INTRODUCTION:

The Myrtaceous family includes Syzygium aqueum, also referred to as water apple, rose apple, or watery rose apple. A small tree (6–10m tall) with opposite, lanceolate leaves and white to red, juicy, rose-scented fruits, it is native to Malaysia and Indonesia. With a yield of roughly 18–21kg per tree, each fruit has two to six seeds and is seasonal, though two to three crops may be produced annually. This underappreciated fruit has therapeutic qualities and is eaten fresh. Its leaves, bark, roots, and fruit have all been used traditionally to treat a variety of ailments, including mouth ulcers, thrush, liver disease, itching, swelling, and pain during childbirth. Because of its abundance of bioactive substances, such as phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and essential oils, Syzygium aqueum has important pharmacological qualities like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activity etc.⁴

Numerous biological activities of the plant have been reported, and it has been used extensively in folk medicine. The fresh leaves have been eaten to ease the pain of childbirth and used in their dried powdered form to treat mouth ulcers. The fruit is used to treat liver diseases. While a decoction of its bark is used for thrush, preparations of the roots have been used to relieve itching and reduce swelling. Furthermore, the various biological activities of S. aqueum are attributed to its abundance of polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, steroids, and volatile oils. Iron, calcium, vitamins, and antioxidants are also abundant in it. Various investigations have examined and documented the biological activity of various sections of S. aqueum.⁶

Fig 1: Syzygium aqueum Plant

The most prevalent substances present in various S. aqueum parts are polyphenols, which offer nutritional benefits and aid in the prevention of chronic illnesses. In this study, the chemical makeup of the plant and its impact on human health will be examined. The fact that S. aqueum is still underutilized as a medicinal plant allows for further study and may greatly aid in the discovery of new therapeutic candidates. With a focus on the function of its secondary metabolites in reducing inflammation-related disorders, this review attempts to summarize the body of knowledge regarding the phytochemistry, pharmacological, toxicological, and food applications of S. aqueum. This review also establishes a baseline for further research and emphasizes the significance of S. aqueum.

Taxonomical Classification:

Syzygium aqueum, also known as the watery rose apple, belongs to the following taxonomic classification:¹⁰

Table 1: Taxonomic Classification of Syzygium Aqueum

Botanical name	*Syzygium aqueum*
Family	Myrtaceae
Kingdom	Plantae
Subkingdom	Viridiplantae
Class	Magnoliopsida
Division	Tracheophyla
Subdivision	Spermatophyta
Order	Myrtales
Superorder	Rosanae
Genus	Syzygium
Species	S. aqueum (Burm, f) Alston

Morphological Characteristics:

Syzygium aqueum is a species of flowering plant in the Myrtaceous family that is also referred to as a water apple or wax apple. The fruit of this tropical tree, which is high in nutrients and has therapeutic qualities, is why it is so widely grown.

Morphological Features:

1. Tree: Syzygium aqueum is a medium-sized tree with a straight trunk and a broad, spreading crown that can reach a height of 12 meters.

2. Leaves: The elliptical, simple, opposite leaves have a wavy margin and a pointed tip. They have a glossy texture and are dark green in colour.

3. Flowers: Clusters of tiny, fragrant, white flowers are carried at the tips of branches.

4. Fruit: A berry with a single seed in the middle is the fruit, which is usually conical or bell-shaped. The fruit has a sweet, slightly crunchy texture and can be either green or red, depending on the variety.

5. Roots: Syzygium aqueum has spreading, fibrous roots, including a deep taproot that aids in the tree's soil anchoring.

Other Qualities:

1. Bark: The smooth, grayish-brown bark of Syzygium aqueum has a slightly rough texture.

2. Wood: The tree's wood is strong and resilient, and it's frequently used to make furniture and other wood goods.

Geographical Distribution and Habitat:

Originating in tropical Asia and extending to northern Queensland, Syzygium aqueum is extensively grown in the Pacific Islands, India, and Southeast Asia. In the Philippines, it grows almost wild and is especially prevalent in Mindanao, Basilan, Dinagat, and Samar. In addition, the species can be found in Malaysia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and, on occasion, Trinidad and Hawaii. It is widespread in warm regions like Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Karnataka, Kerala, Odisha, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu, and it typically grows in moist deciduous forests up to 1500 meters above sea level. It is also found in Afghanistan and Myanmar, among other regions of South and Southeast Asia.¹¹

Habitat:

It is indigenous to parts of the Malay Archipelago and upper Burma. Nonetheless, the species is now widely found in many tropical areas, including Mexico, Fiji, Australia, Myanmar, and the Caribbean Island. It can be found in parts of Tamilnadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and the northeastern part of India. Rose apples are typically grown on the banks of streams and require a moist climate with uniform rainfall.

