Ficus deltoidea
| Mas Cotek | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Ficus deltoidea at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison, WI | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Moraceae |
| Genus: | Ficus |
| Species: | F. deltoidea |
| Binomial name | |
| Ficus deltoidea Jack | |
Ficus deltoidea, commonly known as mistletoe fig (Mas Cotek in Malaysian or สาลิกาลิ้นทอง in Thai) is a large shrub or small tree species native to Southeast Asia, and widely naturalized in other parts of the world.
Description
Mas Cotek is a small perennial herb, growing up to about 2 m tall.[1] The different shapes of the leaves represent different varieties some having a rounded shape and others having an elongated egg shape. The color at the top of the leaf is shining green while underneath, the surface color is golden yellow with black spots in between the leaf veins. Mas Cotek plant species are male and female. The leaves of female species are big and round in shape, while the male species are small, round and long in shape.
Malaysia
Mas Cotek plants grow wild in eastern peninsular Malaysia and it is popular among traditional medical practitioners. The trees can be found in the jungle in Kelantan, Terengganu, Sabah, Sarawak and Kalimantan. It also can be found grew in the oil palm plantation in Perak, Selangor and Johor. Mas Cotek is slowly receiving international recognition for its medicinal values and health benefits. Based on traditional knowledge, the leaves, fruits, stems and roots of Mas Cotek display healing, palliative and preventative properties.
Mas Cotek has been scientifically researched by various institutions including University of Malaya, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia, the Malaysian Agriculture Research And Development Institute (MARDI). Research results show that Mas Cotek possesses triterpenoids and natural phenols (flavonoids and proanthocyanins, a type of condensed tannins).[2]
Scientific investigation showed F. deltoidea could potentially inhibits the streptozitocin-induced hyperglycemia in rats. The extract exerted its effect via an increase of insulin secretion which impeded the hepatic glucose production, via down-regulation of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose-6-phosphatase genes expression on one hand, and up-regulation of hepatic GK and PPARgamma genes expression on the other hand. The extract caused an increased expression of GLUT-4 gene expression in skeletal muscles which leads to normalize the hyperglycemia. The extract also nullified the toxic effects of streptozitocin by blocking its entry into the islet beta-cells through reducing the expression of GLUT-2 gene.[3] F. deltoidea also possess alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase’ inhibitory effect.Isovitexin and vitexin found to be responsible compounds for this pharmacological properties. [4] Oral administration of Ficus deltoidea Leaves extract (FDLX) appears to be well tolerated by SD rats, and seemed to have no discernible clinically significant toxic effects on the nervous system, respiratory system, or other physiological functions of animals of both sexes after acute and subchronic administration.FDLX treatment had inconsistent effects on body growth, organ weights, and hematological and biochemical parameters, and these effects failed to be supported by the gross and histopathologic assessments of the major organs.FDLX proven to have no mutagenic effect.[5] Traditionally used as a postpartum depression treatment to help in contracting the muscles of the uterus and in the healing of the uterus and vaginal canal, it is also used as a libido booster by both men and women.[6] The leaves of male and female plants are mixed in specific proportions to be taken as an aphrodisiac. Among the traditional practices, Mas Cotek has been used for regulating blood pressure, increasing and recovering sexual desire, womb contraction after delivery, reducing cholesterol, reducing blood sugar level, treatment of migraines, toxin removal, delay menopause, nausea, joints pains, piles pain and improving blood circulation.
Mas Cotek products are formulated and sold in the form of extracts, herbal drinks, coffee drinks, capsules, and massage oil.
References
- ↑ Hassan, Dr. W. E. (2006). Healing Herbs of Malaysia Kuala Lumpur: Federal Land Development Agency. ISBN 978-983-99544-2-5
- ↑ Elham Farsi, et al. (2014)
- ↑ Elham Farsi, et al (2014)
- ↑ Elham Farsi, et al. (2011)
- ↑ Elham Farsi, et al.(2014)
- ↑ Bodeker, G. (2009). Health and Beauty from the Rainforest: Malaysian Traditions of Ramuan. Kuala Lumpur: Didier Millet. ISBN 978-981-4217-91-0.