Review on Melastoma malabathricum: morphology, pharmacology, phytochemistry.
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: A review on melastoma malabathricum to enlist its morphological, pharmacological and phytochemical properties
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
This page presents a generated summary with additional references; See source (below) for actual content.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Chetia Parthana and Bharadwaj Rituraj
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: A review on melastoma malabathricum to enlist its morphological, pharmacological and phytochemical properties
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr202313-29047
Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Melastoma malabathricum is a versatile plant widely recognized for its significant therapeutic properties, particularly in Southeast Asian countries, including India. Traditionally, it has been employed in various folk medicine practices to address ailments such as wounds, inflammation, infections, and digestive issues, among others. The plant is rich in essential oils, tannins, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids, which contribute to its diverse medicinal effects. Various studies have demonstrated that nearly every part of this plant exhibits unique pharmacological properties, including significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities.
Phytochemical Properties of Melastoma malabathricum
The phytochemical analysis of Melastoma malabathricum reveals a range of bioactive compounds that underlie its medicinal effects. Key constituents identified include ursolic acid, various flavonoids like isoquercitrin, and dimeric hydrolyzable tannins such as malabathrins B, C, and D. Different parts of the plant, including leaves, roots, and flowers, exhibit varying phytochemical profiles depending on the extraction solvents used. For instance, the methanolic extract of leaves contains several antioxidant compounds, highlighting the potential of this plant as a source of natural antioxidants for therapeutic applications.
Pharmacological Actions
The pharmacological potential of Melastoma malabathricum is evidenced by its broad range of biological effects, which are increasingly recognized in scientific studies. Notably, research has established its effective antimicrobial activity against common pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, with its methanolic extracts demonstrating significant inhibitory effects. Furthermore, the plant's extracts have been shown to possess strong antioxidant capabilities, capable of scavenging free radicals and mitigating oxidative stress. These pharmacological properties not only affirm its applications in traditional medicine but also present opportunities for further drug development.
Ethnomedicinal Uses
Melastoma malabathricum has a rich history of use in traditional medicine across different cultures, with various communities employing it for treating an array of conditions. For example, the Meitei people in India utilize the plant for skin issues and digestive problems, while the Garo tribe in Bangladesh uses leaf juice for urinary ailments. The plant's ethnobotanical applications underscore a profound understanding of its benefits, although many of these uses are currently unverified by clinical studies. This highlights a critical gap where scientific validation could enhance the credibility of traditional medicine practices.
Conclusion
The exploration of Melastoma malabathricum not only emphasizes its traditional uses but also its extensive pharmacological properties supported by scientific research. The plant’s phytochemical components contribute to a range of biological activities, reinforcing its significance in both folk medicine and contemporary pharmacology. Continued research into its potential therapeutic applications and mechanisms of action is essential to fully unlock the benefits of this plant, which could lead to the development of new natural remedies and a deeper appreciation for traditional medicinal knowledge.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Melastoma malabathricum used for in traditional medicine?
Melastoma malabathricum is traditionally used to treat wounds, inflammation, infections, diabetes-related scarring, high blood pressure, and various gastrointestinal problems in several cultures.
What are the key phytochemical constituents of Melastoma malabathricum?
The plant contains essential oils, tannins, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids. Specific compounds include malabathrins, rutin, quercetin, and α-amyrin, contributing to its medicinal properties.
What are the reported biological effects of Melastoma malabathricum?
Research indicates that Melastoma malabathricum exhibits antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal, and antipyretic activities, demonstrated through various in vivo and in vitro studies.
How does Melastoma malabathricum demonstrate antioxidant activity?
Antioxidant activity is shown through DPPH assays, where extracts scavenge free radicals, indicating potential health benefits against oxidative stress.
What is the morphology of Melastoma malabathricum?
Melastoma malabathricum is a shrub that can grow up to 20 feet tall, exhibiting hairy lance-shaped leaves and reddish-purple flowers. It produces edible berries as fruit.
What pharmacological research supports the use of Melastoma malabathricum?
Pharmacological studies confirm its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting its traditional uses and indicating its therapeutic potential in modern medicine.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Review on Melastoma malabathricum: morphology, pharmacology, phytochemistry.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Activity:
Activity in the context of pharmacology refers to the biological effects that a substance, such as a plant extract, demonstrates in studies. This involves various mechanisms including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory actions, which are observed through in vivo and in vitro experiments on different cell types or living organisms.
2) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses a broad field that includes the study of medicinal plants and their applications in treating diseases and health conditions. The review highlights traditional medicinal uses of plants, particularly those derived from the folklore practices in various cultures, which inform modern pharmacological studies and drug development.
3) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are natural compounds found in plants that offer health benefits. The review highlights the various phytochemicals in Melastoma malabathricum responsible for its therapeutic effects, reinforcing the plant's role in alternative medicine and its potential applications in modern drug formulations.
4) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological references pertain to the study of how drugs interact with biological systems. This includes understanding the therapeutic actions, side effects, and mechanisms of action of medicinal compounds. The article highlights the pharmacological properties of Melastoma malabathricum, evidenced by extensive research on its health benefits.
5) Science (Scientific):
Scientific denotes approaches grounded in empirical evidence and systematic methodology. The review aims to scientifically validate traditional uses of Melastoma malabathricum by discussing research findings that support its efficacy and potential as a restorative medicinal plant.
6) India:
India is a focal point in traditional medicine where a wide array of medicinal plants has been utilized in various systems including Ayurveda and Siddha. The review highlights the cultural significance and extensive use of Melastoma malabathricum in Indian traditional medicine for treating various ailments.
7) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
An antibiotic is a type of antimicrobial substance specifically targeting bacteria. The review conveys findings regarding the antibiotic properties of Melastoma malabathricum against various bacterial strains, underscoring its potential utility in contemporary medicine as a natural alternative to synthetic antibiotics.
8) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are bioactive compounds known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities. They are abundant in Melastoma malabathricum and contribute significantly to the plant's therapeutic effects, as illustrated in the review which highlights their relevance in traditional and modern medicine.
9) Table:
Table refers to a structured representation of data, often used to summarize findings. The review includes tables detailing the traditional uses and phytochemical compositions of Melastoma malabathricum, facilitating easy comparison and comprehension of information relating to its ethnobotanical applications.
10) Study (Studying):
The study refers to the detailed investigation outlined in the review, which compiles various research findings regarding Melastoma malabathricum's pharmacological properties. It serves as a synthesis of existing literature, establishing the basis for further inquiries and validation in the field of ethnomedicine.
11) Species:
Species is a taxonomic term that refers to a group of organisms capable of interbreeding. In the context of the review, Melastoma malabathricum is presented as a valuable species within the Melastomataceae family, recognized for its medicinal and phytochemical significance.
12) Aureus:
Aureus, in this context, refers to Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacterium associated with various infections. The review discusses the antibacterial activity of Melastoma malabathricum extracts against Staphylococcus aureus, highlighting its potential as an alternative treatment for bacterial infections.
13) Blood:
Blood relates to the bodily fluid that transports nutrients, oxygen, and waste products in organisms. In traditional medicine, plants like Melastoma malabathricum may be theorized to influence blood health, particularly in managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure that affect circulation.
14) Inflammation:
Inflammation is the body's immune response to harmful stimuli, which can cause pain and swelling. The review discusses the anti-inflammatory properties of Melastoma malabathricum, showcasing its application in traditional medicine for treating inflammatory conditions and supporting overall health.
15) Disease:
Disease signifies a disruption of normal bodily functions. The review creates links between Melastoma malabathricum and its applications in treating various diseases, exploring the ethnomedicinal landscape where the plant serves as a remedy for commonly encountered health issues.
16) Machang:
Machang refers to a locale in Malaysia known for its rich use of local herbal remedies. The review implies the application of Melastoma malabathricum in traditional practices within communities such as Machang, representing the regional significance of the plant in local health care.
17) Samtosha (Samtosa, Santosa, Santosha, Santosh):
Santosh refers to the author of a cited work in the review related to traditional medicine practices. His observations support the understanding of plant usage in folk medicine, underscoring the importance of academic contributions to the validation of herbal remedies.
18) Surface:
Surface relates to the outer layer or part of something. In the context of plant research, the surface characteristics of plant parts can influence the extraction of phytochemicals and their effectiveness, which is considered in studying the pharmacological properties of Melastoma malabathricum.
19) Forest:
Forests are crucial ecosystems that house diverse plant species. The review notes how the growth of Melastoma malabathricum in forested areas links to its availability for traditional medicines, emphasizing the need to protect these environments to sustain herbal traditions.
20) Family:
Family in a biological context refers to a higher taxonomic rank grouping related plants or organisms. In the review, the Melastomataceae family highlights the close relationships among different species, including their shared characteristics and importance in traditional medicine.
21) Medium:
Medium refers to the means or instrumentality through which something is conveyed or accomplished. In botanical studies, various solvents act as mediums to extract bioactive compounds from plants, which is an essential aspect of pharmacological research showcased in the review.
22) Botany:
Botany is the scientific study of plants, including their physiology, structure, and classification. The review intersects botany with ethnomedicine, illustrating how understanding plant biology informs the traditional uses and biological activities of medicinal plants like Melastoma malabathricum.