Seasons:

Although they produce a little less fruit in the summer than other seasons, rose apple trees in Jamaica and Puerto Rico bloom and bear fruit intermittently almost year-round. May through July is the busiest time of year in Florida and the Bahamas. In India, the fruiting season varies by region. Fruit in the Circars ripens in April and May, while in South India, blooming typically happens in January and fruit ripens in March and April. In the country's center, the fruits ripen from June to July, while the flowers bloom in February, March, and April. On the other hand, some types are said to bear fruit in February and March.¹⁵

Phytochemical Constituents:

S. aqueum's phytochemical constituents include: Because of its wide range of pharmacological effects, S. aqueum is known to contain a large number of nutraceuticals, which has led to research into its chemical components. Of these, the leaves are the most widely used part. Phenolic compounds from various classes, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, tannins, and lignans, are generally abundant in the plant. S. aqueum also contains volatile oils and terpenoids. Little research has been done on the fruits and stem bark, despite the fact that most studies have focused on separating and characterizing bioactive substances from the leaves. The fruit's potential as a source of volatile compounds and oils for industrial, nutritional, and pharmaceutical applications is suggested by the discovery that it contains flavonoids and phenolic compounds, just like the leaves do.⁷

Table 2: Phyto Chemical Constituents

Sr. No	Plant Part	Phyto Constituents
1.	Leaf	Phenolic compounds, Flavonoids myricetin and quercetin3-O-βD-xylopyranosyl (1→2) α L rhamnopyranosides, Ursolic acid and myricitrin.
2.	Bark	Tannin, Riedelin, beta-amyrin acetate, betulinic acid and lupeol
3.	Fruit	Tannin, Riedelin, beta-amyrin acetate, betulinic acid and lupeol.

Pharmacological Activities:

Anticancer Activity:

Syzygium aqueum has demonstrated encouraging anticancer properties. The fruit extract of this plant has strong antiproliferative activity against cancer cell lines, significantly reducing their viability, according to a study by Rabeta et al. These results imply that the fruit may have anticancer properties of its own.

Anti-Hyperglycaemic Activity:

Studies have demonstrated Syzygium aqueum's capacity to reduce blood sugar. In Malaysian plant studies, Manaharan et al. (2012) found that its leaf extracts had significant anti-hyperglycemic effects. Additionally, in animal models, Emmy et al. (2009) found that the plant's bark extracts, both alcoholic and aqueous, successfully lowered blood glucose levels.²²

Anxiolytic Activity:

In animal experiments, extracts from Syzygium aqueum leaves have been shown to have anxiolytic effects. The plant may help reduce anxiety-related symptoms, according to behavioural experiments like the Elevated Plus Maze, Rotarod, and Open Field tests that showed these effects.²¹

Anti-inflammatory Activity:

Syzygium aqueum leaf extract likewise exhibits anti-inflammatory qualities. It has been demonstrated to inhibit important inflammatory enzymes that contribute to the body's inflammatory response, such as lipoxygenase (LOX) and cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2).

Activity of Anticonvulsants:

Syzygium aqueum leaf extracts in methanol have demonstrated anticonvulsant properties in mouse models of seizures that are both chemically and electrically induced. The extract's active ingredients imply that it could be helpful in the creation of therapies for neurological disorders like epilepsy.³

Table 3: Pharmacological Actions of Syzygium aqueum

Pharmacological Action	Plant Part
Antibacterial	Leaves, Fruits
Anticancer	Fruit, Leaves, Seeds
Antidiabetic	Seeds
Anti-inflammatory	Fruit, Leaves
Antimalarial	Leaves, Bark
Antioxidant	Leaves, Fruit
Antifungal	Leaves, Fruit
Analgesic	Leaves

Health Benifits of Water Rose Apple:³

Prevents Free Radical Damage Rose apples are known for having a lot of vitamin C, which helps to reverse the harm brought on by toxins, pollutants, and free radicals that are linked to diseases like cancer, heart disease, and arthritis.
The body produces free radicals as a result of radiation exposure, tobacco use, smoke inhalation, and food metabolism. White blood cell production and function are supported by vitamin C, which also acts as an antioxidant to reduce oxidative damage and encourage optimal functioning. It is also thought to strengthen the immune system, which helps protect against colds.

Decreased Stroke Risk:

Rose apples' high vitamin C content helps lower the risk of stroke and other illnesses, including such as endothelial dysfunction, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, oxidative damage, inflammation, and cardiac problems.
Vitamin C is essential for reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes because it prevents the body from producing plaque.

Boosts Good HDL Cholesterol:

1. Rich in Niacin: Rose Apple is a natural source of niacin, a nutrient that regulates cholesterol levels.

2. Increases HDL Cholesterol: Niacin supplementation is associated with increased HDL cholesterol levels and decreased levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol.

Prevents Diabetes:

1. Reduces Blood Glucose Levels: Consumption of Rose Apple leads to a reduction in blood glucose levels by enhancing the activities of key carbohydrate metabolic enzymes.

2. Enhances Enzyme Activity: Rose Apple supports the activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, hexokinase, and glucose-6-phosphatase.

Prevents Constipation:

1. Rich in Dietary Fibres: Rose Apple contains dietary fibres that promote regular bowel movements and alleviate constipation.

2. Supports Digestive Health: Fibres in Rose Apple support overall digestive health and contribute to maintaining a healthy weight.

Prevents Muscle Cramping:

1. Good Source of Potassium: Rose Apple possesses an adequate amount of potassium, which enhances muscle strength and reduces muscle cramps.

CONCLUSION:

Global papers and review articles provided information on S. aqueum, demonstrating its wide range of phytochemical components. Antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, cosmetic, antibacterial, anticancer, and antiproliferative activities are among the pharmacological characteristics displayed by different plant sections. The review offers details on S. aqueum's botanical description, regional distribution, nutritional value, traditional use, pharmacological characteristics, and health advantages. It emphasizes the possibility for identifying lead medications from the plant's various bioactive components, which have been utilized since ancient times without full comprehension of their chemical composition. This evaluation acts as a spur for additional S. aqueum study.

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Received on 16.08.2025 Revised on 10.09.2025

Accepted on 01.10.2025 Published on 15.10.2025

Available online from October 30, 2025

Research J. Science and Tech. 2025; 17(4):325-330.

DOI: 10.52711/2349-2988.2025.00045

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