Synepalum dulcificum

Synepalum dulcificum

Scientific Classification

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Clade: Angiosperms
  • Order: Ericales
  • Family: Sapotaceae
  • Genus: Synsepalum
  • Species: S. dulcificum

Synonyms

  • Bakeriella dulcifica (Schumach. & Thonn.) Dubard
  • Bumelia dulcifica Schumach. & Thonn.
  • Pouteria dulcifica (Schumach. & Thonn.) Baehni
  • Richardella dulcifica (Schumach. & Thonn.) Baehni
  • Sideroxylon dulcificum (Schumach. & Thonn.) A.DC.
  • Synsepalum glycydora Wernham

Species ID: NMP-251;NCBI_Taxonomy ID: 3743;wfo-0000310701

Common Names:

  • English: Miracle fruit/berry 
  • Yoruba: agbayun
  • Edo: azimomo

Description

Synsepalum dulcificum is characterized by:

  • Growth Form: A small understory tree or shrub, typically reaching up to 4 meters in height.
  • Leaves: Evergreen, glossy green, clustered at branch tips, with short petioles.
  • Flowers: Small, white, and inconspicuous, often appearing solitary or in pairs in the leaf axils.
  • Fruits: Oblong, red berries approximately 2–3 cm in length, containing a single seed.

Distribution and Habitat

Synsepalum dulcificum is native to:

  • West and West-Central Tropical Africa: Countries including Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon.

It thrives in:

  • Habitats: Damp areas such as along watercourses, often found in the understory of forests.

Medicinal Properties

Antidiabetic Potential:

Miraculin can be used as a natural sweetener for diabetic patients, as it does not spike blood sugar levels.

It may help reduce sugar consumption in individuals with diabetes.

Antioxidant Activity:

Rich in phenolic compounds and flavonoids, the fruit and other parts of the plant exhibit significant antioxidant activity, which can combat oxidative stress and related diseases.

Weight Management:

As a natural sweetener, it may aid in reducing caloric intake by substituting high-calorie sweeteners, benefiting individuals managing obesity or metabolic syndrome.

Anti-inflammatory Effects:

Extracts from the fruit have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties, potentially aiding in managing conditions like arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.

Immune System Support:

The presence of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids can enhance immune function and protect against infections.

Cancer Prevention:

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may contribute to reducing the risk of cancer by neutralizing free radicals and inhibiting tumor growth.

Gastroprotective Effects:

Traditionally used to soothe gastrointestinal discomfort, the fruit may help in conditions like ulcers or acid reflux by altering taste perception and reducing the harshness of acidic foods.

Hepatoprotective Properties:

Preliminary studies suggest potential protective effects on the liver, possibly preventing damage caused by toxins or oxidative stress.

Neurological Benefits:

The fruit's bioactive compounds might protect against neurodegenerative diseases by combating oxidative damage in the brain.

Management of Chemotherapy-Induced Dysgeusia:

Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy often experience taste distortions (dysgeusia). Synsepalum dulcificum is used to enhance the palatability of foods, improving their quality of life.

Known Toxicity

There are no widely reported toxic effects associated with S. dulcificum. However, as with all plants used for medicinal purposes, it is advisable to consult knowledgeable practitioners before consumption, especially for therapeutic uses.

Additional Information

  • Culinary Uses: Beyond its medicinal applications, the fruit is used in culinary contexts to enhance flavors, particularly in "flavor-tripping" events where participants consume the berries to experience altered taste perceptions.
  • Cultivation: The plant is cultivated not only for its fruit but also as an ornamental species due to its attractive foliage and form.

References

  1. Plants of the World Online. (n.d.). Synsepalum dulcificum (Schumach. & Thonn.) Daniell. Retrieved from https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:789924-1
  2. Forest Center. (2019, June 20). Synsepalum dulcificum. Retrieved from https://forestcenter.iita.org/index.php/2019/06/20/synsepalum-dulcificum/
  3. Wikipedia contributors. (2023, May 15). Synsepalum dulcificum. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synsepalum_dulcificum

External links

  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synsepalum_dulcificum
  2. https://forestcenter.iita.org/index.php/2019/06/20/synsepalum-dulcificum/
  3. https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/3/1/3152
  4. https://www.gbif.org/species/2886039
  5. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:789924-1
  6. https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/426748-Synsepalum-dulcificum
  7. https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Synsepalum+dulciferum
Compounds of Synepalum dulcificum
References


Busari, A. A., Ikumawoyi, V. O., Yusuff, O. S., Adeosun, A. R., Sowemimo, A. A., & Awodele, O. (2022). Ethanol Leaf Extract of Synsepalum dulcificum Schumach. & Thonn.(Sapotaceae) Induces Distortions in Renal, Hepatic and Reproductive Indices in Sprague-Dawley Rats. Pharmacology and Toxicology of Natural Medicines (ISSN: 2756-6838), 2(2), 50-65.