Euphorbia heterophylla L.

Patik mas (Euphorbia heterophylla) is an annual herb 0.1-1 meter tall of the Euphorbiaceae family, native to Central and South America, originally introduced to Asia as an ornamental before now often being considered a weed. Its leaves contain compounds with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity, widely used in traditional African medicine. This plant is also believed to help prevent anemia and support body detoxification.

Patik mas can be found from sea level up to an elevation of nearly 1,400 m above sea level. It usually grows in villages, roadsides, riverbanks, and disturbed areas. Favors areas with rainfall exceeding 1,100 mm/year and well-structured, fertile soil.

• Roots taproot, dirty white.
• Stem round, angular, jointed, smooth, green, hollow.
• Leaves simple, scattered, oblong, 5-7 cm long, 2-3 cm wide, smooth margins, pointed tip, truncate base, pinnate venation, green, flattened petiole.
• Flowers compound, arranged in a cup shape, clustered, involucrum, 1-2 cm long.
• Fruit a schizocarp, round, 3-5 mm long, green, seeds round, hard, black.

• Propagated vegetatively (by cuttings).
• Growth favors humid conditions, adequate sunlight, and succulence (contains a lot of water).

Alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, sterols, quinones, coumarins, terpenoids, stigmasterol, benzoic acid, phlobatannins.

Helps prevent anemia; supports heart health; detoxifies the body; helps prevent cancer; acts as an anti-inflammatory; aids and cleanses digestion; used as a diet aid.

• Prepare fresh patik mas leaves and wash with clean water.
• Arrange the leaves on a tray, cover with black cloth, and sun-dry until completely dry.
• Store in a closed container.
   

Kate mas, Sunduk mentul (Java), Daun pok-pok (Alor).