rhodomyrtus tomentosa

**Rhodomyrtus tomentosa** is a flowering shrub belonging to the Myrtaceae family, native to southern and southeastern Asia and widely used in traditional medicine. All parts of the plant (leaves, roots, buds, fruits) have been employed for therapeutic purposes, including treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, stomachache, wounds, gynecopathy, heartburn, and urinary tract infections. Traditionally, it has been valued for gastrointestinal ailments, wound healing, pain relief, and as a tonic. Over 100 bioactive compounds have been isolated, chiefly phloroglucinols (notably rhodomyrtone), flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, and anthracene glycosides. Scientific studies support diverse pharmacological activities: \n- **Antibacterial and antifungal:** Rhodomyrtone from the leaves has potent action against Gram-positive bacteria and various fungal species. \n- **Anti-inflammatory:** Inhibits expression of inflammatory mediators such as IL-1β, IL-8, TNF-α, and pathways such as NF-κB, ERK, JNK, and p38. \n- **Antioxidant:** Scavenging of free radicals and inhibition of oxidative processes. \n- **Anticancer:** Induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in several cancer cell lines; inhibits metastasis by affecting cellular signaling and matrix metallopeptidases. \n- **Other effects:** Antimalarial, antiviral, osteogenic, and possible reversal of multidrug resistance in cancer. \nDespite extensive traditional and preclinical use, there are no registered pharmaceutical products or clinical drug formulations containing this plant; it is primarily used as a herbal remedy and dietary or functional food ingredient[1][3][5].

Other names

Rhodomyrtus tomentosaKemuntingRose myrtleDowny myrtleKaramuntingAustralian myrtleCeylon hill gooseberry