By Aimi Mohamad Farid
SERDANG, 9 March – A study by researchers at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) has revealed that ulam raja (Cosmos caudatus), a traditional Malaysian herb commonly consumed as a local salad, may help regulate blood sugar levels and support cardiovascular health.
Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Dr. Ahmad Haniff Jaafar, said the research highlights the herb’s significant nutritional and medicinal potential while introducing a new method to produce high-quality ulam raja powder for wider application in food and health products.
He said the study was inspired by Malaysia’s rich biodiversity and the long-standing use of herbal plants in traditional diets and medicine.
“Although herbs have been used by communities for generations, many local plants still lack sufficient scientific validation to support their safety and effectiveness,” he said.
“Without scientific evidence, it is difficult for these herbs to penetrate global markets that rely heavily on research-based validation.”
Research on ulam raja at UPM began in 2012 and has progressed through laboratory experiments, animal studies and clinical trials involving human participants.
The findings show that ulam raja has a strong nutritional profile, containing high levels of fibre, vitamins and minerals that may contribute to better health.
According to Dr. Haniff, the herb is rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and quercetin, compounds known for their ability to neutralise free radicals that can damage cells and contribute to chronic diseases.