Medicinal Plants

Solanum lycopersicum L.

Tomat

Solanaceae

Location in the garden Vegetable
Photo 1 of medicinal plant Solanum lycopersicum (Tomat) Photo 2 of medicinal plant Solanum lycopersicum (Tomat) Photo 3 of medicinal plant Solanum lycopersicum (Tomat)

Summary

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is an annual herb 30-200 cm tall of the Solanaceae family, first cultivated around Peru and Ecuador before spreading to Mexico and entering Europe in the early 16th century. Its lycopene-rich fruit is an important source of antioxidants in everyday cooking. Tomato is also believed to help lower the risk of heart disease and support skin health.

Agroecology

Tomatoes are widely grown in both highlands and lowlands up to an elevation of 2,000 m above sea level, temperature 20-27 °C, rainfall 600-1,300 mm/year,
fertile, loose sandy loam soil texture with pH 6-7, rich in organic matter and able to retain water easily. Requires
adequate sunlight for growth.
 

Morphology

  • Roots taproot with many shallow fibrous roots.
  • Stem green and square to round-shaped, with coarse hairs, whitish-green.
  • Leaves compound, pinnate venation, lobed and toothed margins, elongated ovate, pointed tip, green.
  • Flowers hermaphrodite (bisexual).
  • Seeds flat, yellowish-brown.

Cultivation

  • Propagated generatively (by seed). Seeds should not be wrinkled, defective, and should come from a healthy parent plant.
  • Once seedlings are 30-35 days old, transplant to the garden.
  • The best planting time is in the morning or evening, 1-2 months before the rainy season ends.

Chemical Content

Vitamin A, vitamin C, B1, minerals, lycopene, solanine alkaloid, saponins, folic acid, malic acid, citric acid, bioflavonoids, niacin, histamine, pectin, arbutin.

Benefits

Antioxidant; treats prostate cancer, stomach cancer; reduces the risk of heart disease; lowers cholesterol and blood pressure; reduces the risk of stroke; good for skin health.

Simplisia

Not yet available

Local Names

Information not found. Further research needed.

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 Fever from Tomat

1. Fever

  • Prepare 3 ripe tomatoes, 1 tbsp honey, 100 ml boiled water.
  • Wash the tomatoes, then cut into pieces and mash, add honey and water, squeeze and strain.
  • Drink 3 times a day.
Traditional recipe Blood Pressure Reducer from Tomat

2. Blood Pressure Reducer

  • Eat 1-2 fresh tomatoes in the morning on an empty stomach.
Traditional recipe Brightening the Face from Tomat

3. Brightening the Face

  • Prepare 1 medium tomato (100 g), 1 tbsp olive oil.
  • Squeeze the tomato, add olive oil, then mix well.
  • Apply to the face and let it dry. Rinse with warm water and massage the face in circular motions.

Reference Sources

  1. Herlina Widyaningrum, Tim Solusi Alternatif. 2019. Kitab Tanaman Obat Nusantara. Jakarta : Penerbit Media Pressindo ( Obat Demam )
  2. Herlina Widyaningrum, Tim Solusi Alternatif. 2019. Kitab Tanaman Obat Nusantara. Jakarta : Penerbit Media Pressindo.( Ramuan untuk tekanan darah tinggi)

  3. Prapanca, Adji. Pohan, Wahyun.  Tanah Gambus, 2020 (Mencerahkan Wajah)