Phytochemical Profile and Potential Health Benefits of Beluntas Leaves (Pluchea indica): A Literature Review
Abstract
Traditional medicine in Indonesia is a cultural heritage consisting of tangible or intangible elements that shape the identity of a community or society. The development of traditional medicine is ongoing in Indonesia, utilizing herbal materials. One of the native Indonesian plants that is widely distributed in several regions and has potential for development is the beluntas plant (Pluchea indica L.). The purpose of this literature review is to provide an overview of the effectiveness of Pluchea indica’s components and its potential health benefits as an herbal medicine in Indonesia. Articles were gathered using electronic databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, and Google Scholar. The collected articles did not have a time limit. Keywords used in the article collection included (Pluchea Indica L.), beluntas leaves, antioxidants, phytochemistry, anti-inflammation/anti-inflammatory. The current study focuses on the use of the traditional plant Pluchea indica, its nutritional composition, phytochemistry, health benefits, and its role in clinical studies. Based on the literature review, the beluntas plant contains phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, essential oils, and chlorogenic acid, which are strongly associated with mechanisms to reduce the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, Pluchea indica is beneficial as an antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, cholesterol-lowering, and cell protection agent. Beluntas leaves (Pluchea indica L.) can be processed into various forms such as infusions, capsules, and tea, depending on the intended use, but should adhere to specific dosages.
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.33992/icmahs.v2i1.3641
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