23) Mukti:
Mukti refers to an author cited in the review whose research on ethnomedicine contributes insights into the traditional uses of local plants. The inclusion of such references strengthens the academic foundation of the article, linking ethnobotanical practices with scientific evaluation.
24) Marma:
Marmas refers to the indigenous group in Bangladesh known for their traditional herbal practices. The review mentions the Marmas' use of Melastoma malabathricum in their ethnomedicine, exemplifying the cultural diversity in the application of medicinal plants.
25) Cina:
China is noted for its rich history in herbal medicine and the utilization of various plant species for therapeutic purposes. The review indicates how Melastoma malabathricum is used in Chinese traditional medicine, representing cross-cultural herbal practices.
26) Mang:
Mang refers to a term that may denote a community or locale where Melastoma malabathricum is utilized for traditional medicine. The review emphasizes the significance of local knowledge systems in the herbal medicine landscape, particularly in Southeast Asia.
27) Food:
Food signifies substances consumed to provide nutritional support. In traditional contexts, certain plants like Melastoma malabathricum are not only utilized for medicinal but also for dietary purposes, reflecting the multifaceted roles plants play in cultural practices.
28) Drug:
Drugs signify therapeutic substances used for medical treatment. The review aims to highlight Melastoma malabathricum as a prospective source of natural drugs, indicating its potential integration into modern pharmacotherapy alongside traditional medicinal practices.
29) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the science of drugs and their effects on living systems. The review emphasizes the pharmacological potential of Melastoma malabathricum, examining how its bioactive components contribute to its medicinal efficacy and how those align with traditional medicine practices.
30) Developing:
Developing pertains to emerging economies where traditional medicinal practices coexist with modern healthcare systems. The review discusses the relevance of plants like Melastoma malabathricum in providing affordable healthcare solutions in developing regions, emphasizing the shift back to herbal therapies.
31) Toxicology:
Toxicology is the study of harmful effects of substances, critical in evaluating the safety of medicinal plants. The review indirectly addresses the importance of understanding the toxicological profiles of plants like Melastoma malabathricum as herbal remedies are increasingly incorporated into modern medicine.
32) Substance:
Substance in this context refers to a specific chemical or biological matter with health-related properties. The review focuses on the active substances in Melastoma malabathricum, aiming to elucidate their effects on human health and their roles in traditional applications.
33) Knowledge:
Knowledge refers to the awareness or understanding gained through research and experience. The review underscores the importance of integrating traditional knowledge of Melastoma malabathricum in scientific studies, supporting the reclamation and validation of herbal practices in contemporary health contexts.
34) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system of medicine emphasizing balance in bodily systems. The review highlights how Melastoma malabathricum fits within Ayurvedic practices, showcasing its significance in treating various ailments based on centuries of empirical knowledge.
35) Assamese:
Assamese refers to the ethnic group and language spoken in Assam, India. The review acknowledges the use of Melastoma malabathricum in Assamese traditional medicine, reflecting the cultural context of medicinal plant usage in regional healing practices.
36) Village:
Village refers to smaller rural communities. The review highlights how village populations utilize Melastoma malabathricum in their healthcare, illustrating the significance of such plants in traditional practices that safeguard cultural and health traditions.
37) Animal:
Animal refers to living organisms used in scientific studies. The review indicates the use of animal models to assess the pharmacological effects of Melastoma malabathricum, providing insights into its therapeutic potential for broader applications.
38) Siddha:
Siddha is a traditional healing system from South India that utilizes herbal compounds. The review connects Melastoma malabathricum to Siddha practices, highlighting its role in local health traditions and the contemporary relevance of such systems in holistic health.
39) Malaya:
Malaya refers to a historical region in Southeast Asia rich in biodiversity and traditional medicine. The review contextualizes Melastoma malabathricum's use in Malayan herbal medicine, representing the intersection of cultural practices and scientific inquiry.
40) Cancer:
Cancer denotes a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. The review includes details on the traditional use of Melastoma malabathricum in cancer treatment, elaborating on its potential as a supportive remedy in managing oncological conditions.
41) Edema (Oedema):
Oedema signifies swelling caused by fluid retention in tissues. The review discusses how extracts from Melastoma malabathricum have demonstrated efficacy in treating oedema, reinforcing its role in traditional medicine for alleviating various inflammatory conditions.
42) Sharman (Sarma, Sarman, Sharma):
Sharma refers to an author whose work highlights the medicinal applications of Melastoma malabathricum. His contributions emphasize the plant's traditional use and support the ongoing exploration into its pharmacological properties in modern research.
