ABSTRACT
The family Melastomataceae itself is a vast taxon which includes 200 genera and approximately 4000 species of herbs, shrubs, and trees that are widespread in tropical regions. About 30 species of plants classified as Melastomataceae are used for medicinal purposes in the Asia–Pacific. The evidence so far presented is consistent with the view that the Melastomataceae family is a vast source of pharmacologically active tannins and flavonoids awaiting experimentation. Melastomataceae elaborate an unusual series of hydrolyzable tannin oligomers such as nobotannin B, which has exhibited anti-Human Immunodeficiency Virus property in vitro. Searching for Melastomataceae in the field is guided by three botanical hallmarks: the leaves are marked with 3–9 longitudinal nerves parallel to the midrib, the flowers show numerous stamens with 2-locular, basifixed anthers that open by a single pore, and the connectives which are often appendaged, and by the fruits which are cup-shaped.
