CINCAU LEAVES

Cincau Leaves1

Cincau (Cyclea barbata) is a climbing shrub widely distributed in the subtropical regions of Asia, the Americas, and East Africa. In Indonesia, Cincau has many local names, such as Camcau (Sunda), Lakkup-lakkup (North Sumatra), and Daluman (Bali). Green cincau leaves are widely used as a refreshing beverage and a remedy for stomach ailments.2,7

Morphology of Cincau Leaves

The leaves are oval to triangular in shape, fairly large, and hairy on the underside. The leaf stalks are coarsely hairy when young, then become smoother as they mature.7

Cincau Leaves Active Compounds

Cincau leaves contain active compounds such as alkaloids (examples: tetrandrine, limacine, homoaromoline, cycleapeltine), flavonoids, and tannins. Cincau leaves also contain pectin and are rich in water-soluble fiber (polysaccharides). A unique feature of the polysaccharides extracted from green cincau leaves is their ability to form a gel rapidly at room temperature. This occurs due to the presence of natural enzymes in the leaves that help convert the pectin so it can thicken immediately.2

Health Benefits of Cincau Leaves

Cincau leaves contain active compounds such as alkaloids (e.g., tetrandrine, limacine, homoaromoline, cycleapeltine), flavonoids, and tannins. Cincau leaves also contain pectin and are rich in water-soluble fiber (polysaccharides). The uniqueness of the polysaccharides extracted from Cincau leaves is their ability to form a gel quickly at room temperature. This occurs due to the presence of natural enzymes in the leaves that help convert the pectin, allowing it to thicken immediately.2

Health Benefits of Cincau Leaves

Traditionally, Cincau leaves is effective in reducing fever and treating digestive disorders.3 There have been studies in humans and in vivo (test animal) that is:

1. Blood Pressure

• Subjects: 47 hypertensive patients (BP> 140/90 mmHg)
• Dosage: 750 cc of boiled Cincau leaves water/day before meals.
• Duration: 7 days
• Results: The average blood pressure of subjects before the Cincau leaf decoction therapy was 171/104 mmHg. After the therapy, the average blood pressure decreased to 125/84 mmHg. This means that Cincau leaf decoction can significantly lower blood pressure in hypertensive patients.4

Table of blood pressure test results before and after giving boiled Cincau leaves4

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• Subjects: 45 pregnant women with mild hypertension
• Dosage: 150 grams of Cincau, or a combination of cucumber and 550 grams of Cincau per day.
• Duration: 14 days
• Results: Giving Cincau in single form or in combination with cucumber is effective in lowering blood pressure in pregnant women with mild hypertension.5

1. Gastroprotective (Protects the Stomach)

• Subjects: 25 mice given Aspirin to induce gastric irritation (BW: 20-30 grams).
• Dosage: Cincau leaves infusion 2.5–10 mg/kg BW orally (infusion using 50 grams of green Cincau leaves extracted in 300 ml of water)
• Duration: 7 days.
• Results: Cincau leaves infusion showed protection against the development of gastric ulcers compared to the negative control. Administration of grass jelly leaf infusion had a protective effect against gastric ulcers equivalent to an antacid dose of 20 mg/kg BW.6

Comparison table of total gastric ulcer scores in the Cincau Leaf, Antacid, and Aquadest groups.6

Safety

Based on clinical study literature, the use of Cincau leaves as a traditional medicine is relatively safe and no significant side effects have been reported.4,5 Ethanol extract of Cincau leaves at a dose of up to 30,000 mg/kgBW in mice did not cause significant toxic effects, so it can be stated as practically non-toxic.6

Keywords: Male cycle;Green Grass Jelly; Pectin; Antihypertensive;Protecting the Stomach; Gastric Ulcer

Footer References

• References
• Image: www.nparks.gov.sg
• Febrianto S, Praharsini FV, Annas ZF, Hanifa NI. Male cycleL. Miers.: Traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities.Seventh Journal of Pharmacy. 2022; 3: 69-82.
• Prosea Board of Trustees & Personel. PROSEA; Plant Resources of South East Asia. No 12(1). Backhuys Publishers; 1999. ISBN 90-5782-042-0
• Patang NH, Widyandari NM, Wiradani NL. The Effect of Green Grass Jelly Decoction on Reducing Blood Pressure in Hypertension Patients at West Denpasar II Health Center.Prima: Scientific Journal of Health Sciences. 2025; 11(1): 137-145.
• Rockmana MJ, Suwondo A, Sulistiyani S. Giving cucumber (csativum l) and Cincau (male cycle myers) to blood pressure of pregnant women with hypertension. International Journal of Allied Medical Sciences and Clinical Research. 2019; 7(3): 796 - 807.
• Siregar IM, Miladiyah I. Protective effects of Male cycle Miers leaves against aspirin-induced gastric ulcer in mice. Whole
• Medicine. 2011; 30(2): 88-94.