Catappa Leaves
Just a Leaf for a Million Benefits
Export Quality Standards for Processed Catappa Leaves
- Have a Phytosanitary Certificate (Quarantine Center).
- Leaves that are not damaged or folded (form : dry).
- Does not contain excess oil.
- Free from sand and gravel.
- Brownish red or brown (form : dry) and dark brown (form: liquid).
TAXONOMY OF CATAPPA LEAVES
CLASSIFICATION
- Kingdom : Plantae
- Subkingdom :Magnoliophyta
- Class : Magnoliopsida
- Subclass : Rosidae
- Order : Myrtales
- Family : Combretaceae
- Genus : Terminalia
- Species : Terminalia catappa
ECOLOGY (HABITAT)
Catappa trees often grow in areas with a tropical climate, namely in the lowlands with a height of around 400 meters above sea level and rainfall (intensity) in the range of 1000 – 3500 mm/year.
Every year, this plant sheds its leaves twice (during the dry months; dry season) which is characterized by changes in leaf color (red or yellow). Furthermore, catappa leaves buds will be born again when the rainy season enters.
Geographically, the native habitat of this plant is Southeast Asia (for example: Indonesia), Polynesia (part of the Oceania region), and North Australia. However, it is not uncommon to find it in Central America, South America, East Africa and West Africa.
In the international world, there are various types of catappa trees, including: tropical almond, umbrella tree, sea almond, or beach almond. The characteristic of this plant is its large stem and shady foliage (category: dicots). Therefore, it is not surprising that it is classified as a shade plant. The best growing area for ketapang trees is the coast. However, it is quite often found on the side of the road. This fact shows that the catappa tree is adaptive in all environments.
MORPHOLOGY (PHYSICAL FORM)
Catappa tree trunks can grow up to 35 meters above ground level. The texture of the stem is classified as rough (sulcatus) and is round and upright (diameter can reach 1.5 meters). Classified as a plant whose seeds are in two pieces (dicots) so they are characterized by a branching tap root and a stem with cambium (can enlarge). The flowers are small, bell-like, measuring 4 – 8 mm (colors: yellow, cream, and white) with 5 petals and grow at the ends of twigs (8 – 25 cm). The catappa fruit itself measures 4 – 5.5 cm (similar to almonds). Its green (when young) and brownish red (after ripe). Lastly, the main part of the catappa tree is the main commodity, namely the leaves. The leaves resemble mangosteen leaves (oval and elongated) with a width of 3 – 10 cm. Pinnate leaves. The color of the leaves (before they fall) is green and will turn red or yellow when they fall. Furthermore, it becomes browner when dried in the sun or processed first.
CATAPPA LEAVES CONTENT
The benefits of ketapang leaves, both for human benefit and the fisheries sector, can be seen from the phytochemical content in them. Below are listed 11 dominant organic compounds.
- Flavonoid,
- Tannin,
- Saponin,
- Flavon,
- Xanthones,
- Flavonols,
- triterpenes steroid,
- gallic acid,
- folic acid,
- phenol glycoside,
- phytosterols.
Each type of content above makes catappa leaves have the following properties : antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-clastogenic, antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-diabetic, and hepatoprotective. Therefore, its benefits as a herbal medicine are very effective in treating various diseases in humans and aquatic animals (especially fish).
BENEFITS OF CATAPPA LEAVES FOR HUMAN
- Control Blood Sugar Levels in the Body. The anti-diabetic properties of catappa leaves can prevent a person from developing diabetes and even control blood sugar at normal levels so that sufferers do not experience increasingly severe pain. In this case, appropriate processing techniques are needed so that the benefits can be felt to the maximum.
- Prevent and Fight Cancer Cell Growth. The anticarcinogenic properties of catappa leaves show their ability to treat cancer. Proper extraction and according to medical recommendations will be effective in suppressing the replication of cancer cells, especially in: the lungs and liver. In addition, ketapang leaves can be processed into factory medicine.
- Helps Treat Liver Disease (Hepatitis) and Builds Body Immunity. The content in catappa leaves has antioxidant properties. This means that it is able to protect the liver from damage by preventing viruses from entering and infecting it. Besides that, a person has the potential to avoid liver cancer. In this way, the body’s immunity will be formed and a person will not get sick easily.
- Treating Inflamed Joints (Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid arthritis). The benefits of catappa leaves are able to prevent and reduce the effects of inflammation on human joints (anti-inflammatory). Processing catappa leaves into an external medicine (ointment; topical method) is considered quite effective and practical because it only needs to be applied to the painful part of the body. In addition, the anti-clastogenic substances in it are able to prevent chromosomal damage to bones and keep bones healthy.Processing it into a drink (for example: tea) can soothe stiff (tense) nerves in the muscles or joints. Thus, a person will feel more relaxed too.
- Prevent and Eliminate Sprue. The fungus Candida albicans is the cause of this oral disease and can only be fought with organic compounds with anti-infective properties. Because catappa leaves can prevent the growth of microbes (antimicrobial), it is appropriate if they are processed (extracted) into a drink and consumed. However, keep in mind that the processing procedure must be precise.
