Sygygium myrtifolium/
"Thanks to its diverse bioactive compounds, Sygygium myrtifolium
can provide many health benefits. This ornamental plant has high antioxidant
and antibacterial activity, as well as antidiabetes."
Sygygium myrtifolium, is often seen decorating school or home gardens. Not
only beautiful to look at, Sygygium myrtifolium ornamental plants can also
provide health benefits. In its red top leaves, there are many natural
compounds that have the potential to be used as herbal remedies. No wonder this
ornamental plant can also be consumed as herbal tea. Let's see the review further.
Health Benefits of Sygygium myrtifolium
Sygygium myrtifolium are known to contain various bioactive compounds
that have high antioxidant and antibacterial activity. These bioactive
compounds include phenols, anthocyanins, polyphenols, and triterpenoids. Thanks
to the content of these bioactive compounds, Sygygium myrtifolium can be used
to help overcome various diseases. Here are some of the health benefits of Sygygium
myrtifolium:
1. Fights Free Radicals
Antioxidants are known for their ability to ward off and fight free
radicals, which can cause damage to cells in the body. Free radicals have also
been linked to various health problems such as inflammation, premature aging,
heart disease and cancer. By eating foods rich in antioxidants, such as Sygygium
myrtifolium, you can avoid the harmful effects of free radicals.
2. Lowers Blood Sugar
Sygygium myrtifolium are also good for consumption by people with
diabetes because they have anti-diabetic properties. An antidiabetic activity
test of n-hexane extract of Sygygium myrtifolium leaves has been carried out,
to determine the antidiabetic activity of the plant, with the main parameter
being the percentage reduction in blood glucose levels. Parameters measured
included percentage change in body weight, urine volume, drinking water volume,
and relative organ weight. Well, according to the study, Sygygium myrtifolium were
able to reduce blood glucose levels significantly when compared to the negative
control.
3. Boosts Immune System
Sygygium myrtifolium, which are rich in antioxidants, are also
beneficial for boosting the immune system, by preventing oxidative damage
caused by excess free radicals. Free radicals can damage any cell in the body,
including immune cells. By consuming Sygygium myrtifolium, the body can be
protected from the adverse effects of free radicals and immunity is maintained.
4. Prevents Food-Induced Stomach Pain
The antibacterial compounds in Sygygium myrtifolium can also prevent
stomach upset caused by food poisoning. This ornamental plant can help kill
bacteria in food that cause stomachaches, such as Salmonella and E. Coli.
5. Fights Cancer Cell Growth
Sygygium myrtifolium contain anthocyanins, compounds that give the
leaves and fruits of these ornamental plants their red color. Well,
anthocyanins also function as antioxidants that can provide health benefits.
One of them is inhibiting or stopping cancer growth. Studies show that
anthocyanins fight cancer by blocking DNA changes that cause cancer, destroying
cancer cells or stopping their growth. These compounds may also prevent tumors
from becoming malignant and increase the sensitivity of tumors to chemotherapy.
Even so, further research is still needed on the efficacy of Sygygium
myrtifolium against cancer.
References:
Pakistan Journal of Nutrition. 2022. Antioxidant
Activity of Syzygium oleana.
Jurnal Farmasi Indonesia. Uji Aktivitas
Antidiabetes Ekstrak N-Heksana Daun Pucuk Merah (Syzygium Myrtifolium Walp.)
Terhadap Mencit Putih Diabetes.
Jurnal Kimia Mulawarman Volume 16. Isolasi dan
identifikasi senyawa Triterpenoid dari ekstrak n-heksan fraksi 8 no dake-2 dari
daun merah pucuk merah (Syzygium MyrtifoliumWalp.)