DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY
MEDICINAL PLANTS

Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq.

Orthosiphon aristatus, commonly known as Java tea, cat’s whiskers, or misai kucing (in Malaysia and Indonesia), is a medicinal plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. This plant is highly valued for its health benefits, particularly in traditional medicine for treating a variety of conditions, including kidney problems, urinary tract infections, and high blood pressure.
Botanical Details:
• Scientific Name: Orthosiphon aristatus (Blume) Miq.
• Family: Lamiaceae
• Genus: Orthosiphon
• Species: aristatus
Common Names:
• English: Java Tea, Cat’s Whiskers
• Malayalam- Poochameesa
• Tamil- பூனை மீசை
• Hindi: किटो सिंगो (Kito Singo)
Botanical Description:
1. Plant Characteristics:
o Orthosiphon aristatus is a perennial shrub that grows to about 1 to 1.5 meters (3–5 feet) in height.
o The leaves are ovate or lanceolate with a serrated margin, green in color, and can grow up to 10 cm in length.
o The most distinctive feature of the plant is its long, tubular white or purple flowers that resemble cat’s whiskers, hence the common name “cat’s whiskers.” The flowers grow in whorled clusters at the top of the stem.
o The plant has square stems, a characteristic shared by other plants in the Lamiaceae family.
Medicinal Uses:
Orthosiphon aristatus is widely known for its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. In traditional medicine, the leaves, flowers, and stems are primarily used in various forms like teas, tinctures, or extracts.
1. Kidney Health and Diuretic:
o One of the most well-known uses of Orthosiphon aristatus is as a natural diuretic. It has been traditionally used to treat kidney stones, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and to help flush out toxins from the body through increased urine production. The leaves of the plant are commonly used in teas or infusions for this purpose.
2. Treatment for Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs):
o The diuretic properties of the plant make it beneficial in managing urinary tract infections (UTIs), as it promotes frequent urination that helps expel bacteria from the urinary system. It is often used in combination with other herbal remedies for this condition.
3. Blood Pressure Management:
o Orthosiphon aristatus has been traditionally used to manage high blood pressure (hypertension). The plant’s diuretic effect may help lower fluid retention, which can reduce blood pressure over time. Some studies suggest it may work by promoting the excretion of sodium and water from the body.
4. Anti-inflammatory:
o The plant has anti-inflammatory properties that make it useful in treating conditions such as arthritis and rheumatism. It may help reduce joint pain and inflammation when used as a topical poultice or in an herbal tea.
5. Antioxidant:
o The leaves and other parts of Orthosiphon aristatus contain antioxidants that help protect the body from oxidative stress, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. The antioxidant effects are attributed to the plant’s bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids.
6. Weight Loss and Fat Metabolism:
o Some studies suggest that Orthosiphon aristatus may play a role in weight loss due to its diuretic properties. It helps reduce water retention and may promote fat metabolism, though further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness as a weight loss remedy.
7. Liver Health:
o The plant has been traditionally used to support liver function and to help treat conditions like hepatitis. It is believed to have hepatoprotective effects, helping protect the liver from toxins and supporting detoxification.
8. Antimicrobial:
o Orthosiphon aristatus has shown antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it useful in treating skin infections, wounds, and respiratory infections. Its antimicrobial activity is attributed to various active compounds found in the plant.
9. Digestive Health:
o The plant may also promote digestive health by acting as a mild laxative and helping with constipation. It has a cleansing effect on the digestive system and is sometimes used to soothe gastrointestinal discomfort.