ASHITABA vs Gynura Procumbens

A lot of articles have been circulating around the internet claiming Gynura Procumbens to be Ashitaba plant, though both herbs are beneficial to the health, Ashitaba and Gynura Procumbens are of two different types.

Ashitaba

Their leaves might be the same but a closer look would prove it otherwise.

The ridges of the leaves are more pronounced in Ashitaba plant than in Gynura Procumbens.

Ashitaba

To the untrained eye, both plants may look similar and often people will mistook one from the other, not to mention, there are those who are writing articles and/or selling these plants in its 'wrong' name, giving the person who bought the plant the wrong knowledge and a misconception on the beneficial effects of the plant.

So here we will give you enough knowledge to go around on these plants.


As this blog is focused on Ashitaba, this article will discuss more on information about Gynura Procumbens.

Gynura Procumbens

From the pictures alone, you can already tell the difference on the shape of the leaves ...yah?

Gynura procumbens is believed by the Chinese to be one that possesses the ability to lower blood pressure and sugar levels. Usually will recommend to eat 3 – 7 leaves daily in the raw form, 5-8 leaves per meal is enough.      

The leaves have a mild raw taste which makes it quite easy to consume.

To date, there had been a limited number of scientific studies done on this herb. A Singapore study that used diabetic rat models showed that an alcoholic extract of Gynura procumbens was able to reduce elevated blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, while another study by a Korean group of researchers reported that this herb possessed anti-hypertensive properties in a rat model.

Gynura Procumbens, an herbal treatment of eruptive fever, rash, kidney disease, migraine, constipation, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and cancer. <source>

Gynura procumbens 

Besides the above medicinal properties, according to the Plant Resources of South East Asia (PROSEA), this plant is also used in Africa, where the boiled leaves are applied externally to relieve general body pains and raw leaves for rheumatic pains. Dried and pounded leaves are mixed with oil and applied as a poultice to treat skin compliants. It also used for the treatment of kidney problems and dysentery.  


Gynura procumbens is generally regarded to be a relatively harmless herb to consume. In fact, in Java Indonesia, the young shoots of this plant are eaten raw as a vegetable. Singaporeans may find it more palatable if the leaves have been blanched in hot water before consumption.

This plant grows easily from stem-cuttings. Seeds are not available. It is best grown in well-draining, fertile soil that is kept moist at all times. Semi-shade is preferred by this plant although it can be slowly adapted to grow in full sun, provided the plant does not dry out at the roots. Initial planting under direct sunshine will result in burnt leaves and stunting in growth. Growth should resume once the plant has acclimatised to its new growing conditions.

Gynura procumbens

Gynura procumbens grows as a scrambling perennial plant with stems that can extend to 6m long if left to grow. The fleshy leaves are bright green that are rather smooth to touch. The shape of leaves can vary depending on the growing conditions and they can range from roundish to ovate in shape but are all shallowly toothed at the margins.

In shade, they are darker green and appear rather flat but under direct sun, the two sides of each leaf may develop a slight V shape along the mid-rib and take on a lighter green colour.

                      Gynura Procumbens

Sambung Nyawa (Leaves Of The Gods)

In Malay its called : Sambung Nyawa, 

Scientific name      : Gynura procumbens.

Other names           : Daun Dewa, Leaves of the Gods, Googoolipid,                 Mollucan Spinach,Sam Akar, Akar Sebiak, Kelemai Merah and Bai Bing Cao

Hope we clarified the confusion on that matter. Know your herbs :)