Here is a 1-page profile on Muntingia calabura, also known as Aratiles in the Philippines. This fast-growing, fruit-bearing tree offers medicinal, nutritional, and ecological benefits, and is gaining attention for its anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties, especially from its leaves and fruits.
???? Muntingia calabura L.
Common Names: Aratiles (PH), Jamaican Cherry, Panama Berry, Strawberry Tree
Family: Muntingiaceae
Origin: Native to Central and South America; naturalized in Southeast Asia
???? Botanical Description
- Growth Habit: Small tree (5–12 meters), fast-growing
- Leaves: Alternate, oblong-lanceolate, lightly serrated
- Flowers: Small, white, 5-petaled, self-pollinating
- Fruit: Bright red, sweet, cherry-sized berry, edible with tiny seeds
???? Nutritional and Medicinal Value
| Plant Part | Properties & Uses |
|---|---|
| Fruit | Rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants; consumed raw, in jams, or juices |
| Leaves | Used in folk medicine; contain flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and phenolic acids with anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity |
| Bark & Roots | Traditionally used to treat gastric ulcers, dysentery, and toothaches |
???? Key Health Benefits
| ???? Benefit | ???? Mechanism / Compounds |
|---|---|
| ???? Anti-Diabetic | Leaf extracts inhibit α-glucosidase, delaying carbohydrate absorption and reducing blood glucose spikes |
| ???? Antioxidant | Flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol) scavenge free radicals |
| ???? Anti-Inflammatory | Reduces inflammatory cytokines, useful for arthritis and pain relief |
| ???? Antibacterial & Antifungal | Active against E. coli, S. aureus, and Candida species |
| ???? Neuroprotective (preclinical) | Early studies show memory-enhancing and nerve-protective effects |
☕ Preparation & Use
- Leaf Tea: 5–7 leaves boiled in 2–3 cups of water for 10–15 mins
- Topical Wash: Decoction for skin inflammation or wounds
- Fruit Juice: Refreshing and nutrient-rich, suitable for diabetic-friendly formulations (when diluted or in moderation)
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- No formal toxicity reported, but excessive use of bark/root extracts should be avoided.
- Monitor glucose levels if used alongside diabetic medications.
Would you like a:
- ???? Printable info sheet for community wellness programs or herbal tea products?
- ???? Product development guide (e.g., Aratiles leaf tea, fruit juice blend, or capsule formulation)?
- ???? Scientific literature summary of published studies on M. calabura for R&D use?