Memecylon umbellatum (Melastomataceae) Indian Blueberry

Memecylon umbellatum (Ironwood Tree)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Memecylon umbellatum

Family: Melastomataceae

Genus: Memecylon

The Melastomataceae family is large but has fewer prominently documented medicinal herbs in classical Ayurvedic texts compared to families like Fabaceae or Apocynaceae.

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Medinilla spp.: Ornamental plants, some used in traditional medicine in Southeast Asia.

• Tibouchina spp.: Known for their vibrant flowers, limited medicinal use.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Memecylon umbellatum | English: Ironwood Tree, Indian Blueberry | Sanskrit: Anjani, Nili, Trayamana | Hindi: Lokhandi, Vishamusti | Tamil: Kasavu, Alli | Telugu: Nallamaddi, Alli | Kannada: Anjani, Kasavu | Malayalam: Kasavu, Kannunni | Marathi: Lokhandi, Anjani | Bengali: Anjani |

3. Medicinal Uses:Anti-inflammatory, Astringent, Cooling, Antipyretic, Diuretic, Hepatoprotective, Ophthalmic (for eye diseases), Blood Purifier.

Medicinal Parts:The leaves, bark, and flowers are used medicinally.

• Leaves: The most commonly used part, especially for eye issues and inflammation.

• Bark: Used for its astringent properties.

• Flowers: Used in cooling preparations.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Flavonoids (Quercetin, Myricetin): Potent Antioxidants with Anti-inflammatory and Antiviral properties.

Tannins (Ellagitannins): Provide strong Astringent and Antimicrobial actions, contributing to wound healing and tissue tightening.

Triterpenoids: Known for their Anti-inflammatory and Hepatoprotective effects.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Netraroga (Eye Diseases)

Formulation: Leaf juice or decoction.

Preparation & Use: The fresh juice of the leaves is used as an eye drop (aschyotana) or a cold infusion of the leaves is used as an eyewash to treat conjunctivitis, eye strain, burning sensation, and chronic eye diseases.

Reasoning: The strong anti-inflammatory, cooling, and astringent properties help reduce redness, swelling, and irritation in the eyes.

Daha (Burning Sensation) & Jwara (Fever)

Formulation: Leaf decoction or flower infusion.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the leaves or an infusion of the flowers is consumed to reduce internal heat, burning sensations in the body, and to lower fever.

Reasoning: The plant is classified as Sheeta Virya (cooling potency), helping to pacify Pitta dosha, which is responsible for heat and inflammation in the body.

Vrana (Wounds) & Twak Vikara (Skin Diseases)

Formulation: Leaf paste or bark decoction wash.

Preparation & Use: A paste of the fresh leaves is applied to wounds, ulcers, and inflamed skin conditions like eczema. A decoction of the bark is used as a wash for skin infections.

Reasoning: The astringent tannins and anti-inflammatory flavonoids help cleanse wounds, reduce swelling, and promote tissue contraction for healing.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

It is not a culinary herb. Its use is primarily medicinal.

Cooling Eye Wash

Purpose: To soothe tired, burning, or inflamed eyes.

Preparation & Use:

• Take a handful of fresh Memecylon umbellatum leaves.

• Crush them and soak in a cup of cool, clean water for 2-3 hours.

• Strain thoroughly using a fine cloth or filter paper.

• Use 1-2 drops in each eye or as an eyewash, 2-3 times a day. Ensure sterility.

Anti-inflammatory Leaf Decoction

Purpose: For internal heat, fever, or as a blood purifier.

Preparation & Use:

• Boil 1-2 teaspoons of dried leaves in 1.5 cups of water until it reduces to 1 cup.

• Strain and drink cool, once a day.

7. Disclaimer:

Memecylon umbellatum is generally considered safe for external use and short-term internal use in traditional practice. However, for eye applications, extreme sterility must be maintained to avoid infection. Internal use should be moderate. Pregnant women should avoid it due to a lack of safety data. Consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for therapeutic use. This information is for educational purposes.

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• Indian Medicinal Plants by K.S. Manilal

• Wealth of India by CSIR

• Dravyaguna Vijnana (Vol. II) by Dr. J.L.N. Sastry

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Azadirachta indica (Neem)

• Species: Azadirachta indica | Family: Meliaceae | Genus: Azadirachta

• Similarities: Both are potent blood purifiers (Raktashodhaka) and are used for a wide range of skin and eye diseases due to their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Neem is more bitter and drying, while Anjani is more cooling.

2. Ficus benghalensis (Banyan)

• Species: Ficus benghalensis | Family: Moraceae | Genus: Ficus

• Similarities: The aerial roots and bark of the Banyan tree are also highly astringent and cooling, used for skin diseases, leucorrhea, and as a wash for wounds and ulcers, similar to the external uses of Memecylon bark.