Medicinal Plants

Phyllanthus androgynus (L.) Chakrab. & N.P.Balakr.

Daun Katuk

Phyllanthaceae

Location in the garden Main
Photo 1 of medicinal plant Phyllanthus androgynus (Daun Katuk) Photo 2 of medicinal plant Phyllanthus androgynus (Daun Katuk) Photo 3 of medicinal plant Phyllanthus androgynus (Daun Katuk)

Summary

Daun katuk (Phyllanthus androgynus) is a shrub 2-3 meters tall of the Phyllanthaceae family, widely grown in Southeast Asia and cultivated as both a vegetable and traditional medicine. Its dark green leaves are also used as a natural food dye, besides being commonly planted as a living hedge. Katuk is best known traditionally as a lactation aid to boost breast milk production for nursing mothers.

Agroecology

This plant grows from lowlands to highlands up to an elevation of 1,300 m above sea level. Tolerant of shaded conditions, ideal air temperature 21-32 °C with humidity between 50-80%. Tolerant of various soil types, growing optimally in fertile, loose soil rich in humus, well-aerated and well-drained, with a pH degree of 5.5-6.5.

Morphology

  • Roots taproot.
  • Stem upright, woody, young stems green and old ones brown.
  • Leaves arranged alternately on one stalk, compound, small leaves resembling moringa leaves. Leaf blade shape oblong to round, green, 5-6 cm long.
  • Flowers single, small, dark red to yellowish with red spots.
  • Fruit stalked 1.25 cm long, containing black seeds inside.

Cultivation

  • Propagated by stem cuttings.
  • Cut a 20 cm stem/branch then plant it upright in the growing area at a depth of 10-15 cm.

Chemical Content

Alkaloids, steroids/triterpenoids, saponins, tannins, polyphenols, glycosides, flavonoids, papaverine, sterols, catechol, cardiac glycosides, acidic compounds.

Benefits

Boosts breast milk production, addresses anemia, boosts immunity, maintains eye and bone health, boosts men's vitality, treats wounds, prevents osteoporosis, antidiabetic, prevents fever.

Local Names

Cekur manis (Malay), Katukan (Java), Simani (Minangkabau), Kerakur (Madura).

Traditional Recipes

The following recipes reflect traditional knowledge passed down through generations, not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or advice. Consult a healthcare provider before use.

Traditional recipe Boosting Breast Milk Production from Daun Katuk

1. Boosting Breast Milk Production

  • Prepare the ingredients: 100 g shelled corn, 70 g katuk leaves, 3 shallots (sliced), 1 clove garlic (sliced), 1 tomato (cut into pieces), 1 tsp salt.
  • Boil 700 ml water until it boils then add the corn, shallots, and garlic. Once the corn is soft add the katuk leaves and tomato, add salt, cook until the katuk leaves are soft.
  • Serve while warm.
Traditional recipe Fever and Scanty Urination from Daun Katuk

2. Fever and Scanty Urination

  • 4 g katuk root, 110 ml water.
  • Make an infusion: boil the katuk root for 15 minutes and the water reduces slightly.
  • Drink twice a day, 100 ml each time. Repeat for 4 days.

Reference Sources

  1. Upahita. 2020. 4 Resep Daun Katuk yang Praktis dan Lezat untuk Ibu Menyusui.
  2. Hellosehat.com. https://hellosehat.com/parenting/bayi/resep-daun-katuk-untuk-ibu-menyusui/ 26-06-2020.
  3. Remaja Kerohanian Sapta Darma Sragen. 2014. Daftar Tanaman Obat Indonesia. Sragen.
  4. Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. 2014. Sauropus androgynus. http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Sauropus+androgynus. 03-01-2021.