Mas Cotek (Ficus deltoidea)

Mas Cotek
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Serapat
Class:	Sempit-sempit
Family:	Moraceae
Species:	F. deltoidea
Binomial name
Ficus deltoidea

Mas Cotek (Ficus deltoidea) is a tree species in in Malaysia.

Malaysia's tropical rainforest is unique, with a large biodiversity of valuable plants and animals. The discovery of herbal plants in these jungles, and in particular Mas Cotek (Ficus deltoidea), 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.

Uses

Mas Cotek, also known as "mistletoe fig", 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 five classes of chemicals, namely flavonoids, tannins, triterpenoids, proanthocyanins and phenols.^{[citation needed]}

Traditionally used as a postpartum 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.^[1] The leaves of male and female plants are mixed in specific proportions to be taken as an aphrodisiac.^{[citation needed]} 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.^{[citation needed]}

Mas Cotek products are formulated and sold in the form of extracts, herbal drinks, coffee drinks, capsules, and massage oil.

Description

Mas Cotek is a small perennial herb, growing up to about 2 m tall.^[2] 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.

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.

Notes

1. ^ Bodeker, G. (2009). Health and Beauty from the Rainforest: Malaysian Traditions of Ramuan. Kuala Lumpur: Didier Millet. ISBN 978-981-4217-91-0
2. ^ Hassan, Dr. W. E. (2006). Healing Herbs of Malaysia Kuala Lumpur: Federal Land Development Agency. ISBN 978-983-99544-2-5

References

• Hassan, Dr. W. E. (2006). Healing Herbs of Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur: Federal Land Development Agency. ISBN 978-983-99544-2-5
• Bodeker, G. (2009). Health and Beauty from the Rainforest: Malaysian Traditions of Ramuan. Kuala Lumpur: Didier Millet. ISBN 978-981-4217-91-0