Clinacanthus nutans (Daun Belalai Gajah)

 

Daun Belalai Gajah: Nature’s Healing Herb with Ancient & Modern Wisdom

🌿 Introduction

Daun Belalai Gajah, scientifically known as Clinacanthus nutans Lindau, is a tropical medicinal plant native to Southeast Asia. In Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, it is widely known for its healing reputation — particularly for immune support and inflammation relief. Its nickname, "Snake Grass," reflects traditional use in treating snake bites and venomous insect stings.

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🌱 Herb Information

• Scientific Name: Clinacanthus nutans Lindau

• Family: Acanthaceae

• Common Names: Snake Grass, Sabah Snake Grass, Belalai Gajah (Malay), Phaya Yo (Thai)

• Plant Type: Perennial shrub

• Parts Used: Leaves and stems (fresh or dried)

• Taste & Energetics (General): Mild, cooling, slightly sweet

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🏮 TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) Properties

In TCM theory:

• Nature: Cool

• Taste: Sweet, slightly bitter

• Meridians Entered: Liver, Lung

• Functions:

  • Clears heat and toxins

  • Cools the blood

  • Reduces swelling and inflammation

  • Soothes skin eruptions and sores

• Typical Applications:

  • Skin lesions from herpes zoster

  • Swelling from insect or snake bites

  • Supporting detoxification in fever or infection

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🕌 TMM (Traditional Malay Medicine) Properties

In Malay ethnomedicine:

• Used as a herbal drink for detox and fever reduction.

• Often boiled and consumed for diabetes, hypertension, and cancer support.

• Applied as a fresh leaf poultice for bites, boils, and rashes.

• Believed to strengthen internal organs and “cool the body” after illness.

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🕉 Ayurvedic Perspective

While Clinacanthus nutans is not a classical Ayurvedic herb, it is classified under "Pitta-pacifying" plants due to its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties. In Ayurvedic-style application:

• Dosha Affinity: Reduces Pitta, balances Kapha, may aggravate Vata in excess

• Potential Uses: Skin disorders, inflammatory conditions, detoxifying teas

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🍃 Nutrient Profile

Leaves are rich in:

• Vitamins: Vitamin C, β-carotene, vitamin E

• Minerals: Calcium, potassium, magnesium

• Bioactive Compounds: Chlorophyll, flavonoids, polysaccharides

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🧪 Phytochemical Constituents

Key phytochemicals identified include:

• Flavonoids (vitexin, isovitexin, orientin)

• Glycosides

• Triterpenoids

• β-sitosterol

• Phenolic acids (ferulic acid, caffeic acid)

• Chlorophyll derivatives

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🩺 Clinical & Pharmacological Uses

Modern studies show that Clinacanthus nutans:

• Exhibits anti-inflammatory and antiviral activity, especially against herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV)

• Shows anti-cancer potential in vitro (e.g., cervical, breast, and colorectal cancer cell lines)

• Possesses antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties

• Supports wound healing and reduces oxidative stress

• Has antidiabetic and antihypertensive activity in animal models

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☕ Common Preparations

• Fresh Leaf Juice: Blended with water, taken once or twice daily

• Herbal Infusion: Dried leaves steeped in hot water

• Poultice: Crushed fresh leaves applied to skin lesions

• Capsules/Powder: Commercial supplement form for daily intake

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Generally considered safe in traditional doses

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider

• May interact with certain medications (antihypertensives, anticoagulants)

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📚 References -Data compile with chat GPT

1. Alam, A., Ferdosh, S., Ghafoor, K., Hakim, M. A., Juraimi, A. S., Khatib, A., & Sarker, Z. I. (2016). Clinacanthus nutans: A review of the medicinal uses, pharmacology, and phytochemistry. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, 9(4), 402–409. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apjtm.2016.03.011

2. Choochote, W., Chaiyasit, D., & Chio-Srichan, S. (2014). Antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of Clinacanthus nutans Lindau. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 8(8), 387–393. https://doi.org/10.5897/JMPR2013.5271

3. Pannangpetch, P., Komoltri, P., Prawat, H., Chivapat, S., & Suksamrarn, A. (2007). Anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities of Clinacanthus nutans Lindau. Phytotherapy Research, 21(12), 1105–1109. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2220

4. Siew, Y. Y., Tan, W. S., Tee, T. T., Cheah, Y. H., & Lai, N. S. (2019). Phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Clinacanthus nutans. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/4647586