Herb's Introduction
Syzygium alternifolium (Wight) Walp. is a semi-evergreen, mass-flowering tree species belonging to the family Myrtaceae. It is a plant of significant medicinal and economic importance, particularly known in traditional medicine systems for its anti-diabetic properties. The tree is endemic to the Seshachalam Hill ranges of the Southern Eastern Ghats in India, where it grows abundantly in dry deciduous forests, especially in areas with dry, slaty, and rocky conditions at elevations ranging from 600–1000 meters. The plant yields edible fruits and its timber is valued for making furniture and agricultural implements.
Name in Different Countries
Scientific Name: Syzygium alternifolium (Wight) Walp. Synonym: Eugenia alternifolia Wight India (Local Names): Tamil: manchi-moyadi Telugu: manchi mogi, moyi chettu, Neredu, Konda neredu Note: As an endemic species to a specific region of India, it does not have widely recognized names in a large number of other countries.
Terminology
The plant is classified as: Kingdom: Plantae Order: Myrtales Family: Myrtaceae (The Myrtle family, which is known for aromatic plants like Syzygium aromaticum (Clove) and its closely related species Syzygium cumini (Jamun/Black Plum)). Genus: Syzygium Species: Syzygium alternifolium It is often referred to in pharmacological studies by its specific name to highlight its unique properties, such as its antihyperglycemic activity, which is a key medicinal term meaning "tending to counteract or prevent high levels of glucose in the blood." The species is also classified as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List, emphasizing its conservation status.
Availability
Geographical Distribution: Syzygium alternifolium is endemic to the Southern Eastern Ghats of India, with its main populations found in the dry deciduous forests of the Kurnool, Cuddapah, and Chittoor districts of Andhra Pradesh, and also reported in districts of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in India. Habitat: It thrives in the upper plateau, slopes, and valley tops, adapted to dry, slaty, and rocky terrains at moderately high elevations. Conservation Status: The species is listed as Endangered (EN), indicating that its ability to repopulate naturally is limited due to factors like fruit collection by locals (due to the edible nature of the fruit), short viability of its seeds, and high seedling mortality from water stress. Availability in Nepal: While the genus Syzygium is present in Nepal (e.g., S. cumini is common), the species Syzygium alternifolium is not typically listed in the annotated checklists of the flowering plants of Nepal, suggesting it is either absent or not a traditionally recognized or reported flora of the region.
External Look
Habit: It is a semi-evergreen tree, meaning it retains some of its leaves year-round but sheds others seasonally. It is a medium-sized tree. Leaves: The foliage is described as having an alternate arrangement, which is reflected in the species epithet 'alternifolium'. Flowers: The tree is a mass bloomer, flowering profusely during the dry season. The flowers are small and the floral traits suggest a mixed pollination system involving insects and wind (ambophily). They are known to yield honey. Fruit: The fruits are edible and are described as ovoid or globose, changing color from green when unripe to pink, crimson red, and finally black or violet upon maturity. The fruits have a sweetish taste when mature and are brownish when dry. They contain a single seed. Stem/Bark: The stem is used medicinally and pharmacognostical studies show the presence of cork cells, sclereids, and fibers in the stem's transverse section.
Healing Properties
The plant parts of Syzygium alternifolium possess a wide spectrum of traditional medicinal properties, primarily attributed to the presence of various bioactive compounds like cinnamic acid in the seeds. Antihyperglycemic/Antidiabetic: The most prominent property, particularly concentrated in the seeds and stem decoction, is the ability to lower or regulate blood sugar levels, offering a traditional remedy for diabetes mellitus. Anti-ulcer/Gastro-protective: The fruit pulp and stem bark have been traditionally used to treat duodenal and gastric ulcers and other stomach ailments. Hepatoprotective: The leaves are traditionally used in the treatment of liver-related ailments, including liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, infective hepatitis, liver enlargement, and jaundice. Anti-dysenteric: Tender shoots, fruits, and leaf juice are employed to treat dysentery (often bacillary dysentery). Antifungal: The plant tops are reported to possess excellent anti-fungal properties, used to cure skin diseases. Analgesic/Anti-rheumatic: External application of the fruit pulp is used to reduce rheumatic pains. Antibiotic: The flowers are reported to possess antibiotic properties.
Advantages
Natural Diabetes Management: Provides a traditional, natural source for managing blood sugar levels due to the presence of cinnamic acid and other compounds with proven antihyperglycemic activity. Multi-purpose Medicinal Use: Different parts of the plant (seeds, stem, fruit, leaves) are utilized to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues (ulcers, dysentery) and skin/liver conditions. Economic Value: The plant offers edible fruits that are used to make squashes and jellies, and its timber is valued for construction and implements, providing a source of income for local communities. Ecological Role: As a semi-evergreen tree in dry deciduous forests, it plays a role in its native ecosystem. Its flowers are a source of honey.
Uses
Medicinal Uses (Traditional): Seeds (Powder/Extract): Used to cure diabetes (antihyperglycemic). Stem Bark (Decoction): Given to regulate blood sugar and treat gastric ulcers. Fruit Pulp/Juice: Used orally for stomach-ache, ulcers, and externally to reduce rheumatic pains. Leaves (Decoction/Juice): Used for liver ailments (jaundice, hepatitis) and the juice/tender shoots for dysentery. Leaves fried in cow ghee are used for dry cough. Plant Tops: Applied externally for skin diseases due to antifungal properties. Leaves with Mineral Oil: Used for external application to maintain dark hair and promote hair growth. Non-Medicinal Uses: Fruit: Eaten fresh or used to prepare squashes and jellies. Timber: Used for making furniture and agricultural implements (like bullock cart wheels). Flowers: Source of honey.
Using way
The traditional usage of Syzygium alternifolium typically involves preparing extracts or consuming the plant parts directly: For Diabetes: Seed Powder: The dried seeds are typically ground into a powder and consumed orally. Stem Decoction: The stem is boiled in water to prepare a decoction, which is then ingested to help regulate blood sugar levels. For Gastric Ulcers: Stem Bark Decoction: The bark is boiled and the liquid is taken orally. Fruit Decoction/Pulp: Fruit decoction is consumed, or the pulp is used. For Dysentery: Tender shoots, leaf juice, or fruit juice are administered orally. External Applications: Skin Diseases: The plant tops (leaves/shoots) or preparations from them are applied topically. Rheumatic Pains: Fruit pulp is applied externally to the affected area. Note: As an endangered, endemic species, collection from the wild is discouraged. Any medicinal use should be under professional guidance, and preparations must be authenticated and standardized.
Conclusion
Syzygium alternifolium is a valuable, endemic medicinal tree of the Southern Eastern Ghats of India, widely recognized in traditional medicine for its potent antihyperglycemic activity found primarily in its seeds, offering a natural remedy for diabetes. Beyond this, its leaves, bark, and fruit are utilized to treat a range of ailments from liver conditions and gastric ulcers to dysentery and skin infections. However, its significance is coupled with an urgent need for conservation, as it is classified as Endangered. Sustainable harvesting and promoting its cultivation are crucial to preserve its biodiversity and continue the exploration of its promising phytoconstituents for modern pharmacology.
