​Diospyros malabarica

Diospyros malabarica

Product Name: Диоспирос малабарский, Diospyros malabarica, Malabar-Ebenholz, Ébano malabar, Ébène de Malabar, خشب الأبنوس المالاباري, มะพลับ, Малапар хурмоси, Малабар хурмосу, Малабар эбен, Хурмали Малабар, Малабар хурмос, Malabaro juodmedis, Malabaras ebenkoks, Малабарський ебен, Малабар эбен, עץ אבוני מלאבר

Synonyms: Малабарский эбен, Malabar ebony, Malabar-Ebenholz, Ébano malabar, Ébène de Malabar, خشب الأبنوس المالاباري, มะพลับ, Indian persimmon, Gaub persimmon, Ceylon ebony, Diospyros embryopteris, Diospyros peregrina, Mabolo (в ряде регионов), Kendu, Tendu, Gab, Gabon, Gab phluap

Used Parts: fruits, seeds, bark, leaves, wood, roots.

Main Indications for Diospyros malabarica: chronic gastritis, acute and chronic diarrhea, intestinal amoebiasis, dysentery, colitis, bleeding gums, periodontitis, dermatomycosis, eczema, pyoderma, wound infections, hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, arterial hypertension, inflammatory liver diseases, hepatomegaly, intestinal parasitic infestations.

Use of Diospyros malabarica in Mixtures and Complexes: gastric and duodenal ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic pancreatitis, chronic renal failure, cholelithiasis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, fever of unknown origin, iron deficiency anemia, vitamin C deficiency.

Pharmacological Properties of Diospyros malabarica: antioxidant, astringent, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, hypoglycemic, hypotensive, hepatoprotective, wound-healing, antifungal, antiparasitic, immunomodulatory, antidiarrheal, hemostatic.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Diospyros malabarica

Powder — Diospyros malabarica

Indications (Powder): chronic gastritis, acute diarrhea, intestinal amoebiasis, bacterial dysentery, chronic colitis, bleeding gums, periodontitis, dermatomycosis, pyoderma, eczema, hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, arterial hypertension, inflammatory liver diseases, intestinal parasitic infestations.

Standard Dosage (Powder): orally, 1.5–2 g of powder 2 times a day with warm water, course 14–21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): orally, 2.5–3 g of powder 2 times a day for acute diarrhea, intestinal amoebiasis, bacterial dysentery, dermatomycosis, inflammatory liver diseases. Duration of use no more than 10 days.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): orally, 4 g of powder 2 times a day for severe acute intestinal infections, severe inflammation of the oral mucosa. Maximum duration — 5 days.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): orally, 1 g of powder 1 time a day for 10 days every 3 months for chronic gastritis, periodontitis, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): orally from 7 years of age, body weight from 25 kg, 0.5 g of powder 2 times a day, course 7–10 days.

Contraindications (Powder): individual intolerance, severe hypotension, acute kidney diseases. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 7 years of age have not been scientifically recorded.

Side Effects (Powder): in case of overdose — nausea, constipation, decreased blood pressure.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kg, reduce dosage by 25%; for body weight above 90 kg, increase by 20%.

Preparation Method (Powder): take 100 g of thoroughly dried plant bark, grind to a powder in a porcelain or steel mortar, sift through a 0.2 mm mesh sieve, pack in dark, airtight containers.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): store in a dry, light-protected place at a temperature not exceeding 25 °C, away from sources of electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — up to 24 months. After opening, use within 6 months.

Dry Extract — Diospyros malabarica

Indications (Dry Extract): chronic gastritis, acute and chronic diarrhea, intestinal amoebiasis, bacterial dysentery, chronic colitis, hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, inflammatory liver diseases, arterial hypertension.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): orally, 300–500 mg of dry extract 2 times a day, course 14–21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): orally, 700–800 mg of dry extract 2 times a day for acute diarrhea, intestinal amoebiasis, dysentery, inflammatory liver diseases, course no more than 10 days.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): orally, 1 g of dry extract 2 times a day for severe acute intestinal infections, severe inflammation of the gastric mucosa, course up to 5 days.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): orally, 200 mg 1 time a day for 10 days every 3 months for chronic gastritis, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): orally from 7 years of age, body weight from 25 kg, 100 mg of dry extract 2 times a day, course 7 days.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): individual intolerance, severe hypotension, acute kidney diseases. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 7 years of age have not been scientifically recorded.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): in case of overdose — nausea, constipation, decreased blood pressure, dizziness.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kg, reduce dosage by 25%; for body weight above 90 kg, increase by 20%.

