Mexican Sunflower (Daun Insulin / Paitan)

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Basic Information:

Tithonia diversifolia is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae that is commonly known as the tree marigold,^[2] Mexican tournesol, Mexican sunflower, Japanese sunflower or Nitobe chrysanthemum. It is native to Mexico and Central America but has a nearly pantropical distribution as an introduced species.^[1] Depending on the area they may be either annual or perennial. It has shown great potential in raising the soil fertility in soils depleted in nutrients.^[3] Originating in Mexico; research has shown its potential in benefiting poor African farmers.^[4] This plant is a weed that grows quickly and has become an option as an affordable alternative to expensive synthetic fertilizers.^[5] It has shown to increase plant yields and the soil nutrients of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).^[5]

Uses, Traditional Use and Research

The statements below describe nutrition facts, traditional use and published research. They are not health claims for our products.

• Mexican sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia, kipait, paitan) is widely used as a green manure and organic fertilizer. Its leaves decompose quickly and release nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Studies report increased productivity of crops such as soybean, rice, tomato, okra and maize when paitan leaves are used as fertilizer, for example in Kenya, Malawi and Zimbabwe.
• In Indonesia the plant is also called “insulin plant”. Traditionally, leaf preparations are used in folk practice with the aim of influencing blood sugar. This is a traditional use only. It has not been confirmed by sufficient scientific evidence, and the plant is not a replacement for medical care. People with diabetes should not use it instead of their prescribed treatment.
• In traditional practice, water in which the leaves have been boiled is used as bath water for itchy skin. This is a traditional use only and has not been confirmed.
• Laboratory studies have identified compounds such as quassinoids (for example janicins) in the leaves. They showed antibacterial and antifungal activity in laboratory tests. These are test-tube findings and do not show an effect in people.

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