Scleromitrion diffusum (Willd.) R.J. Wang

Lidah ular (Scleromitrion diffusum) is an annual creeping herb up to 50 cm long of the Rubiaceae family, distributed across tropical and subtropical Asia to the Northwest Pacific. This wild plant has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to address hepatitis and appendicitis. Lidah ular is also believed to have anticancer activity and to help relieve snake bites.

Grows well in areas at elevations of 1-800 m above sea level, even up to elevations of 1,425 m above sea level. Generally grows in moist places such as rice field embankments. Prefers full sunlight.

• Root fibrous, yellowish-white in color.
• Stem round, jointed, roots grow from nodes touching the soil, smooth, yellowish-green or reddish-green.
• Leaves single, green, decussate, opposite, tip and base pointed, smooth leaf surface.
• Flowers single, located in leaf axils, green sepals, ivory white in color.
• Fruit single, round with a pointed tip remaining from the sepals.

Propagated generatively (seed) and vegetatively (stem cuttings).

Flavonoid, iridoid, anthraquinone, saponin, polyphenol, triterpene, stearic acid, oleanolic acid, trans p-coumaric acid, ursolic acid, sitosterol, isoetin, aesculetin.

Remedy for hepatitis, appendicitis and urethritis, treats asthma, snake bites, remedy for the central nervous system, urinary disorders, rheumatism and encephalitis, has anticancer, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifibroblast, immunomodulatory and neuroprotective activity.

• Prepare the whole fresh, non-rotten plant.
• Wash thoroughly then dry in the sun for several days or with an oven at 40°C.
• Once completely dry, grind into powder.
• Store in a clean container.

Lidah tiong (Java).