Medicinal Plants

Typhonium flagelliforme (G.Lodd.) Blume

Keladi Tikus

Araceae

Location in the garden Main
Photo 1 of medicinal plant Typhonium flagelliforme (Keladi Tikus) Photo 2 of medicinal plant Typhonium flagelliforme (Keladi Tikus) Photo 3 of medicinal plant Typhonium flagelliforme (Keladi Tikus)

Summary

Keladi tikus (Typhonium flagelliforme) is an annual herb 25-30 cm tall of the Araceae family, found from India and China through to Australia, with its distribution in Indonesia covering Java, Kalimantan, Sumatra, and Papua. Originally used traditionally to treat skin diseases, since 2000 this plant has become popular as a 'miracle plant' believed to inhibit the development of cancer cells. Keladi tikus is also believed to help reduce the side effects of chemotherapy.

Agroecology

Keladi tikus grows in areas at an elevation of 1-300 m above sea level. It thrives in moist places not exposed to direct sunlight.

Morphology

  • Tuber round and flat, the size of a nutmeg fruit, white inside, light brownish-white outside.
  • Stem round, green. The base of the stem is white.
  • Leaves oval resembling a triangle, indented at the base, tapering green tip, smooth edges.

Cultivation

Propagated vegetatively (through tuber sprouting).

Chemical Content

Stigmasterol, saponins, steroids or triterpenoids, coumarin, terpenoid compounds, campesterol, β-sitosterol, pheophorbide-a, pheophorbide-a, pyropheophorbide-a, methyl pyropheophorbide-a, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid.

Benefits

Inhibits the growth of cancer cells (breast, colon, prostate, liver cancer, leukemia), reduces the adverse effects of chemotherapy, antiviral, antibacterial.

Simplisia

  • Collect the whole keladi tikus plant. Wash thoroughly with running water.
  • Air-dry the material until the moisture content reaches 10%.
  • Grind using a blender into powder form.
  • Store in a clean, airtight container.

Local Names

Bira kecil, Daun panta susu, Ki babi, Trenggiling mentik, Ileus, Kalamoyang.

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 Stamina for Cancer Fighters from Keladi Tikus

1. Stamina for Cancer Fighters

  • Prepare 250 g keladi tikus tuber.
  • Cut the tuber into pieces and dry in the sun, then pound until fine and add 1 glass of boiling/hot water.
  • Drink once a day, 1 glass each time, add palm sugar or honey to taste.

Reference Sources

  1. Harfia M. 2006. Uji aktivitas ekstrak etanol 50% umbi Keladi Tikus (Thyponium flagelliforme) (Lood) terhadap sel kanker payudara MCF-7 cell Line secara in vitro. Puslitbang Biomedis dan Farmasi.
  2. Junairiah, Ni'matuzahroh, Zuraidassanaaz NI. Sulistyorini L. 2018. Isolation and identification of secondary metabolites of black betel (Piper betlel. var nigra). Jurnal Kimia Riset 3(2).
  3. Katrin E, Novagusda NF, Susanto, Winarno H. 2012. Karakteristika dan khasiat daun Keladi Tikus (Thyponium divaricatum L.) iradiasi. Jurnal Ilmiah Aplikasi isotop dan Radiasi 8(1).
  4. Lai CS, Mas RHMH, Nair NK, Mansor SM, Navaratnam V. 2010. Chemical constituents and in vitro anticancer activity of Typhonium flagelliforme (Araceae). Journal of Ethnopharmacology 127: 486–494.
  5. Palupi D. 2005. Isolasi identifikasi dan uji hayati salah satu kandungan kimia dalam fraksi n-heksa dari ekstrak metanol herba keladi tikus (Typhonium) anti cancer activity of Thiphonium flagelliforme. Journal of Ethnopharmacology 127 (2).