- Overcoming Various Skin Diseases. As we know, common skin problems experienced by everyone include: itching, ringworm (caused by fungus), and scabies (caused by mites). To cure it, starch essence from catappa leaves which is processed in such a way will be effective in treating this skin disease (antimicrobial; antiviral). For example: used as an ointment (topical medicine).
- Improves Digestion and Relieves Pain Due To Menstruation (Dysmenorrhea). Parasites in the human stomach are negative, causing digestive problems. Because the antioxidants in catappa leaves are relatively high, some people consume the extract (which has been processed as medicine or drink). As a result, stomach pain due to diarrhea or difficulty defecating can be resolved. Apart from that, the pain that women feel during menstruation is caused by too strong contractions in the uterus. As a result, the oxygen supply to several surrounding muscles becomes limited. Usually, prostaglandins will trigger nausea and headaches. Therefore, the way to relieve pain and side effects is to drink boiled water from catappa leaves (based on proper processing techniques).
- Overcoming Hypertension. The antioxidant content in catappa leaves is effective for lowering high blood pressure. Generally, boiled catappa leaf water is added with honey (optional) and drunk regularly to help normalize the sufferer’s blood pressure.
- Optimizes Fetal Development. Boiled catappa leaves are a natural medicine (alternative) whose boiled water can be consumed by pregnant women. Referring to the journal Reviews in Obstetrics and Gynecology, the folic acid content in it is a synthetic form of vitamin B9 (good nutrition) which is able to support fetal brain development because it is basically used in DNA replication. Apart from that, folic acid can stimulate the formation of red blood cells and optimize the function of other body organs (hearing; motor skills). However, use without proper medical guidance is less recommended. Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to consult a doctor first.
- Becomes a Mixture of Beauty Products (Cosmetics). The rich content in catappa leaves is an attraction for cosmetic manufacturers. One of its natural properties as a moisturizer is certainly suitable when applied in beauty products, both herbal and synthetic. In this way, our skin’s moisture will be maintained and skin problems (acne and rashes) can be resolved. However, its use requires further research.
BENEFITS OF CATAPPA LEAVES FOR FISH
- Neutralize The pH (Degree of Acidity) in Water. The performance of catappa leaves in lowering the pH of water that is too high (above 7; alkaline) or raising it if it is too low (below 7; acidic), both in dry form (processed; fermented) and liquid (extracted) when dipped or dropped into water will involve a chemical process. If the leaves (physically) have been submerged in water for some time, of course they will slowly experience damage. That’s when the ingredients (tannic acid, tannin, and other organic compounds) are released. Specifically, tannic acid is what will neutralize the pH. As a result, the more controlled the pH of the water will make the fish living in it more comfortable and healthy. This is one of the conditions for improving water quality as a medium (natural habitat) for fish. So, for those of you who keep fish, whether for entertainment (decoration), selling, or breeding (small to large scale), it is important to pay attention to the pH of the water because the new water used does not always have a stable (neutral) pH. In fact, it has the potential to contain chlorine and other dangerous substances that threaten fish health even in minimum levels. When compared to using dried catappa leaves, catappa leaf extract reacts faster because it is easily soluble in water. In fact, 90% of its role is like medicine for fish because it contains a mixture of other “fish medicines”, such as: secang wood (herbal), kelakai leaves (herbal), fish salt, vitamins and other minerals.
- Stabilize The Water Temperature. Dried catappa leaves are not 100% able to raise the water temperature which is currently decreasing due to weather changes (rainy season; cold). However, submerged leaves can provide shelter when the fish rest. In this case, the fish’s body temperature is better maintained when the water temperature is cold because a form of behavioral adaptation is hiding under leaves (the role of leaves is like a natural blanket for fish). Floating leaves will cover the surface of the water so that cold air can be blocked. Apart from that, still related to its first role as a pH neutralizer, the water-soluble content of catappa leaves makes fish more comfortable with their environment. Specifically, these leaves contain many hydrolyzed tannins, namely: terflavin A, terflavin B, tergallagin, tercatin, punicalin, punicalagin, che-bulagig acid, geraniin, granatin B, and corilagin. In this way, water quality will be maintained and even if extreme temperatures occur, it will not have a major impact on the health of the fish.
- Inhibits The Growth and Spread Of Parasites (Microbes). The antibacterial and antimicrobial properties contained in ketapang leaves are the key to explaining this benefit. Dried catappa leaves are naturally able to create prime water conditions for fish survival as explained in the previous points. Therefore, it is difficult for parasites to reproduce. If a fish is sick (for example: white spots due to infection with the fungus Ichthyophthirius multifiliis), it will usually be marked with white spots on the fish’s scales. To overcome this, using dried catappa leaves (processed) or their extract (liquid; other medicines have been added) will be effective in removing the fungus that is stuck all over the fish’s body. Not only that, fungal spores in the water are also eradicated.
