ABSTRACT
The genus Syzygium comprises about 1200 species of tropical evergreen trees, mainly originating and found in Southeast Asia, and which belong to the volatile oil-yielding family Myrtaceae. The trees vary in height: the small ones, when bearing numerous flowers, are used in floral displays; those medium in height are the most common and are often used in windbreaks or in orchards when bearing edible fruit; the tall trees are used as timber for construction purposes. All the trees may be used as sources of medicinal compounds. The volatile oils provide antibacterial and antifungal activities leading to treatment for disease and also its avoidance by preservation of the food. Other important activities include antidiabetic and anticancer properties. Syzygium cumini is the most popular and widely explored species for its multifarious uses, including a broad spectrum of medicinal properties. S. cumini is a widespread species and is found in the wild and in cultivation.
