Wungu Leaves3
Graptophyllum pictum Leaf (Wungu Leaf) is a medicinal herb also known as handeuleum, native to Papua New Guinea and Polynesia and now widely found in Indonesia. This plant is traditionally used to treat various ailments, particularly the symptoms of hemorrhoids.5
Wungu Leaves Active Compounds
Contains flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and glycosides.2,4
Health Benefits of Wungu Leaves
Phenolic compounds such as flavonoids play an important role as anti-hemorrhoidal agents (phlebotropic agents).2 The flavonoids in Wungu leaves help improve blood vessel elasticity, thereby reducing bleeding.4 The active compounds in Wungu leaves also exhibit anti-inflammatory effects that help alleviate swelling around the hemorrhoid area; additionally, Wungu leaves have a mild laxative effect, which can help facilitate bowel movements.2
Literature Study:
- Subjects: 35 hemorrhoid patients (aged 41-70 years)
- Research dosage: Wungu leaf infusion once daily
- Duration: 7 days
- Results: Improvement in hemorrhoid condition and a reduction in severity were observed. A total of 30 participants experienced a gradual reduction to Grade I hemorrhoids (86%), and 5 participants no longer suffered from hemorrhoids (14%).3
Safety
Based on a review of the literature, oral administration of Wungu leaf extract did not result in any significant side effects during acute toxicity testing. The results indicate that acute toxicity from oral administration of Wungu leaf extract at doses up to 3,000 mg/kg body weight in rats did not have a significant effect on blood parameters.6
Keywords:Purple Leaves; Purple Leaf; Graptophyllum pictum; Hemorrhoids; Antihemorrhoids.
Footer References
- References
- Image: https://biodiversitywarriors.kehati.or.id/foto/daun-ungu-graptophyllum-pictum/
- Sari S, and Raden BI. Pharmacological Activities of Daun Ungu Plants (Painted GraptophyllumL. handle).Indonesian Journal of Biological Pharmacy. 2021; 1(2): 88-96.
- Setiawan H, and Fitriani D. The Impact of Graptophyllum Pictum Steeping to Hemorrhoid Disease Healing at Setia Insane Clinic, Sepatan Timur District, Tangerang Regency.Advances in Health Sciences Research. 2022; 47: 185-191. doi:10.2991/ahsr.k.220303.038.
- Astana PR, Ardiyanto D, Triyono A, Mana TA. Safety and efficacy test of herbal concoctions for hemorrhoids compared with Diosmin Hisperidin.Health Research and Development Media. 2017; 27 (1): 57–64
- Harwati, W., and Mahfur. Antioxidant Activity of Purple Plant Stem Extract (Painted Graptophyllum(Linn) Griff) Using the FRAP Method.Journal of Pharmacy. 2024; 13(2): 35-41.
- Makkiyah F, Puji Rahmi E, Setyaningsih Y. Phytochemical test and acute safety evaluation of oral purple leaves (Painted Graptophyllum L. Griff) extract in rats. Pharmacognosy Journal. 2022; 14: 649-654. doi: 10.5530/pj.2022.14.148.
