The broad-leaved blackberry: traditional medicine rediscovered and researched

The broad-leaved blackberry: traditional medicine rediscovered and researched

The plant, known as “Molucca blackberry” or broad-leaved blackberry, is considered to have particular importance in traditional medicine. It belongs to the rose family (Rosaceae) and is particularly widespread in tropical regions of Asia and Australia. This plant is used to treat various ailments such as headaches, diarrhea, dysentery, abdominal pain, night urination in children and to promote fertility in women.

The Molucca blackberry contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, terpenes and other chemical substances. These compounds are known to have antibacterial, antifungal (anti-fungal), antihelminthic (anti-worm) and antioxidant properties. Despite its extensive uses in traditional medicine, there is limited information about this plant.

The aim of the current study was to summarize and analyze the existing knowledge on the taxonomy, morphology, geographical distribution, nutritional value, ethnobotany (the traditional use of plants by different cultures), phytochemistry and biological activities of this plant.

Possible future developments

Since Molucca blackberry is a significant source of bioactive compounds, future research could lead to new pharmacological applications. These could represent an alternative or supplement to existing treatments. In addition, expanded research into this plant could lead to more sustainable use and a better understanding of its effects.

Basic terms and concepts

• Bioaktive Verbindungen: Diese sind Substanzen, die biologische Aktivitäten im Körper auslösen. Sie sind oft in Pflanzen vorhanden und können gesundheitliche Vorteile bieten.
• Flavonoide: Eine Gruppe von Pflanzenstoffen, die entzündungshemmende und antioxidative Eigenschaften haben.
• Terpene: Organische Verbindungen, die vor allem in Pflanzen vorkommen und Grundlage für viele ätherische Öle sind.
• Antioxidantien: Stoffe, die schädliche Oxidationen im Körper verhindern können.
• Ethnobotanik: Der Bereich der Wissenschaft, der sich mit der Beziehung zwischen Menschen und Pflanzen, insbesondere deren traditioneller Nutzung, beschäftigt.

Abbreviations

• n.v. – nicht verfügbar

Highlighting the bioactive compounds of the Molucca blackberry

This scientific research captures an in-depth exploration of the Molucca blackberry, a member of the Rosaceae family found predominantly in tropical regions of Asia and Australia. Molucca blackberry is known for its diverse uses in traditional medicine, including the treatment of headaches, diarrhea, dysentery, abdominal pain, nocturnal urination in children, as well as promoting female fertility.

Biochemical composition and biological functions

Molucca blackberry is a significant reservoir of bioactive compounds, particularly flavonoids, terpenes and other chemical components. These compounds are responsible for the plant's antibacterial, antifungal, antihelminthic and antioxidant properties.

Research results

Despite its diverse uses, there is limited information about this plant in the scientific literature. Therefore, the current study aims to summarize comprehensive knowledge on the taxonomy, morphology, geographical distribution, nutritional value, ethnobotany, phytochemistry and biological activities of Molucca blackberry. The following points deserve particular emphasis here:

• Taxonomie und Morphologie: Eine detaillierte Bewertung der taxonomischen Stellung und morphologischen Merkmale der Pflanze wurde durchgeführt.
• Geografische Verteilung: Die Pflanze kommt hauptsächlich in tropischen Gebieten Asiens und Australiens vor.
• Nährwert: Identifikation und Analyse der Nährstoffzusammensetzung.
• Ethnobotanische Anwendungen: Nutzung in der traditionellen Medizin wurde dokumentiert und analysiert.
• Phytochemische Komponenten: Umfassende Analyse der bioaktiven Verbindungen, insbesondere Flavonoide und Terpene.
• Biologische Aktivität: Erforschung der vielseitigen biologischen Effekte dieser Verbindungen.

Table: Important chemical components and their functions

Further information and the full study can be found in the published work at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38073405.