ULAM RAJA TO HERBAL TEA: A METACOGNITIVE ISLAMIC REFLECTIONS ON A HEALTHCARE PHARMACEUTICAL INNOVATION
Keywords:
Cosmos caudatus, herbal tea, ulam raja, metacognitive, prophetic medicine, halal pharmaceuticalAbstract
Abstract: Background: Herbal teas are increasingly recognised for health promotion with a significance extending beyond biomedical effects to ethical, cultural, and religious dimensions. This study explores Cosmos caudatus (ulam raja), a traditional Malay herb, as a functional herbal tea through an integrated scientific and Islamic metacognitive approach. Methods: Aqueous infusions from leaves harvested at different maturity stages (4, 6, and 8 weeks) were evaluated for antioxidant and antidiabetic activities, cytotoxicity, heavy metal presence, and microbial load. A metacognitive framework was applied to interpret findings within Islamic epistemology, linking scientific results to Qur’anic, prophetic, and ethical principles. Results: The eight-week-old leaves demonstrated the strongest α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (IC50=65.4±3.3 μg/mL), while the four-week-old leaves showed the highest antioxidant capacity (DPPH IC50=15.5±0.8 μg/mL). All samples were non-toxic to Vero cells and adhered to stringent regulatory limits for heavy metals and microbial load.. Elevated microbial counts were detected in later harvests, signalling the need for improved post-harvest handling. These findings were contextualised within mīzān (balance), wasatiyyah (moderation), lā ḍarar (non-harm), and maqāṣid al-sharīʿah, particularly preservation of life and intellect. The absence of contaminants reflected halalan ṭoyyiban, while microbial risks highlighted the imperative of iḥsān (excellence). Conclusion: The pharmacological findings support the potential of Cosmos caudatus tea as a safe and beneficial herbal infusion, with the eight-week maturity stage offering a favourable balance of health benefits and sustainable harvesting, This aligns with the Islamic principles and its validation affirms opportunities for rural livelihood enhancement, halal industry growth, and Malay heritage preservation. By bridging laboratory evidence with Islamic humanities reflection, this study positions herbal tea development as a model of Islamic healthcare innovation that unites science, ethics, and community empowerment.
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