Tridax procumbens L.

Gletang (Tridax procumbens) is a herb 0.2-0.8 meters tall of the Asteraceae family, native to South Africa, spreading in Java since before 1835 and now growing as an agricultural weed throughout the tropics. This plant is traditionally used as a hair strengthener and treatment for diabetes mellitus. Gletang is also believed to be anticoagulant and to relieve rheumatic pain.

Grows well in lowlands up to elevations of 2,300 m above sea level. Prefers moist soil and full sunlight. Generally found in fields, rice paddies, roadsides, and forest edges.

• Root fibrous, brownish-white.
• Stem square, green.
• Leaves divided into three ovate sections, somewhat hairy texture, serrated edges.
• Flowers long-stalked, terminal at the leaf axils, bisexual, 5-7 sepals, white corolla, yellow pistil.
• Fruit hard-textured, slender shape, blackish-brown (ripe), with 2-3 barbed needle-like hooks at the tip.

• Propagated generatively (seed), seeds dispersed by wind and animals (epizoochory).
• Generally grows as a weed and is not cultivated.

Flavonoid, tannin, phytosterol, sitosterol, sterol, pentacyclic triterpene, steroid, carotenoid, saponin, luteolin, quercetin, fumaric acid.

Relieves pain (analgesic) and inflammation, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, has immune-modulating and antimicrobial effects, relieves rheumatic pain in bones and lower back, antibiotic, diuretic, treats fever, influenza, sore throat, hepatitis infection, lowers uric acid.

• Prepare gletang leaves as needed and wash thoroughly.
• Air-dry in an open room.
• Once dry, grind using a blender.
• Store in a clean, airtight plastic container.

Ajeran, Jeran, Jotang, Hareuga, Katumpang (Sunda), Jarinagan, Songgolangit (Java), Taroto (Madura).