Anredera cordifolia: Medicinal Plant with Many Benefits

KOMPAS.com – Anredera cordifolia, or locally known as binahong is a perennial vine with a heart-shaped leaf that has many health benefits.

Experts said that the binahong can reduce rheumatoid arthritis, gout, chikungunya fever, aches, and pains. The leaves are usually consumed in a form of herbal drinks or sautéed as a healthy vegetable side.

The benefits of binahong

“Binahong leaves have many health benefits. The leaves, which can be said to be a cheap remedy, are found in plantation and residential areas,” Professor Dr. Ir. Ervizal AM Zuhud, MS, head of Bioprospecting and Conservation of Tropical Plants Division at the Bogor Institute of Agriculture told Kompas.com recently.

Ervizal went on to say that since the 14th century, binahong leaves have been used as medicinal plants in China. Then the plant spread to various countries such as Australia, the US, Korea, and Indonesia.

The leaves can also be used to treat peptic ulcers, skin problems, gout and high cholesterol, diabetes, and shortness of breath.

Research is still underway to identify how binahong can detoxify toxins from the lungs.

The leaves contain catechins, natural antioxidants that help prevent cell damage and fight cancer, heart attacks.

The plant can also reduce the effects of muscle inflammation after an exercise, to speed up the wound healing process, and increase blood pressure.

Leaf type, texture

“It has a slimy texture just like other vegetables such as spinach and water spinach,” Ervizal said.

The leaf comprises red and green types. Though the color is different, the benefits remain the same.

To consume binahong, one can blend it or cook it for an easy dish of steamed or sautéed vegetables with herbs and garlic.

(Writer: Yana Gabriella Wijaya | Editor: Yuharrani Aisyah)

Source: https://www.kompas.com/food/read/2021/01/05/113100675/apa-itu-binahong-daun-dengan-segudang-khasiat-kesehatan.