The taste of this ridged fruit ranges from sweet to sour depending on the degree of ripeness and the specie. The fully ripe fruits present a deep red colour.
During my primary school days, I, in the company of my friends periodically visited a convent located in Nnewi Anambra State for the purpose of harvesting some ripe cherry fruits from the convent’s beautiful flower gardens. The whole landscape then was adorned largely with this plant which is classified botanically as Eugenia uniflora L.
Eugenia uniflora L. which is also known as Cayenne cherry or Brazilian cherry tree is utilized in herbal medicine to treat health conditions such as RHEUMATIC PAIN, WATER RETENTION, INFLAMMATION, FEVER and HYPERGLYCEMIA (high blood glucose) to mention a few.
Researchers have identified the fruit juice to be loaded with nutrients especially VITAMIN C and VITAMIN A (BETA CAROTENE ).
The juice of the fruit is excellent in promoting ORAL HEALTH, combating GUM INFECTIONS and counteracting inflammations in the mouth.
In a scientific research investigation titled “Evaluation of some pharmacological activities of Eugenia uniflora L.”, Schapoval E.E et al, 1994 observed that the infusion (hot or cold water extract) of fresh leaves had a highly significant ANTI INFLAMMATORY effect.
Going through numerous scientific research papers on this medicinal plant, I came to the conclusion that it is one of the plants whose therapeutic potentials are yet to be fully harnessed.
Cherry leaves is indicated in HYPERTENSION . The BLOOD PRESSURE LOWERING effect of Eugenia uniflora L. leaf extract has been linked to the plant’s medicinal constituent’s ability to DILATE BLOOD VESSELS (vasodilating property) and also to their weak DIURETIC effect which has a direct impact in INCREASING RENAL (kidney) BLOOD FLOW.
In Java, Cherry fruits are used to reduce blood pressure.
In Nigeria, the leaves of Eugenia uniflora L. are occasionally employed in the treatment MALARIA, DENGUE and YELLOW FEVERS which are transmitted by Anopheles and Aedes mosquitoes respectively.
In Paraguayan the leaves of Eugenia uniflora L. has been used as an ANTIDIABETIC agent.
Some unusual sesquiterpene essential oils were extracted from the leaves of Cherry which proved to possess ANTIBACTERIAL, ANTIVIRAL, ANTIFUNGAL and ANTI PROTOZOA activities.
Other properties of Eugenia uniflora L. include antioxidant, immunomodulatory and cytotoxic (antitumor on certain cells) properties.
A flavonoid in Eugenia uniflora L leaves from research findings is considered as potential adjuvant for SEPSIS (blood poisoning) treatment.
A leaf infusion of Cherry is used in Brazil for STOMACH PAIN and as an astringent.
So much, indeed so much in nature for the benefits of mankind. For this we are grateful to the ALMIGHTY CREATOR.