IPB University Researcher: Patikan Kebo, a Potential Wild Plant for Beauty

Patikan kebo (Euphorbia hirta), a wild plant commonly found by the roadside, is known to have a number of active ingredients that are beneficial for health and beauty. This was revealed by Dr Dimas Andrianto, a researcher and lecturer at IPB University.

Dr Dimas explained that patikan kebo contains various active compounds such as flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, terpenoids, saponins, steroids, and anthraquinones. These compounds have potential as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic.

“Patikan kebo has the potential to be used to treat acne because of its antiseptic content, although antibacterial tests against acne-causing bacteria show insignificant activity,” explained the lecturer at the Department of Bio-chemistry at IPB University.

Furthermore, she mentioned that the plant also has antioxidant activity and can inhibit the enzyme tyrosinase, an enzyme that plays a role in the formation of skin pigmentation. “With these activities, patikan kebo has the potential to be developed as a skin whitening ingredient,” he added.

Even so, Dr Dimas emphasized that until now there has been no research conducted by his office regarding the effectiveness of patikan kebo to treat warts or papillomas, as mentioned in social media posts. However, he admits that he has conducted research on the use of this plant as an active ingredient in facial serums.

“Most of the patikan kebo still grows wild, although some have started to cultivate it as a medicinal plant,” he said.

Patikan kebo is also known in traditional medicine to treat various infections. He said further research is still needed to optimize the use of this plant. (dh) (IAAS/KQA)