Profiling the Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties of Syzygium cumini

Anticancer, antioxidant, antibacterial, antimicrobial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and other pharmacological actions, have all been reported in chemical literature using plants from the Syzygium genus in the treatment and prevention of disease. Syzygium cumini or Jamun is an evergreen tropical tree present in the myrtaceae family. Leaves of Syzygium cumini (Jamun) were collected from the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST), University of Guyana, Turkeyen Campus. They (leaves) were then dried in an oven set at 50-60ºC for 72 h after which final moisture content is calculated. The dried leaves were grounded to a fine powder. Extraction of phytochemical was done using the following solvents: ethanol, methanol, ethyl acetate, and chloroform solvents. Afterwards, mixture of each solvent and phytochemicals extracted was subjected to evaporation leaving only the extract behind. The respective solvent was added to viscous semi solid liquid extract in order to make up the desired volume of extract solution. The micro-organisms (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candidus albicans) were obtained from GPHC, Georgetown, Guyana. The antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal activity of different leaves extract was examined by Oyaizu, disc diffusion and poison plate methods. The maximum and minimum antioxidant power of leave extract exhibited by methanol and chloroform extract, respectively. The chloroform and ethyl acetate were found to have maximum and minimum antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candidus albicans by disc diffusion method. Phytochemical analysis of the Syzygium cumini leave extract revealed the presence of carbohydrates, terpenoids, proteins, amino acids and flavonoids. The leaves of S. cumini are use as food for live stocks. The leaves and bark are used for control blood pressure. Wood of S. cumini is water resistance because of this it is use in railway sleepers and to install motors in wells. Vinegar and wine are also made from the fruits. It has high source of vitamin A and C. Seeds of S. cumini are used in various alternative healing system like Unani, Chinese and Ayurveda medicine. This book chapter aims to summarize the phytochemical, microbial and oxidant properties of Syzygium cumini.