Syzygium cumini (L.) skeels: a prominent source of bioactive molecules against cardiometabolic diseases

Abstract

Syzygium cumini (Myrtaceae) is a worldwide medicinal plant traditionally used in herbal medicines due to its vaunted properties against cardiometabolic disorders, which include: antihyperglycemic, hypolipemiant, antiinflammatory, cardioprotective, and antioxidant activities. These properties have been attributed to the presence of bioactive compounds such as phenols, flavonoids, and tannins in different parts of the plant, albeit the knowledge on their mechanisms of action is scarce. This mini-review highlights the cardiometabolic properties of S. cumini by correlating its already identified phytochemicals with their described mechanisms of action. Data herein compiled show that some compounds target multiple metabolic pathways; thereby, becoming potential pharmacological tools. Moreover, the lack of clinical trials on S. cumini usage makes it a fruitful field of interest for both scientific community and pharmaceutical industry.

Potassium Channel Activation Is Involved in the Cardiovascular Effects Induced by Freeze DriedSyzygium jambolanum(Lam.) DC Fruit Juice

“…The literature reports that a large number of substances derived from medicinal plants (including Syzygium jambolanum hydroalcoholic leaf extract) act by modulating smooth muscle cell Ca 2+ channels [3]. …”

“…The plant has been introduced to many tropical regions such as eastern and western Africa, and also Brazil. It is found in various regions or states of the southeast, south, north and northeast [3]. …”

“…It is rich in minerals such as potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc; water-soluble vitamins such as ascorbic acid, thiamine and niacin; and carbohydrates such as glucose, mannose, sucrose, maltose, fructose and galactose. Preliminary phytochemical analyses have revealed simple heteroside phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, and iridoids [3–6]. …”

“…More recently, in spontaneously hypertensive rats, (submitted to treatment for 8 weeks with the same extract at 0.5 g/kg/day) the group showed dose-dependent reductions in blood pressure and heart rate [8]. In both studies, the authors suggested that the extract might contain phenolic compounds capable of non-competitive blocking of type L calcium channels [3]. …”

In silico and in vitro assessment on antidiabetic efficacy of secondary metabolites from Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels

“…Apart from this Syzygium cumini posses other pharmacological activities like antihyperglycemic activity, cardioprotective activity, anti-inflammatory activity, antioxidant activity etc. (Chagas et al, 2015). -sitosterol ɣ and Kaempferol 7-Omethylether isolated from an ethanol extract of S. cumini fruit possesses antioxidant and anticancer activities (Sharafeldin et al,.…”