Misai Kuching (Orthosiphon Stamineus)

I have been hearing people talk about Misai Kucing quite a bit lately. It turned out the tiny white Christmas-tree-ish flowers sitting in our garden is what is locally known as "Cat Whiskers" in Malay. Mum and Dad had told me of its remarkable medicinal abilities against diabetes. But I never knew the name of the plant until today when we spoke to the gardener during our visit to the green house and flower nursery of Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam.

According to pureherb.com.my,

The plant is believed to have antiallergic, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties. It is used as a remedy for arteriosclerosis (capillary and circulatory disorders), Kidney stones and nephritis. It is also used for treating gout, diabetes and rheumatism. In Malaysia, the leaves are used as a diuretic and for treating catarrh of the bladder. A decoction prepared from the plant is used to eliminate stones in the bladder.

Othosiphon stamineus is reported to possess antifungal. Anti-inflammatory activities. It also exhibits considerable antibacterial activity (minimal inhibitory concentration = 7.8-23.4mg/ml). Alcoholic and water extracts of misai kuching are shown to have significant diuretic activity in rats.

Misai Kuching ("Cat's Whiskers") of our garden

According to Bernama,

Misai Kuching (literally meaning, Cat's Whiskers), has high anti-oxidant content that could prevent and control the growth of cancer cells.