Recent research has unveiled the impressive antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the fruits from the Indian variety of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, shedding light on their potential as functional food ingredients. This evergreen shrub, commonly known as rose myrtle, has traditionally been underutilized, especially the fruits found primarily in the biodiverse Western Ghats of India.
Utilized for centuries by local tribal communities, the fruits of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa have been included in traditional remedies for ailments, including digestive issues. An analysis conducted by researchers focused on the comprehensive phenolic profiling of these fruits using advanced Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) techniques. This study stands out as the first to explore the edible green fruits unique to India.
Throughout the study, the researchers identified 29 phenolic compounds present within the fruit, with 18 of these compounds being reported for the first time. Among these, gallic acid and ellagic acid were found to be the most abundant, with concentrations at 80.44 mg/100 g and 107.47 mg/100 g, respectively.
Notably, the bound phenolic fraction exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity, outperforming other extracts. For example, the antioxidant activity was recorded at 15.63 mg/g for DPPH, demonstrating the fruit's potential to neutralize harmful free radicals and support overall health.
Complementing its antioxidant prowess, the study revealed significant antimicrobial activities. The bound phenolics showed effective inhibitory effects against harmful bacteria, including Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli, with minimum inhibitory concentrations as low as 0.156 mg/mL detected for B. cereus.
This dual-benefit of high antioxidant and antimicrobial properties positions Rhodomyrtus tomentosa fruits as promising candidates for use within functional food products. Traditionally used by local tribal groups for medicinal purposes, this new insight provides scientific backing for the health benefits attributed to these fruits.
The importance of bioactive phenolic compounds lies not only in their health benefits but also their vast potential applications within the food industry. The relatively high levels of bioactive components signify the need for innovative approaches to utilize these fruits, such as incorporation within health-focused food products or as natural preservatives.
The findings of this research extend beyond academic interest; they inspire action toward the conservation and promotion of underutilized species within traditional food systems. There is also potential to boost local economies as communities begin to appreciate and commercialize their local flora.
Overall, this study not only highlights the nutritional potential of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa fruits but also advocates for their enhanced recognition and utilization as functional ingredients, paving the way for future research and development.