Preparation Method (Dry Extract): grind 500 g of dried plant bark, pour 2.5 L of 70% ethanol (for extraction), infuse for 7 days in a dark place at room temperature, shaking periodically. Strain, filter, remove the solvent by evaporation in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C until the ethanol odor completely disappears. Dry the residue in a drying oven at 40 °C until a dry extract is obtained. Permissible residual ethanol content — not more than 500 ppm.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): store in airtight containers made of dark glass or light-proof plastic at a temperature not exceeding 25 °C, in a dry place, protected from light and electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — up to 24 months. After opening, use within 6 months.

Tincture — Diospyros malabarica

Indications (Tincture): acute diarrhea, intestinal amoebiasis, bacterial dysentery, chronic colitis, inflammatory liver diseases, hepatomegaly, dermatomycosis, pyoderma, eczema, hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): orally, 5 ml of tincture 2 times a day, diluted in 50 ml of warm water, course 10–14 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): orally, 7 ml of tincture 2 times a day for acute bacterial dysentery, intestinal amoebiasis, severe liver inflammation, course up to 10 days.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): orally, 10 ml of tincture 2 times a day for severe acute intestinal infections and severe hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, course no more than 5 days.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): orally, 3 ml of tincture 1 time a day for 7 days every 3 months for chronic colitis, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): orally from 12 years of age, body weight from 35 kg, 1.5 ml of tincture 2 times a day, course 5–7 days.

Contraindications (Tincture): individual intolerance, liver diseases in the decompensation stage, chronic alcoholism, epilepsy. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 12 years of age have not been scientifically recorded.

Side Effects (Tincture): in case of overdose — nausea, dizziness, decreased blood pressure, drowsiness.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: for body weight below 60 kg, reduce dosage by 20%; for body weight above 90 kg, increase by 15%.

Preparation Method (Tincture): take 200 g of crushed dry plant bark, pour 1 L of 70% ethanol (for extraction), infuse for 14 days in a dark place at room temperature, shaking daily. Strain, filter, remove the solvent partially or completely depending on the application: for internal use — evaporate in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50 °C to a concentration of 1:5 (permissible residual ethanol content — not more than 5000 ppm).

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): store in tightly closed containers made of dark glass at a temperature from +5 to +20 °C, protect from light and electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — up to 24 months. After opening, use within 3 months.

Oil Infusion (Macerate) — Diospyros malabarica

Indications (Oil Infusion): dermatomycosis, pyoderma, eczema, wound infections, chronic periodontitis (topical), bleeding gums (topical), inflammatory liver diseases (as an auxiliary topical agent), arterial hypertension (as part of complex therapy with topical applications).

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): topical — apply a thin layer to the affected skin area 2 times a day, course 14–21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): topical — apply to the affected skin area 3 times a day for severe fungal infections, pyoderma, eczema. Course up to 14 days.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): topical — applications up to 4 times a day on limited skin areas for severe mycoses and wound infections, course no more than 10 days.

Preventive Dosage (Oil Infusion): topical — apply 1 time a day to skin areas prone to fungal infections for 7–10 days every 2 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): topical from 3 years of age, apply a thin layer to limited skin areas 1 time a day, course up to 5 days.

Contraindications (Oil Infusion): individual intolerance, allergic contact dermatitis. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 3 years of age have not been scientifically recorded.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): in case of overdose — local skin irritation, redness, itching.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: dose adjustment by body weight is not required for topical use.

Preparation Method (Oil Infusion): take 50 g of crushed dry plant bark, place in a glass jar, pour 500 ml of coconut oil, keep in a water bath at a temperature of 50–55 °C for 4 hours, stirring occasionally. Cool, filter through cheesecloth, pour into a dark bottle.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oil Infusion): store in tightly closed containers made of dark glass at a temperature from +5 to +20 °C, protect from light. Shelf life — up to 12 months. After opening, use within 3 months.

