Alternanthera sessilis is an edible medicinal herb that receives little attention around the world. It is commonly found throughout the tropical and subtropical countries including Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Taiwan, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and southern states of USA.
A. sessilis can be classified into two varieties; a red variant (ASR) and a green variant (ASG). In Malaysia, ASR is the more common variety and goes by its local Malay name ‘Bayam Keremak Merah’, Chinese name ‘Hong Tian Wu’ and English name 'Red Sessile Joyweed' or 'Red Carpet Weed' or 'Dwarf Copperleaf'.
It is believed to be a minimally toxic source. It is used traditionally to treat a variety of conditions such as asthma, diabetes, wounds, diarrhea, and bronchitis. In Malaysia, it is cultivated as a type of vegetable, it is eaten raw in Malaysia as 'ulam' (salad) and an accompaniment to other dishes. In Chinese food therapy, the aerial parts are stir-fried or made into a broth for its health benefits. It is also consumed as a decoction and as tea.
Nutrients & Bioactive Compounds in Hong Tian Wu (Hong T)
The notable bioactive compounds in Hong Tian Wu (Hong T) include:
Phenolic compounds (Ferulic acid, vanillic acid, epigallocatechin (EGCG), catechin, myricetin)
Alkaloids
Flavonoids
Saponins
Terpinoids
Cycloeucalenol
Phytosterols (Stigmasterol, campesterol, betasistosterol)
High antioxidant capacity
Minerals (Iron, calcium, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, selenium)
Vitamins (Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Vitamin D)
Healthy fatty acids (Palmitic acid)
Protein (L-glutamic acid)
Benefits of DXN Hong T
1) Lowers blood cholesterol and triglycerides, regulates blood pressure, helps in prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases
Hyperlipidemia is a group of inherited and acquired disorders characterized by an elevated level of low density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, and triglycerides in the blood. Both hyperlipidemia and inflammation of the endothelium (inner wall of blood vessels) have been shown to contribute to the early stage of vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and hypertension, and subsequent cardiovascular diseases.
A Malaysian study demonstrated that Hong T have potential antihyperlipidemic activities due to its high level of sterols. The protective effects of Hong T against hyperlipidemia may be partially mediated via the reduction of total cholesterol and triglycerides production in the liver and increased excretion of fecal triglycerides and bile acid.
There are more studies have demonstrated that Hong T have strong antioxidant effects. It can protect against cardiovascular diseases by suppressing inflammatory responses at the endothelium, scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative damage on the blood vessels, hence maintaining the integrity and elasticity of blood vessels.
2) Increases insulin sensitivity & Reduces blood glucose level
The anecdotal use of Hong T as a relief for diabetes has been known as folk medicine in various countries including the Philippines, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, for generations. Multiple animal studies have displayed remarkable suppression of blood sugar level in diabetic mice, with almost similar blood sugar reduction rate as metformin.
The observed decrease in blood glucose levels by Hong T can be possibly through potentiating pancreatic insulin secretion or by increasing insulin sensitivity hence elevating glucose uptake by bodily tissue. The observed anti-hyperglycemic effect as well as free radicals scavenging activity has been reported for flavonoid-rich fractions in Hong T. As a result, Hong T could be developed into a potential antidiabetic agent for the management of type 2 diabetes.
3) Enhances wound healing
Wound healing is characterized by the dynamic mechanism and process of reepithelization (repair or regeneration of new skin tissue layers) that is associated with angiogenesis which means the process of blood vessel formation to supply the tissues with sufficient nutrients essential for proliferation, growth, and migration, in order to replace the devitalized and missing cellular structures and tissue layers.
Studies have revealed that Hong T is effective in enriching wound closure progression in normal healthy and diabetic patients. It can help stimulate the regeneration of new skin tissue layers. Due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, the healing and recovery process can be enhanced.
Thus, it may be a promising therapeutic agent to elucidate the delayed wound healing issue among the diabetic patients.
4) Helps with pain relief
Current research findings demonstrated scientific rationale for the traditional uses of Hong T as an analgesic (pain relief agent). In many South Asian countries, Hong T has been used in the pain treatment for rheumatism, gout, painful swellings associated with wounds, neurologic pain and intestinal inflammation. The plant is reported to contain lupeol, terpenoids and sterols, which have shown to be able to regulate inflammatory responses and raise pain threshold.
In summary, Hong Tian Wu provides various purported health benefits, which include:
Lowers blood cholesterol and triglycerides
Regulates blood pressure
Prevents and helps in treatment for atherosclerosis & cardiovascular diseases
Improves excretion of bile acids
Protects against fatty liver disease and inflammatory liver diseases
Anti-inflammatory effects
Strong antioxidant activity
Stimulates pancreatic insulin secretion
Improves insulin sensitivity
Stimulates regeneration of new skin tissue
Enhances rate of wound healing
Helps with pain relief for rheumatism, gout, wound and intestinal inflammation