Eugenia uniflora
|
|
Eugenia uniflora Common Names: Surinam Cherry, Brazilian Cherry,
Pitanga, Cayenne Cherry, Cerisier Carre Scientific
Classification Kingdom: Plantae Clade: Tracheophytes Clade: Angiosperms Clade: Eudicots Clade: Rosids Order: Myrtales Family: Myrtaceae Genus: Eugenia Species: E. uniflora Synonyms: Eugenia michelii Lam., Luma uniflora (L.) Miers, Myrtus brasiliana L., Plinia pedunculata L.f., Stenocalyx michelii (Lam.) O.Berg Morphological Description Eugenia uniflora is a large shrub or small tree, typically 2–8 meters tall,
with a conical to rounded crown. Its key characteristics include: · Bark: Thin, smooth, greyish-brown, peeling in flakes to reveal a
reddish underbark (Fern, 2024). · Leaves: Opposite, ovate to elliptic (2–7 cm × 1–3 cm), glossy,
bronze to coppery when young, maturing to deep green, turning red in cooler
seasons; aromatic when crushed, emitting a resinous scent (Prance &
Jongkind, 2015). · Flowers: Solitary or in small clusters, white, fragrant, 1–2 cm
diameter, with four petals and numerous stamens; bloom year-round in tropics
(Kew Science, n.d.). · Fruit: Globose to oblate berries (2–4 cm), ribbed, green when
immature, ripening to orange, red, or black; edible, sweet to tart, with 1–3
seeds (Fern, 2024). Distribution and Habitat Eugenia uniflora is native to tropical South America and widely introduced
globally: · Geographic Range: Native to eastern South America (Suriname,
French Guiana, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina); introduced to Nigeria,
Florida, Bermuda, India, China, Australia, and Pacific Islands; cultivated in
Nigeria’s southern regions as an ornamental (Kew Science, n.d.). · Habitat: Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, preferring
well-drained, sandy or loamy soils (pH 5.5–7.0); found in forests, riverbanks,
and disturbed areas; tolerates 1,000–2,500 mm annual rainfall and elevations up
to 1,800 m (Fern, 2024). · Ecological Role: Attracts pollinators (bees, butterflies)
and frugivorous birds; invasive in regions like Bermuda and Florida, displacing
native flora (Burkill, 1985). Ethnopharmacology Eugenia uniflora, known as Pitanga, is extensively used in Nigerian and South
American traditional medicine, with robust ethnopharmacological validation
(Falcão et al., 2018): · Antihypertensive: In Nigeria, leaf infusions treat
hypertension. Aqueous leaf extract (3.1 mg/kg) reduced blood pressure in
normotensive rats by 47.1%, acting as a vasodilator via α-adrenergic antagonism
(Consolini et al., 1999). · Antidiabetic: Leaf decoctions manage diabetes in Nigeria. Ethanolic leaf
extract (0.26 µg/mL) inhibited α-glucosidase (IC50: 0.26 µg/mL), reducing
postprandial glucose in mice, attributed to flavonoids like myricitrin
(Vinholes & Vizzotto, 2017). · Anti-inflammatory: Leaf infusions relieve inflammation in
Nigeria. Flavonoid-rich fraction (HE-Bu, 150 mg/kg) reduced TNF-α and IL-1β in
septic mice, decreasing neutrophil infiltration by 30% in a cecal ligation
model (Rattmann et al., 2012). · Analgesic: In Nigeria, leaves treat pain. Essential oil (200 mg/kg)
reduced acetic acid-induced writhing in mice by 50%, with opioid receptor
involvement (de Melo Candeia et al., 2022). · Antimicrobial: Leaf decoctions treat infections in Nigeria. Methanolic leaf
extract inhibited Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli (MIC: 0.5–2 mg/mL), due to gallic acid and rutin (Falcão et
al., 2018). · Antioxidant: Flowers and leaves combat oxidative stress. Methanolic
flower extract showed DPPH scavenging (IC50: 271.6 µg/mL), linked to lutein and
quercetagetin (Burlec et al., 2021). · Antipyretic: In Nigeria, leaf infusions with lemongrass reduce fever.
Aqueous leaf extract (200 mg/kg) lowered yeast-induced pyrexia in rats,
supporting febrifuge use (Auricchio et al., 2007). · Antiophidic: Aqueous leaf extract (100 mg/kg) reduced Bothrops leucurus
venom-induced edema in mice by 50%, inhibiting proteolytic and phospholipase A2
activities (Daniele-Silva et al., 2023). ⚠ Toxicity Profile: Eugenia uniflora is generally safe at therapeutic doses,
with no significant human toxicity reported. Acute toxicity studies showed no
mortality in mice at aqueous leaf extract doses up to 2,000 mg/kg (LD50 >
2,000 mg/kg). Sub-chronic use (28 days) caused no organ-specific toxicity or
genotoxicity in mice. The resinous fragrance from crushed leaves may cause
respiratory discomfort in sensitive individuals. High doses of essential oil
(>1,000 mg/kg) may cause mild liver enzyme elevation (ALT increased by 10%).
Use is contraindicated in pregnancy and for children due to insufficient safety
data. Contact with leaves may cause dermatitis in rare cases (Ferreira et al.,
2022). Phytochemistry The bioactivity of Eugenia uniflora is driven by its diverse phytochemical
profile (Falcão et al., 2018): · Flavonoids: Myricitrin, quercetin rhamnosides, quercetagetin, with
antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects (Rattmann et al., 2012). · Phenolic Acids: Gallic, ellagic, caffeic acids, enhancing
antimicrobial and antioxidant properties (Schumacher et al., 2015). · Terpenoids: Curzerene, α-pinene, limonene, in essential oil, with
analgesic and antimicrobial effects (de Melo Candeia et al., 2022). · Anthocyanins: Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, in fruits, contributing to
antioxidant activity (Vinholes et al., 2017). · Tannins: Present in leaves, providing astringent and antidiarrheal
effects (Auricchio et al., 2007). Additional Uses · Culinary: In Nigeria, fruits are eaten fresh or used in juices, jams,
and desserts; rich in vitamin C (30–50 mg/100 g) and provitamin A (Fern, 2024). · Ornamental: Planted in Nigerian gardens and hedges for its attractive
foliage and fruits; used in landscaping (Burkill, 1985). · Industrial: Essential oil used in Nigeria for perfumes, soaps, and
cosmetics; fruit extracts as natural food colorants (Fern, 2024). · Cultural: In Brazil, fruits and leaves are used in rituals; in
Nigeria, occasionally incorporated into traditional ceremonies (Burkill, 1985). References
External Links More Pictures |
|
| Compounds of Eugenia uniflora |
|
| References |