Phyllanthus androgynus
Phyllanthus androgynus, also known as katuk, star gooseberry, or sweet leaf, is a species of plant in the family Phyllanthaceae, native to tropical and subtropical Asia and grown in some areas as a leaf vegetable.
Description
It is a shrub with multiple upright stems, reaching up to tall and bearing dark green oval leaves about long.Distribution and habitat
It is native to India, Bangladesh, southern China and Southeast Asia. It inhabits tropical and subtropical humid lowland forests, where it grows on brushy slopes and sunny forest margins from 100 to elevation.Freshly picked leaves contain high levels of provitamin A carotenoids, and also contain high levels of vitamins B and C, protein and minerals.
One study has suggested that excessive consumption of uncooked and juiced katuk leaves can cause lung damage due to its high concentrations of the alkaloid papaverine.
Cultural usage
It is one of the most popular leafy vegetables in South and Southeast Asia and is notable for high yields and palatability. It can be cultivated specifically for edible asparagus-like stems using heavy fertilization, this cultivation variant is known as "Sabah vegetable." The stems are otherwise not edible.Indonesia
In Indonesia, the flowers, leaves, and small purplish fruits of Phyllanthus androgynus have been consumed and used traditionally by the Javanese and Sundanese ethnic groups as the alternative medicine in a form of Jamu to improve the circulation of blocked breast milk for breastfeeding mothers. According to modern research findings on the efficacy of this herb, indicates that the extract of the leaf increases the expression of prolactin and oxytocin genes 15 to 25 times in breastfeeding mice.Malaysia
In Malaysia, it is commonly stir-fried with egg or dried anchovies.Vietnam
In Vietnam, the shoot tips have been sold in cuisine and used similarly like the asparagus; the locals usually cook it with crab meat, minced pork or dried shrimp to make a soup.Medical
Various studies have confirmed that this plant has notable phytochemical constituents and various pharmacological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesity activities.Although the exact cause is unknown, an association with bronchiolitis obliterans and the consumption of large quantities of uncooked leaves or raw juice leading to lung failure has been reported.
Nutrition
This plant is a good source of provitamin A carotenoids, and vitamin C and vitamin B.Vernacular names
- In Chinese, it is called mani cai
- In Filipino, it is called Chinese malunggay
- In Indonesian, it is called katuk
- In Japanese, it is called amame shiba
- In Javanese, it is called katu
- In Tamil, it is called Thavasi Keerai
- In Telugu, it is called chakramuni aaku
- In Malayalam, it is called Madhura cheera or Singapura cheera
- In Sinhalese, it is called Singapore leaves or Japan Batu
- In Malay, it is called cekur manis, or asin-asin and cangkok manis
- In Sundanese, it is called kaṭuk
- In Thai, it is called pak waan
- In Vietnamese, it is called ''rau ngót''