This is a perennial shrub, 1-3m tall, with
showy purple flowers and oblong leaves. It is found in tropical and subtropical
areas, typically in disturbed lands, grasslands, and forest margins. It is
native to Southeast Asia but is widely distributed in India, Malaysia,
Indonesia, Australia, and Pacific Islands.
Scientific Name: Melastoma malabathricum
L.
Common English Name: Malabar melastome,
Indian rhododendron.
Its names indicate its popularity in
Indian traditional medicine, especially in Northeast India and southern
regions, for conditions such as wounds and oral infections. Melastoma
malabathricum, referred to as "Senduduk" in Malaysia, is employed in
traditional medicine to maintain oral health, specifically toothache and oral
infection. In Southeast Asian nations such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and India,
its roots and leaves are utilized as decoctions or pastes.
Method of use: Leaves/root are fresh or dried and
boiled in water to produce decoction or ground into paste and applied to
infected areas.
Dose : Mouthful of
decoction as mouthwash 2–3 times a day, or paste is sparingly applied.
Duration :Usually 3-7 days or till the
symptoms disappear. Countries : Commonly
found in Malaysia, Indonesia, India, and Northeast India(e.g., Assam).
Precautions : Avoid overuse due to possible astringent action leading to dry
mouth. Maintain good hygiene when preparing to avoid contamination. No toxicity
is noted at traditional doses )
3.2.Wound Healing
Method of use: Crush fresh leaves to paste,
apply daily 1-2 times for 3-5 days. Precaution: Maintain hygiene to prevent
infection.
3.3. Diarrhoea:
In India (Assam), root
decoction is ingested for treatment of diarrhoea.
Method of use: Boil 10–15g of roots in 200ml of
water, ingest 100ml twice a day for 2-3 days.
Precaution: Avoid excessive usage to prevent dehydration; seek help for
chronic symptoms.
3.4. Fever:
In Indonesia, infusion of
leaves is consumed.
Method of use: Infuse 10g dried leaves in 200ml boiling water,
take 100ml once a day for 2-days.
Precaution: Keep an eye on fever; seek medical
attention if it continues.
5. Skin Infections:
In Malaysia, boil is
treated with leaf paste.
Method of use: Apply paste over affected area twice a day
for 3-5 days.
Caution: Test for allergic reactions on small skin patch.
6.Phyto chemicals found in M.
malabathricum and its advantages:
Melastoma malabathricum has
health-promoting phytochemicals, namely:
Polyphenols and Tannins: Powerful
antioxidants that limit oxidative stress, inflammation, and chronic disease
risk such as heart disease and cancer.
Flavonoids: Display anti-inflammatory,
antibacterial, and antiviral activities, sustaining immune health and wound
healing.
Saponins: Stimulate immune modulation
and have antimicrobial actions, helping to control infection.
Triterpenes: Demonstrate
anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities, possibly inhibiting tumor growth.
Flavan-3-ols: Enhance cardiovascular
health through better blood vessel function and lowering blood pressure.
Anthocyanins: Offer antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory effects, and neurodegenerative disease protection.
Steroids: Add anti-inflammatory and
immune-modulatory actions.
These phytochemicals as a group provide
antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and wound-healing
activity, and so M. malabathricum is important in traditional medicine for the
treatment of conditions such as diarrhoea, wounds, and infections
Disclaimer: The information contained in this blog post regarding the historical use of medicinal plants is derived from personal experiences over a long period of time and is acquired from authentic online resources. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a replacement of professional medical guidance.
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