiter, leprosy, eczema, TB, herpes; acts as a snake venom antidote; boosts male stamina.

• Prepare fresh daun kurap leaves and clean off adhering debris under running water, then air-dry.
• Once dry, blend into a powder.
• Store in a sterile, airtight container.

Also known locally as Manukan, Melati ular, Tarebak, Daun burung, Tereba jepang, Celenge, Bungo dara.