Hairy cartilage tree

The Hairy cartilage tree (Muntingia calabura), also known as the Singapore cherry, Jamaica cherry, or Panama cherry, is a small tropical tree that is native to Central and South America. It belongs to the Muntingiaceae family and, due to its fast-growing and adaptable nature, is cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Its round, cherry-sized fruits are red to yellowish and have sweet, aromatic flesh with small seeds.

Traditional applications

The Hairy cartilage tree is used in many ways in folk medicine:

  • Leaves: Decoctions are used for stomach complaints, to reduce fever, and for wound healing.
  • Bark: Traditionally used as an antiseptic.
  • Fruits: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, they are used in folk medicine to strengthen the immune system and to support digestion

Scientifically documented properties

Modern studies are examining the bioactive components of the Hairy cartilage tree, in particular:

  • Antioxidant effect: The fruits contain high concentrations of flavonoids, vitamin C, and other active compounds. These compounds are known to neutralize free radicals and to be able to reduce oxidative stress, and thus presumably contribute to the antioxidant potential that could be linked to Muntingia Calabura in studies (1,2,3,4,5).
  • Antibacterial properties: Extracts of the leaves and bark show activity against various pathogens in laboratory studies (1,6,7).
  • Anti-inflammatory effect: Constituents such as triterpenes and flavonoids could have anti-inflammatory effects that could be useful in the treatment of pain and swelling (1,8,9,10).
  • Antidiabetic properties (1)

Use and dosage

  • Fresh fruits: Edible as they are, often used in tropical countries as a snack or as an ingredient in desserts.
  • Tea from the leaves: Frequently used for gastrointestinal complaints.
  • Extracts: Commercially available and valued for their antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

The dosage depends on the form of use. Traditionally used preparations should be applied with caution and clarified with a doctor beforehand.

Risks and side effects

The Hairy cartilage tree is generally considered safe, but its side effects have not been comprehensively researched. Possible risks could include allergic reactions to its constituents. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before use.

Conclusion

The Hairy cartilage tree is not only a source of tasty fruits but also a potentially valuable medicinal plant. Its antioxidant and antibacterial properties make it an interesting subject of modern research. Nevertheless, further studies are required to confirm its medicinal efficacy and safety.

Sources:

  1. Salleh, M. Z., Zakaria, Z. A., Nasir, N. L. M., Rofiee, M. S., Tohid, S. F. M., & Ching, S. M. (2014). Muntingia calabura: A review of its traditional uses, chemical properties, and pharmacological observations. Pharmaceutical Biology, 52(7), 890–897. https://doi.org/10.3109/13880209.2014.908397
  2. Zakaria, Z. A., Mohamed, A. M., Jamil, N. S., Rofiee, M. S., Hussain, M. K., Sulaiman, M. R., Teh, L. K., & Salleh, M. Z. (2011). In vitro antiproliferative and antioxidant activities of the extracts of Muntingia calabura leaves. The American journal of Chinese medicine, 39(1), 183–200. https://doi.org/10.1142/S0192415X11008749
  3. Ahmad Anas Nagoor Gunny, N., Prammakumar, N. K., Ahmad, A. A., Gopinath, S. C. B., Abu Bakar, A. R., Musa, H., & Che Mat, M. H. (2024). Exploring antioxidant and antidiabetic potential of Mutingia calabura (Kerukupsiam) leaf extract: In vitro analysis and molecular docking study. Results in Chemistry, 7, 101305. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rechem.2024.101305
  4. Kaźmierczak-Barańska J, Boguszewska K, Adamus-Grabicka A, Karwowski BT. Two Faces of Vitamin C-Antioxidative and Pro-Oxidative Agent. Nutrients. 2020 May 21;12(5):1501. doi: 10.3390/nu12051501. PMID: 32455696; PMCID: PMC7285147.
  5. Chae SC, Lee JH, Park SU. Recent studies on flavonoids and their antioxidant activities. EXCLI J. 2013 Mar 13;12:226-30. PMID: 27034634; PMCID: PMC4803004.
  6. MosaChristas, K., Kowsalya, E., Karthick, R., & Jaquline, C. R. I. (2022). Antibacterial, antibiofilm and anti-quorum sensing activities of Muntingia calabura L. leaf extract against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Letters in applied microbiology, 75(3), 588–597. https://doi.org/10.1111/lam.13595
  7. Zakaria, Zainul Amiruddin & Sufian, A & Ramasamy, Kalavathy & Ahmat, Norizan & Sulaiman, Mohd Roslan & Kadir, Arifah & Ahmad, Zuraini & Somchit, M. (2010). In vitro antimicrobial activity of Muntingia calabura extracts and fractions. African journal of microbiology research. 4. 304-308.
  8. Izzi, V., Masuelli, L., Tresoldi, I., Sacchetti, P., Modesti, A., Galvano, F., & Bei, R. (2012). The effects of dietary flavonoids on the regulation of redox inflammatory networks. Frontiers in bioscience (Landmark edition), 17(7), 2396–2418. https://doi.org/10.2741/4061
  9. Miranda, R. S., de Jesus, B. D. S. M., da Silva Luiz, S. R., Viana, C. B., Adão Malafaia, C. R., Figueiredo, F. S., Carvalho, T. D. S. C., Silva, M. L., Londero, V. S., da Costa-Silva, T. A., Lago, J. H. G., & Martins, R. C. C. (2022). Antiinflammatory activity of natural triterpenes-An overview from 2006 to 2021. Phytotherapy research : PTR, 36(4), 1459–1506. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.7359
  10. Preethi, K., Premasudha, P., & Keerthana, K. (2012). Anti-inflammatory activity of Muntingia calabura fruits. Pharmacognosy Journal, 4(30), 51–56. https://doi.org/10.5530/pj.2012.30.10