The scientific name of Malabar Melastome: Melastoma malabathricum ssp.
Name of Malabar Melastome in different languages:-
English: Indian-rhododendron
Sanskrit: gharapathri, Jalashani
Hindi: Shapti
Tamil: Kadalai, Nakkukaruppan
Malayalam: Palore, Athirani, Kalampotti, Kalathi
Plant description:
It is an evergreen shrub, grow up to 2 m tall, commonly in the wetland area, branched, flowering plant. Leaves are rough, hairy, elliptic-oblong to lanceolate, size up to 15 cm long and 6.5 cm broad, base rounded occasionally acute, apex pointed.The flowers are pink, 5 petals, flowers are arranged in around 1 to 5 clusters. Fruits are a capsule or berry-like, pinkish green, about .25 cm diameter, contain numerous seeds inside, coated with a sweet astringent pulp.
Leaf Arrangement
| Shape-Lanceolate |
Margin-Entire |
Venation-parallel |
 |
 |
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Two varieties of Melastoma malabathricum: ചിറ്റതിരാണി- osbeckia aspera, കുഞ്ഞതിരാണി-osbeckia muralis
Useful plant parts:
Leaf, flowers
Medicinal uses:
To treat Piles, varicose veins, wound healer, and diarrhoea.
Medicinal properties:
Antiseptic, astringent, antioxidant, cytotoxic activities, and anti-leucorrhoeic.
Chemical contents:
Tannin, Naringenin, Kaempferol.
Ayurveda medicinal uses of Malabar Melastome
Here are some of its potential Ayurvedic medicinal applications:
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Malabar Melastome is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects and may be used to alleviate conditions characterized by inflammation.
- Wound Healing: It may be applied topically to assist in the healing of wounds and injuries.
- Digestive Health: Some formulations may be used to support healthy digestion and alleviate digestive disorders.
- Respiratory Support: It is used in cases of respiratory issues like coughs and colds, where it may help clear congestion.
- Urinary Disorders: It is used in cases of urinary disorders and may help in maintaining urinary tract health.
- Antioxidant Effects: It is believed to have antioxidant properties, which can help protect cells from oxidative damage.
- Skin Conditions: Malabar Melastome may be applied topically or taken internally for certain skin conditions.
- Diuretic Effects: Some formulations may have diuretic properties, potentially aiding in the elimination of excess fluids from the body.
- Fever Management: It is believed to have properties that may help in reducing fever.
- Menstrual Disorders: It may be used in cases of irregular menstruation or other menstrual disorders.
- Anti-Microbial Properties: It is believed to have antimicrobial properties and may be used to address certain infections.
- Anti-Diabetic Effects: Some formulations may be used to help regulate blood sugar levels.
