Characteristics of Sambung Nyawa Leaves and 7 Benefits for Health

YOGYAKARTA - The leaf of the life-saving plant has long been known in traditional medicine. This plant with the Latin name Gynura procumbens grows a lot in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, and is often used as an herbal orbat. It's no wonder that many studies have begun to highlight its potential in helping to overcome various diseases.

Before discussing the benefits of the life-saving leaves for health, let's first recognize the characteristics of this plant. That way, you won't be mistaken if you want to use it in your daily life.

Characteristics of the Sambung Nyawa Leaf

At first glance, the life-connecting leaf looks like other green leaves, but if you look closely, there are several distinctive features that distinguish it. Reported from various sources, the following are the characteristics of the life-connecting leaf:

Leaf Shape and Color

The leaves of the life extension have an oval shape with a tapering tip. The edges of the leaves look jagged and irregular, and the base is round. The upper surface of the leaves is dark green, while the underside is light green.

Leaf Size

Leaf size varies considerably depending on the age and condition of the plant. Generally, the length of the leaves ranges from 3.5-8 cm with a width of about 0.8-3.5 cm. Younger leaves are usually smaller in size than old leaves.

Texture Leaf

The connecting leaves of the life have a smooth surface when touched. However, if you look closely, there are fine hairs, especially on the underside of the leaves. This texture is one of the differences from other similar leaves.

Plant Stems

The stem is soft, purple-green and round in shape and branched. In young stems, the color can appear reddish.

Akar

This plant has a fairly strong fibrous root system. Roots can grow from the stem segments that touch the ground. This makes it easy to breed naturally.

7 Benefits of Sambung Nyawa Leaves

The leaves of the life-saving connection contain active compounds with various benefits that are interesting for health. Still reported from various sources, the following are 7 benefits of life-saving leaves for health that you need to know:

Relieve Inflammation

The leaves of the life-saving plant contain flavonoids, steroids, and ethanol compounds that are anti-inflammatory. These contents help relieve inflammation in the body, such as rheumatism and atherosclerosis. In addition, its antiviral properties also support the body against certain infections.

Lower Blood Pressure and Maintain the Heart

Hypertension is one of the main factors of heart disease and stroke. Several animal studies have shown that the leaves of life can help lower high blood pressure. This is related to its ability to increase the production of nitric oxide which helps dilate blood vessels.

Thus, this effect also has an impact on heart health. Blood circulation becomes smoother so that the workload of the heart is reduced. With a healthy lifestyle, these benefits can be even more optimal.

Antioxidants

The leaves of the life-saving plant are rich in antioxidants such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and vitamin C. Consuming this plant can help fight free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and keep the body's resistance optimal.

Potentially Against Cancer

Traditionally, the leaves of the life-saving plant have been used to help treat various types of cancer. Laboratory research shows that its extract can inhibit the growth of cancer cells. In fact, there are indications that the compounds in it are capable of triggering the death of cancer cells.

Although the results are promising, this study is still limited to laboratory trials. Further studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness in humans.

Lowering Blood Sugar Levels

The life-saving leaves are also beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes. Compounds such as kaempferol, sinapic, vanillic acid and quercetin help increase the absorption of glucose by body cells. This makes blood sugar levels more controlled.

Overcome Digestive Disorders

Digestive problems such as stomach ulcers and intestinal irritation can interfere with daily activities. The extract of the life-connecting leaves can protect the stomach lining and prevent wounds.

In addition, its anti-inflammatory properties also help relieve inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. However, further research is still needed to confirm these benefits clinically.

Increase Fertility

The leaves of the life-saving plant can help overcome infertility in people with diabetes. Several animal studies have shown that extracts of the life-saving plant are able to increase enzymatic activity that plays a role in the reproductive system. In addition, the number and motility of sperm are also reported to increase after taking this leaf extract.

Not only that, the life-saving leaves are also known to reduce the percentage of dead sperm and help the sperm maturation process.

That's 7 benefits of the life-saving leaves for health. This herbal plant should be used as a complement to a healthy lifestyle, not as a substitute for medical treatment. Consultation with health professionals is still necessary, especially if you have certain conditions.

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Tag: kesehatan obat tradisional tanaman herbal