Phytochemical and bioactive potentialities of Melastoma malabathricum

Melastoma malabathricum is a shrub native to the South Asian region belonging to the family Melastomataceae. It is commonly known as Senduduk in Malay community, Phutukola in Assamese dialect, and Bit-Bit in Karbi. Various plant parts such as leaves, roots, barks, stems, and fruits of the species have several ethno-medicinal properties. They were found effective against various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, leukorrhea, hemorrhoids, skin disease, wound, toothache, and jaundice. Scientific studies revealed the presence of many phytochemical constituents mainly polyphenol and tannin. The presence of other phytochemicals such as saponins, flavonoids, triterpenes, flavan-3-ols, anthocyanins, and steroids has also been reported. These phytochemical constituents exhibit numerous benefits to mankind. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown to possess many bioactive potentialities such as antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and immune-modulatory actions. Considering the above-mentioned facts, an attempt has been made to comprehend scientific evidence on ethno-medicinal and pharmacological potentialities of the plant.