- SHORT HISTORY
Indonesia boasts a rich variety of plants that can be utilized as raw materials for medicines, including traditional remedies and herbal beverages known as “jamu.” One such plant used by some communities for its medicinal properties is the secang wood (Caesalpinia sappan L.). Secang wood is derived from the stem of the secang plant and contains various secondary metabolite compounds. Additionally, secang plants are used as a natural pigment source due to their production of red pigments.
Interestingly, secang plants are primarily known in a few regions, such as West Sumatra, Central Java, Yogyakarta, and North Sulawesi. The secang wood used in this research originates from West Sumatra. According to Shahidi (1996), the plant’s growing location can influence the secondary metabolite compounds it contains. Secang wood with colored pigments, caused by the presence of brazelein compounds, offers a range of hues from pale orange to deep red. In some regions where secang wood is used for traditional medicine, it is more commonly recognized for its pinkish-red color. Water was used as the solvent, meaning that traditional beverages derived from secang wood contain numerous compound components.
Secang wood/ Sappan Wood contains chemical compounds such as flavonoids, brazilin, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, phenylpropanes, and terpenoids (Sudarsono et al., 2002). Panovska et al. (2005) reported that secang wood contains phenolic compounds like flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties as free radical scavengers. Among the flavonoids present in secang wood is anthocyanin. Anthocyanin compounds are glycosides of anthocyanidin compounds and are part of the secondary metabolite group of flavonoids. Anthocyanins are beneficial for health due to their antioxidant (Abdel-Aal et al., 2006), antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and lipid peroxidation (Lefevre et al., 2004) activities.
The high antioxidant content and metabolite compounds in secang wood enhance its utilization in plant-derived beverages as an alternative for antidiarrheal and antibacterial purposes. Most cases of diarrhea result from gastrointestinal infections caused by bacteria, including Vibrio cholerae, Staphylococcus aureus, and E. coli. Research by Dianasari (2009) demonstrated that ethanol extracts of secang wood exhibit antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Shigella dysentriae, while methanol extraction from secang wood also possesses antibacterial effects against Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli (Sumarni, 1994).
- SAPPAN WOOD DESCRIPTION
Classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Superdivision: Spermatophyta
Division: Angiospermae
Class: Dicotyledonae
Subclass: Aympetalae
Order: Rosales
Family: Leguminosae
Genus: Caesalpinia
Species: Caesalpinia sappan
- BENEFITS OF SAPPAN WOOD
Secang wood is a commonly used traditional spice. It can grow almost anywhere, in gardens, forests, or even in residential yards. The secang plant is native to Southeast Asia and Malaysia. In English, this plant is called Sappan wood, with its scientific name being Caesalpinia sappan. Secang is a leguminous plant that can grow up to 6 meters tall, with brownish stems and small leaves. Here are the benefits of consuming secang wood water:
- Addressing Inflammation in the Body
One of the primary benefits of secang wood is its ability to address inflammation in the body. Consuming secang wood extract is believed to alleviate pain caused by inflammation in muscles and joints.
- Killing Disease-Causing Bacteria
Another benefit of secang wood is its ability to kill disease-causing bacteria. This property is attributed to its antibacterial nature. It can combat various types of bacteria such as Salmonella, Streptococcus, and E. coli.
- Killing Acne-Causing Bacteria
Acne on the face is often triggered by the Propionibacterium acnes bacteria. Secang wood’s anti-inflammatory properties support this benefit. Apart from consumption, you can also use a secang wood infusion to cleanse acne-prone areas of the face.
- Suppressing Cancer Cell Growth
The antioxidants and anti-cancer compounds in secang wood are believed to suppress cancer cell growth. This benefit can be enhanced by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, stress management, regular exercise, and quitting smoking. However, further research is needed to confirm the efficacy of secang wood against cancer.
- Alleviating Diarrhea Symptoms
Alleviating diarrhea symptoms is one of the benefits of secang wood infusion. This benefit is reinforced by its antibacterial content, which can combat the bacteria responsible for diarrhea. Consuming this herbal beverage can also fulfill the fluid needs of individuals with diarrhea to prevent dehydration.
- Preventing Cellular Damage
Various antioxidants like flavonoids, polyphenols, and brazilin are believed to prevent cellular damage from free radical exposure. These antioxidants can reduce the risk of cancer and type 2 diabetes.
- Controlling Blood Sugar
Consuming secang wood infusion can help control and reduce blood sugar levels. Well-controlled blood sugar can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. This benefit is particularly useful in preventing insulin resistance.
- Anti-Allergy Medicine
Allergies can manifest as symptoms such as a runny nose, itchy skin rashes, or even difficulty breathing. For those with allergy issues, secang wood infusion is a solution. Flavonoids in secang wood have strong anti-allergic properties, and chalcone compounds can reduce allergy symptoms. Drinking a glass of secang wood water daily can reduce allergies.
- Treating Seizures
People experiencing seizures due to epilepsy and other disorders should consider consuming secang wood. Research has shown that secang wood extract has reactive properties that can counter seizures due to its anticonvulsant activity. Anticonvulsants are a type of medication that helps normalize nerve cell stimulation to prevent seizures. Additionally, anticonvulsants can relieve pain caused by nerve disorders.
- Good for Heart Health
Drinking a cup of secang wood water daily is good for heart health. One study found that Brazilin, the red pigment in secang wood, has a positive effect and promotes a healthier heart. The reddish hue of Brazilin also makes this beverage visually appealing when poured into a clear glass. To consume, you can squeeze a little lime into a glass of secang wood beverage and add a drop of honey. This drink can benefit your health.
- Rich in Antioxidants
Antioxidants are substances that can prevent or slow down cell damage caused by free radicals, unstable molecules produced in the body. Most people drink tea to increase antioxidants in their bodies. However, tea can increase acidity and caffeine dependence. Secang wood can be a good substitute for tea.
- Preventing Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease caused by high glucose levels in the body. Accumulated glucose in the blood due to poor absorption by body cells can lead to various organ disorders. Research indicates that secang wood infusion can lower and control blood sugar levels. The effects of secang wood can prevent insulin resistance and reduce the risk of diabetes.
- Medicinal Ingredient
Secang wood is known for its astringent properties. Its main components are brazilin, a red-sappan pigment, tannic acid, and gallic acid. Simplified secang wood slices or small chips are known as Sappan lignum in the Formularium Medicamentorum Soloensis preparation. Scientifically, brazilin from secang wood has been proven to have antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-photoaging, hypoglycemic (blood sugar-lowering), vasorelaxant (blood vessel relaxation), hepatoprotective (liver-protective), and anti-acne properties. Secang wood extract is also believed to have anti-tumor, antiviral, immunostimulant, and other properties.
Source :https://www.halodoc.com/artikel/rutin-minum-rebusan-kayu-secang-ini-manfaatnya
