Edible plant
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Breynia androgyna, also known as katuk, star gooseberry, or sweet leaf, is a shrub grown in some tropical regions as a leaf vegetable. Its multiple upright stems can reach heights of 2.5 meters and bear dark green oval leaves of length 5–6 centimetres.
It is native to India, Bangladesh, Indochina, southern China including Hainan, Malesia, and New Guinea. It inhabits tropical and subtropical humid lowland forests, where it grows on brushy slopes and sunny forest margins from 100 to 400 m elevation. It is cultivated up to 1,300 m.
It contains high level of provitamin A carotenoids, especially in freshly picked leaves, as well as high levels of vitamins B and C, protein and minerals. The more the leaves mature, the higher the nutrient content.
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 "Breynia androgyna" has been consumed and used traditionally since ancient times by the Javanese and Sundanese ethnic groups as the alternative medicine in a form of (traditional concoction native to Java island, originally formulated by the Javanese) to improve the circulation of blocked breast milk for breastfeeding mothers. Interestingly, according to modern research findings on the efficacy of this herb, indicates that the extract of the "Breynia androgyna" 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 "Breynia androgyna" 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 "Breynia androgyna" leaves or raw juice leading to lung failure has been reported.
Nutrition.
"Breynia androgyna" is a good source of provitamin A carotenoids, and vitamin C and vitamin B.
References.
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