PHYTOMEDICINE OF Acanthus
ilicifolius AND Coix Lacryma-jobi
Abstract - The
natural habitat of Acanthus ilicifolius (Acanthaceae) in the downstream releted
to mangrove areas, and Coix lacryma-jobi (Poaceae) found in the upstream river.
Both of aquatic plants have similar habitat in wetland areas. While the
polulation increase and development followed by pollutants that discharged into
the environment, such as river. Therefore, it is necessary to conserve these
species. While these plants not much known as a medicinal plant
(Phytomedicine). Where more than 80% of the world's population relies on plants
used for medicine. So it is very important to document potential of Acanthus
ilicifolius and Coix lacryma-jobi as phytomedicine and their use in maintaining
environmental health. The study was conducted during October 2014, with
descriptive study from literature. Content of phytochemical compounds found in
Acanthus ilicifolius plants serves as neuralgia, analgesic, anti-inflammation,
anti-oxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-leukemic, anti-tumor, anti-cancer,
anti-ulcer, anti-septic, antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal and insecticides.
While the phytochemical compounds in Coix lacryma-jobi acts as antipyretic,
antiseptic, hypoglycemic, analgesic, anthelmintic, anti-convulsant,
anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammation,
anti-proliferative, anti-cancer, anti-tumor, anti-osteoporosis, and
immunomodulation. The results of this study found that both of species are very
important as a phytomedicine to prevent and cure various diseases. The
potential of the plant Acanthus ilicifolius and Coix lacryma-jobi need to be conserved,
studied and domesticated to be developed in the treatment of medicine as well
as other uses for human welfare .
Keywords: Phytomedicine,
Medicinal Plant, Acanthus ilicifolius, Coix lacryma-jobi.