43) Indian:
Indian denotes the nationality and cultural heritage associated with India, which has a rich history of herbal medicine. The review places Melastoma malabathricum within the context of Indian traditional healing practices, emphasizing its usage across regions in various health contexts.
44) Grove:
Grove refers to a small cluster of trees or plants. The review emphasizes the importance of such localized ecosystems for the growth of Melastoma malabathricum and other herbal species utilized in traditional medicine, showcasing the interplay of ecology and health.
45) Panda (Pamda):
Panda refers to a researcher cited in the review, contributing to the literature on ethnomedicinal plants. His studies support the understanding of Melastoma malabathricum's role within traditional healing systems, reinforcing the importance of robust academic investigations.
46) Kumar:
Kumar refers to an author contributing to the body of knowledge surrounding Melastoma malabathricum and its applications. Notable references to research by Kumar emphasize the connection between ethnomedicine and scientific inquiry, adding depth to the review's findings.
47) Asari:
Asari is cited in the review related to the chemical components of Melastoma malabathricum, contributing to the understanding of its pharmacological applications. The reference highlights collaborative research efforts in validating the properties of this medicinal plant.
48) Fever:
Fever indicates a rise in body temperature, commonly associated with infections. The review mentions traditional uses of Melastoma malabathricum in treating fever, illustrating the plant's role in managing various health conditions within folklore practices.
49) Raven (Ravena):
Raven refers to an author cited in the review on flora. His contributions to understanding plant taxonomy and ethnobotany are critical for contextualizing Melastoma malabathricum’s traditional uses and biological significance within the wider landscape of medicinal plants.
50) Genu:
Genu may refer to a traditional knowledge or a local manifestation of herbal medicine. Its inclusion in the review underscores the importance of documenting diverse cultural approaches to using Melastoma malabathricum in various health practices.
51) Tree:
Tree, in botanical terms, refers to a perennial plant with a trunk. The presence of Melastoma malabathricum in habitats with trees emphasizes its ecological relationships and the importance of tree conservation for maintaining biodiversity and traditional medicines.
52) Hair:
Hair typically refers to fine structures found on some plants. In the case of Melastoma malabathricum, surface hairs may impact phytochemical extraction and the overall efficacy of the plant in medicinal applications, as described in several pharmacological studies.
53) Naga (Nag):
Naga refers to a tribal community in India known for utilizing various plant species in their traditional medicine. The review reflects on how communities like the Naga employ Melastoma malabathricum's properties, encapsulating the traditional practices deeply embedded within cultural heritage.
54) Devi:
Devi refers to a contributor to the literature on medicinal plants, whose research supports the understanding of traditional plant uses. The mention of Devi in the context of Melastoma malabathricum emphasizes the collaborative nature of ethnobotanical research.
55) Java:
Java is an island in Indonesia recognized for its rich biodiversity and traditional healing practices. The review includes the uses of Melastoma malabathricum in Javanese herbal medicine, showcasing regional variations in the application of this medicinal plant.
56) Kadu:
Kadu likely signifies a term or name linked to traditional practices in Southeast Asia. The review may reflect on how communities, including Kadu, utilize Melastoma malabathricum, reiterating the importance of local knowledge in herbal medicine efficacy.
57) Ting:
Ting is mentioned in relation to traditional studies and medicinal practices. The review incorporates findings that detail the uses of Melastoma malabathricum, indicating that knowledge from various researchers like Ting enriches understanding of this plant's applications.
58) Ripe:
Ripe pertains to the state of fruit or seeds when they are fully developed and ready for consumption or harvesting. The review notes that the ripe fruits of Melastoma malabathricum are sweet and may have culinary as well as medicinal uses.
59) Wall:
Wall may refer to a structural term, but in this context, it can relate to barriers such as plant anatomy components affecting extraction efficacy. The review discusses the structural aspects of Melastoma malabathricum relevant to its medicinal properties.
60) Tai:
Thai refers to the ethnic group and culture predominantly found in Thailand, where traditional medicinal practices are prevalent. The review aligns Melastoma malabathricum with its use in Thai herbal medicine, underlining cultural implications in the usage of medicinal plants.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Review on Melastoma malabathricum: morphology, pharmacology, phytochemistry.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Medicinal plant, Flavonoid, Traditional medicine, Pharmacological properties, Anti-inflammatory activity, Antioxidant activity, Tannins and flavonoids, Clinical Evidence, Phytochemical analysis, Antimicrobial activity, In vitro, Traditional healer, Therapeutic qualities, Folklore medicine, Medicinal plant species, Biological effect, Tannin, In vivo, Bioactive component, Phytochemical constituent.