Katuk

Phyllanthus androgynus, called sweet leaf or katuk, is a plant in the family Phyllanthaceae that many people mistake for Phyllanthus acidus, the star gooseberry. It is native to tropical and subtropical Asia, including India, Bangladesh, southern China and Southeast Asia, and is a shrub with several upright stems and dark green oval leaves, growing in humid lowland forests on brushy slopes and sunny forest margins. It is one of the most popular leafy vegetables in South and Southeast Asia, noted for high yields and palatability. Fresh leaves, especially mature ones, are high in provitamin A, vitamins B and C, protein and minerals. A variant grown for its edible, asparagus-like stems is known as Sabah vegetable. Studies have confirmed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity activities. Large quantities of uncooked leaves or raw juice have been associated with lung failure.