ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an overall generalized outline of Phytochemistry of Muntingia calabura. Muntingia calabura, the sole species in the genus Muntingia, is a flowering plant native to southern Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America and western South America, south of Peru and Bolivia. Plant-based natural constituents can be derived from any part of the plant, like the bark, leaves, flowers, roots, fruits, seeds or any part that may contain active components. Traditional medicinal applications of the plant, although not recorded in extensive literature, include its use as an antiseptic to relieve headaches, gastric ulcers and inflammation of the prostate gland. Phytochemicals are available in vegetables and fruits, which are more appropriately defined as bioactive, non-nutrient plant compounds in citrus fruits, vegetables, grains and other plant foods that have been linked to reduce the major chronic diseases and cancers. Phytochemicals, such as alkaloids, phenolics, carotenoids and various nitrogenous compounds in fruit and vegetables are reported to account for various bioactivities.
