Leaf katuk or scientific name Sauropus adrogynus (L) Merr, is a member of the family of Euphorbiaceae. Katuk crop thrives in Indonesia at an altitude of 0-2100 m above sea level. This plant is a shrub, whose height reaches 2-3 m. Rather soft branches, leaves arranged alternately on one stalk, oval to round with a length of 2.5 cm, and width from 1.25 to 3 cm. Round fruit on the branches below the leaves.
In Indonesia leaves katuk already famous among the mothers, especially for the launch of breast milk, as well as drug ulcers, boils, fever, and blood is dirty. In addition to expediting and improving milk production, leaf vegetables katuk popular as it can also arouse sexual vitality, prevent osteoporosis, and treat various diseases.
Judging from the nutritional value, leaves katuk have a pretty good nutritional value, such as proteins, fats, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamins A, B, and C. The leaves also contain ephedrine katuk very good for people with influenza.
Behind the excess, leaves katuk store a number of shortcomings. In addition to helping the process of metabolism in the body, the metabolism of glucocorticoids active compounds can interfere katuk leaf absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Both calcium and phosphorus contained in the leaves katuk themselves and in other foods that are eaten with the leaves katuk cuisine.
In Taiwan, has been reported that in people who consume raw katuk leaf juice (150 g) for 2 weeks to 7 months, side effects occur with syimpton difficulty sleeping, not eating well, and shortness of breath. However, these symptoms disappear 40-44 days after cessation konsumption katuk leaf juice. According Sriana (2006) the boiling process can reduce the negative effects of leaf katuk.