Ayapana / Water Hemp originates from Brazil to Suriname and has been widely cultivated in various countries such as Africa, India, China, the Philippines, and Indonesia. It is often planted by communities as a ground cover in plantations, a hedge plant, an ornamental plant, and a medicinal plant. Prasman also produces an oil that can be used for fragrance (perfume), and its leaves can be used to make tea with a pungent flavor. In India, Prasman leaves are used as a remedy for malaria.

Prasman is easily found from the lowlands up to an altitude of 1,600 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.). It is often planted in hilly areas and home yards. It is tolerant of heavy shade.

• Root (Akar) Taproot.

• Stem (Batang) Hairy, reddish in color, young shoots are whitish, segmented (noded), and branched.

• Leaves (Daun) Simple (single), opposite arrangement, lanceolate shape, pointed tip, tapering base, smooth margin, smooth surface.

• Flower (Bunga) Compound inflorescence, tubular shape, emerging from the stem tip. The calyx is separate, consisting of five sepals and is purplish-green. The corolla is star-shaped, small, covered in white hairs, and reddish-purple in color.

• Fruit (Buah) A capsule, oblong and narrow, 2 mm long, with five angles (angled).

• Propagation is done generatively (seeds) or vegetatively (cuttings and separation of offshoots/suckers).

Based on scientific literature for Scoparia dulcis, the benefits include:

• Treats ailments such as diabetes, hypertension, bronchitis, stomach problems, kidney stones, and fever.

• Acts as an analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer).

• Has anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.

• The aqueous extract may help lower blood sugar levels and is used traditionally for malaria and wound healing.

• Flavonoids (e.g., luteolin, scutellarein, apigenin, quercetin)

• Terpenoids/Diterpenoids (e.g., scoparic acid, scopadulcic acid A and B, scopadulciol, scopadulin, glutinol)

• Alkaloids

• Tannins, Saponins, Steroids, and Phenols

• Catecholamines (e.g., epinephrine and norepinephrine