Kacip Fatimah (Labisia pumila)

 

Kacip Fatimah (Labisia pumila): The Traditional Women’s Herb

Kacip Fatimah (Labisia pumila) is a small, woody plant belonging to the family Primulaceae, widely used in Traditional Malay Medicine (TMM) as a tonic for women’s reproductive health. Often referred to as the "female ginseng of the Malay world," this herb has gained attention for its ethnomedicinal importance and emerging scientific validation.

Botanical Information

Kacip Fatimah is a slow-growing, perennial herb found in the shaded understories of Malaysian rainforests. Three main varieties are traditionally recognized:

• Labisia pumila var. alata

• Labisia pumila var. pumila

• Labisia pumila var. lanceolata

The whole plant is used medicinally, but roots and leaves are most commonly employed (Sunarno et al., 2016).

TCM Perspective

Although not a classical herb in the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) materia medica, Kacip Fatimah is now studied in integrative contexts. Based on its properties, it can be interpreted as:

• Nature: Warm

• Taste: Slightly bitter, astringent

• Meridians: Liver, Kidney, and Spleen

Functions aligned with TCM principles:

• Tonifies Kidney Yang and Yin for reproductive vitality

• Moves Liver Qi and regulates menstruation

• Strengthens the Spleen to support energy and postpartum recovery

Thus, it is comparable to herbs used for gynecological disorders, such as Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) and Ba Ji Tian (Morinda officinalis).

TMM Perspective

In Traditional Malay Medicine, Kacip Fatimah is considered a women’s tonic. It is traditionally used for:

• Postpartum recovery – to restore uterine health, improve circulation, and balance hormones

• Menstrual disorders – relieving dysmenorrhea, regulating flow

• Reproductive health – believed to enhance fertility and vitality

• General well-being – increasing energy, reducing fatigue, and promoting youthfulness

It is often prepared as decoctions, herbal infusions, or incorporated into jamu formulations (Jamal et al., 2011).

Phytochemical Composition

Studies have revealed the presence of multiple bioactive compounds:

• Flavonoids (myricetin, kaempferol, rutin, quercetin)

• Phenolic acids (gallic acid, caffeic acid)

• Saponins

• Alkylresorcinols

• Phytoestrogens (plant-based estrogen-like compounds)

These phytochemicals are responsible for antioxidant, estrogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties (Karimi et al., 2016).

Nutritional Value

Though primarily valued medicinally, Kacip Fatimah also provides trace amounts of:

• Essential minerals (calcium, iron, potassium)

• Vitamins (notably vitamin C and small amounts of vitamin E)

• Dietary fiber and phenolic antioxidants

This contributes to its tonic role in women’s health.

Clinical Potential

Modern studies support several therapeutic potentials:

1. Phytoestrogenic Effects – Helps alleviate menopausal symptoms and support hormonal balance (Choi et al., 2016).

2. Uterotonic Activity – Promotes uterine contraction, supporting postpartum recovery (Zakaria et al., 2010).

3. Anti-inflammatory & Antioxidant – Reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, contributing to anti-aging effects.

4. Anti-obesity & Anti-diabetic – Improves glucose uptake and lipid metabolism in preclinical studies.

5. Bone Health – Prevents bone density loss in postmenopausal models, suggesting potential against osteoporosis.

Safety Considerations

Kacip Fatimah is generally considered safe in traditional doses. However:

• Excessive intake may cause uterine overstimulation.

• Contraindicated during pregnancy (due to uterotonic effects).

• Should be used cautiously with hormone-related conditions or when taking hormone therapy.

Standardization and clinical trials are still limited, and more research is required for long-term safety profiles.

Conclusion

Kacip Fatimah (Labisia pumila) stands as a cornerstone of Traditional Malay Medicine for women’s health, particularly in postpartum care and reproductive well-being. While not originally part of TCM, its properties can be interpreted within that framework, highlighting its potential as a bridge between traditional and modern medicine. Emerging scientific research validates its phytoestrogenic, antioxidant, and uterotonic activities, supporting its reputation as a powerful herbal remedy for women.

References -Dat Compile by Chat GPT 

• Choi, H., Kim, S., Kim, J., & Kim, S. (2016). Phytoestrogenic effects of Labisia pumila on menopausal symptoms: A review. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 194, 646–659.

• Jamal, J. A., Houghton, P. J., & Milligan, S. R. (2011). Traditional preparation of Labisia pumila and its use in modern health products. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2011, 1–9.

• Karimi, E., Jaafar, H. Z., & Ahmad, S. (2016). Phytochemical constituents, antioxidant activity, and medicinal uses of Labisia pumila. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 10(19), 1–9.

• Sunarno, B., Latiff, A., & Sofian-Azirun, M. (2016). Taxonomy and distribution of Labisia pumila (Primulaceae) in Malaysia. Blumea, 61(1), 41–49.

• Zakaria, M., Abdul Ghani, M., & Hassan, H. (2010). Uterotonic effects of Labisia pumila in postpartum women. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 4(8), 684–689.