Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (Mill.) I.M.Johnst.

Pepaya jepang (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius) is a shrub up to 5 meters tall of the Euphorbiaceae family, originating from the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, and consumed by the Maya people since pre-Columbian times. Its leaves are now widely cultivated as a highly nutritious vegetable in Indonesia. For women, pepaya jepang leaves are traditionally believed to relieve menstrual pain and prevent anemia.

A tropical plant that can be found in areas at elevations up to 1,300 m above sea level. Grows well in areas with an average annual daytime temperature between 20-32 °C, rainfall of 1,000-2,000 mm/year, and also grows well in various soil types with a soil pH ranging from 5.5-6.5.

• Stem strong, jointed, shoots emerge at the leaf-stem axil, white sap.
• Leaves resemble papaya leaves, green in color, serrated forming finger-like lobes about 5 cm wide. Leaf taste is not grassy, not bitter, not stiff, watery, and soft, and hairless. Milk-like sap.
• Flowers have white petals, 5 in number. Dioecious, male and female flowers separate.
• Seeds sized 6-8 mm, without a stalk.

Propagated generatively (by seed) and vegetatively (stem cuttings).

Cyanogenic glycosides, flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin glycosides), tannins, saponins, alkaloids, stearic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid esters.

Boosts blood and prevents anemia, increases muscle strength and endurance, strengthens bone health, aids digestion, protects eye health, prevents diabetes, addresses acne, controls blood pressure, addresses insomnia, and scorpion stings.

• Pick leaves that are neither too old nor too young, namely number 2 to number 7 from the tip, then wash thoroughly with running water.
• Cut into small pieces then dry by air-drying at room temperature until dry.
• Once dry, put into an airtight container.

Daun kates jepang (Java).