Identification and Pharmacological Evaluation of Syzygium cumini Derived Fixed Oils

Abstract

Syzygium cumini L is an evergreen medicinal plant belonging to the family Myrtaceae, and is one of the important species of the genus Syzygium. S. cumini is traditionally used to treat various infections such as sore throat, bronchitis, dysentery, and other painful conditions. The aim of the current study was to evaluate fixed oil extracted from S. cumini for various in vitro and in vivo biological activities and identification of its fatty acids constituents. GC-MS analysis of the fixed oil revealed that the major constituents are palmitic acid methyl ester (56.45%) and stearic acid methyl ester (29.54%). Fixed oil isolated from S. cumini exhibited significant effect against Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella flexenari, and Bacillus subtilis with zone of inhibition of 28.09, 27.34, and 22.76 mm, respectively. In addition, the oil exhibited antifungal effect against Aspergillus flavus, Candida glabrata, Microsporum canis, and Fusarium solani with zone of inhibition of 80.77, 75.08, 70.98, and 65.56 mm, respectively. The oil also exerted analgesic potential at the dose of 10, 20, 40, and 60 mg/Kg with 35.44, 50.45, 65.98, and 80.34 % activity in acetic acid-induced writhing model. A mild muscle relaxant effect was noted in animal models. Taken all together, the fixed oil from S. cumini exhibits significant antimicrobial, antifungal and analgesic effects, which justifies the use of this plant in folk medicine.