Kenikir (Cosmos caudatus Kunth) as an ingredient in Pecel (Traditional Javanese Ethnic Salad): Potential and Bioactivity

Silalahi, Marina and Wahyuningtyas, Riska Septia (2025) Kenikir (Cosmos caudatus Kunth) as an ingredient in Pecel (Traditional Javanese Ethnic Salad): Potential and Bioactivity. GSC Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 30 (2). pp. 102-108. ISSN 2581-3250

Kenikir (Cosmos caudatus) is a vegetable that has long been used by local communities in Indonesia, especially those living on the island of Java. The aim of the research is to explain the benefits and bioactivity of C. caudatus, so that its potential can be increased. The research method was carried out using surveys, interviews and literature studies. The respondent is a pecel trader who uses kenikir as an its ingredient. Secondary data was obtained online using the keywords C. caudatus and bioactivity of C. caudatus. Kenikir is a perennial herb with lobed leaves with capitulum flowers. Local people in Jatisampurna use C. caudatus as an ingredient for lalapan (vegetables consumed fresh) and for pecel (a traditional Javanese ethnic salad). The distinctive aroma of C. caudatus leaves makes it suitable for consumption in fresh form or as simple preparations. In traditional medicine, C. caudatus is used to treat various diseases such as osteoporosis and for beauty (preventing aging). The C. caudatus is rich in nutrients such as protein, fiber, Vit C, Vit B1, Vit B2, Beta Carotene, Potassium, Calcium, Iron and Phosphorus. The bioactivity of C. caudatus 's is anti-microbial, tea herbal, anti-osteoporosis, anti-diabetes mellitus, anti-oxidant, neuroprotection, beauty, anti-hypertension and anti-cancer. The use of C. caudatus as a traditional salad and beauty ingredient needs to be researched further so that it becomes an alternative as a natural anti-aging agent.