ABSTRACT
Melastoma malabathricum Linn. (Melastomataceae) is commonly known as the Singapore Rhododendron. It is alternatively known by its Malay name, Sendudok. It is a flowering shrub which can be found growing locally in wastelands. It has been reported to be found growing wild in the Indian Ocean Islands, throughout South and Southeast Asia, China, Taiwan, Australia, and the South Pacific Ocean. Several groups of plant secondary metabolites and bioactive constituents have been isolated from flowers, fruits, and roots of M. malabathricum. Kaempferol-3-O- (2”,6”-di-o-p-trans-coumaroyl)-β-glycoside was isolated in the leaves of M. malabathricum of white petals for the first time. Besides, presence of α-amyrin and quercetin were also reported in the leaves of M. malabathricum. This chapter indicates the activity of M. malabathricum in several in vitro and in vivo pharmacological properties such as antimicrobial, antiulcer, antidiabetic, anticancer, antidiarrheal, anti-inflammatory, fertility enhancement, and wound-healing activity. These pharmacological activities might be due to the presence of certain phytocompounds in this plant.
