Abelmoschus moschatus Medik.

Kapasan (Abelmoschus moschatus) is a shrub 0.5-2.5 meters tall of the Malvaceae family, distributed from India to China and northern Australia. Its seeds produce an essential oil used as a food additive and in Ayurvedic medicine, particularly for eye disorders and asthma. Kapasan is also believed to be antidiabetic and to help soften the skin.

This plant grows wild in open places, thickets, vacant land or gardens. Prefers conditions with temperatures of 20-30°C, rainfall ranging between 1,000-1,400 mm/year. Thrives in loamy and sandy soil with a pH of 5.5-7.8.

• Root a round taproot, branched, yellowish-white.
• Stem round, generally woody at the base, few branches, covered with hair.
• Leaves single, long-stalked. Leaf blade lobed, serrated edges, pointed green tip, heart-shaped base, palmate venation, both surfaces roughly hairy, 6-22 cm long, 5-6 cm wide.
• Flowers single, bell-shaped, large, emerging from leaf axils, 5 petals, yellow in color.
• Fruit a box, ovate, five-ribbed, tapering, 5-8 cm long, brush-like hairy, opens with 5 valves when ripe.
• Seeds kidney-shaped, flat, hard, gray in color, finely lined from base to tip, fragrant smell.

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

Seeds: ambrettolic acid, β-sitosterol-β-D-glycoside, farnesol, furfural. Dried leaves: β-sitosterol, β-D-glycoside. Flowers: β-sitosterol, myricetin, glycoside.

Antidiabetic, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiproliferative (prevents cancer cell proliferation), softens skin, remedy for skin rashes, treats cough, boils, and bone fractures.

• Prepare kapasan root as needed.
• Wash the material thoroughly then cut into small pieces.
• Arrange in a container then dry in the sun for 5 days or until dry.
• Store in an airtight container.

Gandapura, Kapas sedaki (Sumatra), Kakapasan, Kaworo, Kapasan, Kasturi, Regulo, Rewulow, Waron, Kastore, Buka (Java), Kasturi (Maluku), Kastore bukal (Madura).