- Stimulates Color Changes (Mutations). Benefit of catappa leaves that is no less interesting and hoped for by breeders, sellers, or hobbyists is its ability to stimulate the color mutation of fish scales. For example: betta fish, chana, oskar, and others. Excessive use of catappa leaves (dry form or liquid) is not dangerous for fish. However, its contrary, the darker the color of the water, the greater the benefits for fish. In the world of fisheries, everyone who is involved in it uses the term “progress” which indicates the use of catappa leaves in larger portions to improve (produced) the quality of their fish so that they become more beautiful (quickly) and remain healthy. Apart from using feed specifically to improve fish color, catappa leaf extract is also effective.
- Restores The Condition of Weak Fish, Loss of Appetite, Stress and Other Indications of Disease. Problems with fish health are a challenge for everyone who keeps or breeds them. To prevent signs of illness in our fish, such as: experiencing stress, decreased appetite, limited movement (weakness; unstable swimming), constricted fins, and so on, the use of catappa leaves is recommended. When the fish are healthy, there is no harm in using catappa leaves to control water quality and microbial growth. If the fish is indicated to be sick, it is recommended to reduce the water level so that it is easier for the fish to take oxygen to the surface and add sufficient portions of catappa leaves. In general, within 1 – 5 days, the fish’s health will return to normal. However, this is not always a reference because everything depends on “how severe the disease is, the feed given, and other treatment models” for the fish and water.
- Absorbs Toxins in Water (Detoxification). The high levels of antioxidants contained in catappa leaves are not only able to prevent and inhibit the growth of pathogens, but also dissolve various dangerous substances in water. This also proves its ability to detoxify water from contents in it that threaten fish health. What components are classified as “poison”? of course the substances in the water include: chlorine, arsenic, mercury, and the like because they are not only dangerous if consumed by humans, but the same is true for fish. Therefore, the poison must be neutralized by adding catappa leaves (dry or liquid) to the water. This way, the fish will always be healthy.
- Becomes a Natural Medium for Fish to Place and Protect Their Eggs. Dried catappa leaves that float or sink in the water will support the fish mating process because the male and female will choose a safe mating place (free from interference). In this case, the leaves will protect a pair of mating fish from the sight of predators or other fish activity that could potentially thwart them. Apart from that, the collection of eggs will be well maintained until hatching day arrives because they are placed on top, under, or attached to floating or even sinking catappa leaves (each parent fish has a different treatment for its eggs). The survival of the fish fry is also maintained because the soluble content of catappa leaves will stabilize water quality.However, you need to pay attention to the length of time the leaves sink because they will rot and have a bad impact. So, we need to replace it regularly (for example: every 5 days), including some of the water.
DERIVATIVES PRODUCT OF CATAPPA LEAVES
- Dried Catappa Leaves (Without Processing)
- Fermented Dried Catappa Leaves (Has Been Processed) for Fisheries
- Catappa Leaves Extract (Liquid)
DRIED CATAPPA LEAVES ( WITHOUT PROCESSING OR FERMENTATION )
In Indonesian, Catappa Leaves are called Daun Ketapang. Dried catappa leaves are processed simply. Firstly, the leaves are cleaned using running ( clean ) water, then dry it under the sun for hours. Therefore, it does not involve a fermentation phase which takes more time and is a longer process. There are 2 forms of leaves that we provide. First, symmetrical ( dry, straight, not folded, without holes, and generally vacuum packed ). Second, natural (dry, not straight in shape, can be processed independently according to production purposes, and is in clean condition ). To get the first shape, the leaves from catappa tree are picked fresh ( before they turn yellow and eventually fall ), so that the drying results are perfect. In other side, the second form (generally) is obtained from leaves that have fallen to the ground and dried naturally. After that, it is taken and cleaned, then dried again until it is maximally dry.
When dipped in water for proving purposes, the result will be browner ( darker ) than the first form and has more potential for fisheries.
FERMENTED DRIED CATAPPA LEAVES
( HAS BEEN PROCESSED; FOR FISHERIES )
At a glance, dried catappa leaves that are fermented or not are the same. However, the appearance is different because the fermented leaves will have a browner color after they are dried. Not only are they cleaned and dried under the sun, these catappa leaves are fermented for some time ( like making fertilizer; they are in a vacuum container ). At a minimum, the fermentation process is carried out 2 times and drying 3 – 4 times. This is intended to maximize the extract produced from the leaves when soaked in water. The density of the color shows that the juice from catappa leaves is released optimally, so that the benefits provided for water quality and fish health will be greater. Therefore, this product is much sought after and needed in fisheries.
CATAPPA LEAVES EXTRACT ( LIQUID FORM )
For a breakthrough in more practical use, dried catappa leaves are extracted through a boiling process. The leaves are clean and dried, then boiled for several hours so that the juice from catappa leaves can come out optimally. Without having to wait for dried catappa leaves to dissolve the extract in water when dipped, this liquid form will quickly dissolve in a container filled with water and react more quickly to control water quality or treat sick fish. This product is free to find a mixture (pure), so buyers can process it further according to their individual needs (for example: adding methylene blue, fish salt, and others as a mixture so that the benefits are greater for fisheries). For fish treatment, give the appropriate dose. However, excessive use is also not dangerous. The practical and safe packaging that we provide is bottles or jerry cans (generally 1000 ML or 5000 ML ).