Cat's Whiskers
Orthosiphon aristatus
Orthosiphon aristatus, commonly known as Java mint or urang arang, originates from Southeast Asia and has a long history of traditional use in various cultures. It is traditionally employed for its effects on urinary excretion, kidney protection, and blood pressure reduction, particularly within Indonesian and Malay herbal medicine practices. Scientific studies have shown potential antihypertensive effects, with Orthosiphon aristatus being part of a group of nine plants exhibiting such properties; however, the evidence remains inconclusive and further research is warranted. Additionally, it has been noted that an extract from this plant can accelerate wound healing in diabetic rats by reprogramming the immune environment, suggesting possible benefits for skin health. A shared medicinal flora review identified Orthosiphon aristatus among 239 species used across multiple ethnic groups in Indonesia, indicating its importance in traditional medicine. Safety-wise, no major issues have been recorded; similarly, there are no known drug interactions reported for this plant.
- Traditionally for
- urinary excretion · kidney protection
- Traditions
- traditional
- Best evidence
- A
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- urinary excretion
- kidney protection
- blood pressure reduction
What the science says
- The study found that nine medicinal plants, including Orthosiphon aristatus, showed potential antihypertensive effects in various tests, but further research is needed.
- This review suggests that Orthosiphon aristatus, along with other medicinal plants, may offer potential mechanisms for preeclampsia prevention through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, though more research is needed.
- A shared medicinal flora of 239 species was identified across multiple ethnic groups in Indonesia, including Orthosiphon aristatus.
- The study found that a composite membrane incorporating Orthosiphon aristatus extract and DMOG accelerated wound closure in diabetic rats by reprogramming the immune environment.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cat's Whiskers?
Cat's Whiskers (Orthosiphon aristatus) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Cat's Whiskers traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Cat's Whiskers for: urinary excretion, kidney protection, blood pressure reduction. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Cat's Whiskers?
Cat's Whiskers appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional.
What does the scientific evidence say about Cat's Whiskers?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Cat's Whiskers; the strongest carries evidence grade A. For example: The study found that nine medicinal plants, including Orthosiphon aristatus, showed potential antihypertensive effects in various tests, but further research is needed.
How strong is the evidence for Cat's Whiskers?
The strongest finding for Cat's Whiskers carries evidence grade A — strong evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Cat's Whiskers safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Cat's Whiskers in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Cat's Whiskers interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Cat's Whiskers in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Cat's Whiskers?
Cat's Whiskers is also known as: Moustaches de chat.
Is Cat's Whiskers a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Plant-based antioxidant strategies with potential for preeclampsia prevention: clinical and mechanistic insights. literature abstract metadata
- T2 A systematic review of ethnobotanical study in Indonesia: diversity and cultural patterns of medicinal plant use. literature abstract metadata
- T2 A Janus-structured PVA/collagen membrane co-loaded with Orthosiphon aristatus extract and DMOG for diabetic wound healing. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Antihypertensive Plants Used by the Anak Dalam Tribe in Jambi, Indonesia: Ethnobotanical Insights and Pharmacological Potential as Alternatives to Conventional Medicine. literature abstract metadata
- T3 Orthosiphon aristatus CC BY-SA 4.0