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Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels: Cardiometabolic Properties and Potential Tissue Culture-Based Improvement of Secondary Metabolites Production

Transgenesis and Secondary Metabolism

Part of the book series: Reference Series in Phytochemistry ((RSP))

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Abstract

Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels (family Myrtaceae), commonly known as jambolão, jambolan, or jamun, has been suggested as a potential source of bioactive molecules against diabetes and associated cardiometabolic diseases. A wide variety of secondary compounds, mainly, terpenes, and phenolic compounds, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins, are present in different parts of this plant species. This chapter describes about the various pharmacological properties of S. cumini, including antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, which make it a very interesting species for multitarget therapeutic purposes. Geographical distribution, botanical description, as well as potential of this plant species for in vitro culture have been discussed. Review of literature shows that despite the recalcitrant nature of this plant species, attempts have been made to standardize the protocol for its micropropagation. Although cells and tissues of S. cumini have capacity for in vitro production of bioactive compounds, but basic studies for their mechanisms of production as well as full understanding of biosynthesis pathways are required to be known to exploit the potential of this plant species. Further research towards employing novel elicitors, two-phase culture system, and metabolic engineering may also help in improving the performance of S. cumini under in vitro culture system.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are thankful to Foundation for the Support of Research, Scientific, and Technological Development of the State of Maranhão (FAPEMA), which has importantly funded the research on pharmacological properties of S. cumini through the grants #APP01128/10 and #APP00280/12.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Biological and Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil

    Sonia Malik, Eduardo Bezerra Almeida Jr. & Antonio Marcus de Andrade Paes

  2. Laboratory of Botanical Studies, Department of Biology, Biological and Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil

    Eduardo Bezerra Almeida Jr.

  3. Laboratory of Experimental Physiology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Biological and Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil

    Antonio Marcus de Andrade Paes

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  1. Sonia Malik
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  2. Eduardo Bezerra Almeida Jr.
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Correspondence to Sonia Malik , Eduardo Bezerra Almeida Jr. or Antonio Marcus de Andrade Paes .

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  1. Department of Botany, Calcutta University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India

    Sumita Jha

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Malik, S., Almeida, E.B., de Andrade Paes, A.M. (2016). Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels: Cardiometabolic Properties and Potential Tissue Culture-Based Improvement of Secondary Metabolites Production. In: Jha, S. (eds) Transgenesis and Secondary Metabolism. Reference Series in Phytochemistry. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-27490-4_9-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-27490-4_9-1

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  1. Latest

    (L.) Skeels: Cardiometabolic Properties and Potential Tissue Culture-Based Improvement of Secondary Metabolites Production
    Published:
    23 November 2016

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-27490-4_9-2

  2. Original

    (L.) Skeels: Cardiometabolic Properties and Potential Tissue Culture-Based Improvement of Secondary Metabolites Production
    Published:
    28 July 2016

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-27490-4_9-1

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