Syzygium samarangense: Review of phytochemical compounds and pharmacological activities

Abstract

Jambu semarang (Syzygium samarangense), which belongs to Myrtaceae family, is widely cultivated in Asia and the Pacific region. This review systematically described the scientifically proven information about the plant's phytochemical contents, traditional usage, and pharmacological activities. Elucidated primary and secondary metabolites of S. samarangense mostly belong to flavonoids, phenolic compounds, resorcinol derivatives, acylphloroglucinols, tannins, terpenoids, and sterols. Various parts of the plant have been used traditionally to remedy cold, itches, cracked tongue, dysentery, and diabetes. It is also commonly consumed fresh or processed as wines, jams, nata, vinegar, and jellies. Currently, in vitro and in vivo experiments of the plant extract have demonstrated various pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-HIV, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycemic, antidiabetic, thrombolytic, spasmolytic, cytotoxic, hepatoprotective, anticancer, anthelmintic, anxiolytic, protease inhibitory, and immunomodulatory effect. Further research in standardization and clinical studies is highly expected for future development.