Keanekaragaman Hayati Sekitar Kita – Ekor Kucing (Acalypha hispida)

Abstract

Acalypha hispida is one of the medicinal plants that has been used by people for generations to treat diarrhea and cancer. Commonly known as the "Chenille Plant" or "Red-Hot Cattail," is a tropical ornamental plant belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae. Native to Southeast Asia, it is characterized by its vibrant, pendulous, red or pink flower spikes resembling a cat’s tail and lush green oval leaves. Acalypha hispida has potential medicinal applications due to its phytochemical composition, including saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, and phenols. All parts of the plant can be used for treatment. The leaves can be used as a medicine for mouth bleeding, asthma expectorant, anti-diabetic, lowering blood pressure, etc. The flower parts can be used for dysentery, colitis, nosebleeds, diuretics, etc. The bark roots can be used to treat lung problems.