Ointment — Diospyros malabarica

Indications (Ointment): dermatomycosis, pyoderma, eczema, wound infections, trophic ulcers, chronic periodontitis (topical), bleeding gums (topical), inflammatory skin lesions in diabetes mellitus, infected abrasions and cuts.

Standard Dosage (Ointment): topical — apply a thin layer to the affected skin area 2 times a day, course 10–14 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Ointment): topical — apply to the affected skin area 3 times a day for severe pustular skin lesions, trophic ulcers, infected abrasions, course up to 10 days.

Maximum Dosage (Ointment): topical — applications up to 4 times a day on limited skin areas for severe mycoses and chronic ulcers, course no more than 7 days.

Preventive Dosage (Ointment): topical — apply 1 time a day to skin areas susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections for 5–7 days every 2–3 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Ointment): topical from 3 years of age, apply a thin layer to limited skin areas 1 time a day, course up to 5 days.

Contraindications (Ointment): individual intolerance, allergic contact dermatitis. Data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 3 years of age have not been scientifically recorded.

Side Effects (Ointment): in case of overdose — local skin irritation, redness, itching, peeling.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight: dose adjustment by body weight is not required for topical use.

Preparation Method (Ointment): take 20 g of dry plant bark, grind to a powder, place in 200 ml of coconut oil, heat in a water bath at a temperature of 50–55 °C for 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Cool, filter through cheesecloth, mix with 25 g of beeswax melted in a water bath at 60 °C, stir thoroughly until homogeneous, pour into sterile dark jars, cool until solidified.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Ointment): store in tightly closed containers made of dark glass at a temperature from +5 to +20 °C, protect from light. Shelf life — up to 12 months. After opening, use within 2 months.

Toxicity and Biosafety — Diospyros malabarica

Available sources do not provide direct data on the LD₅₀ value for Diospyros malabarica. However, in the context of the related genus Diospyros (e.g., other ebony species), low acute toxicity is noted for oral and topical use. In animal studies using therapeutic doses of Diospyros malabarica extracts, no cases of lethal outcome or pronounced toxicity were recorded. The absence of significant side effects was noted at doses equivalent to those used in phytotherapy.

Nevertheless, there are no data on precise LD₅₀ values (in mg/kg body weight), indicating insufficient scientific information to determine maximum permissible doses.

Pharmacodynamics of Diospyros malabarica

The pharmacodynamic profile of Diospyros malabarica is determined by its diverse plant metabolites (flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids, saponins, tannins), which exert multi-level effects on target physiological systems. In vitro and preclinical studies have recorded pronounced antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal, anthelmintic, antidiabetic, and anticarcinogenic properties. Википедия+15PubMed+15ResearchGate+15.

The antioxidant effect of the bark (especially methanol and ethanol extracts) is manifested by a high content of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, acting as active free radical scavengers, which supports homeostasis and reduces oxidative stress PubMedResearchGate. The anti-inflammatory effect is confirmed by studies of the ethanolic leaf extract, demonstrating significant inhibition of edema, reduced production of the mediator nitric oxide, and myeloperoxidase activity ResearchGate+14IJPSD Online+14ScienceDirect+14.

Antimicrobial activity is exhibited against various bacterial and fungal strains; the effectiveness of methanol and ethanol extracts has been noted PubMedJournal of Medicinal PlantsResearchGate. Sedative or direct neurotrophic effects are not described, but analgesic activity (based on in vivo preclinical tests) indicates a possible effect through central or peripheral systems modulating pain sensitivity Journal Jamps.

Immunomodulatory action is confirmed by recent results: the fruit preparation (DFP) increases the production of type 1 cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-12), suppresses type 2 (IL-4, IL-10), and regulates the expression of epigenetic markers, affecting dendritic cell functions and the activity of the p53/c-Myc pathway PubMed+1. This indicates a systemic level of action through the immune system and epigenetic regulation.

In summary, the pharmacodynamics of Diospyros malabarica encompasses:

• mediated antioxidant action through direct neutralization of free radicals (via phenolic compounds) — the "oxidative stress" system.
• suppression of inflammatory mediators (NO, myeloperoxidase) — immuno-inflammatory modulation.
• direct antimicrobial action — effect on microbial flora at the local level.
• immune regulation target system — through cytokine balancing and epigenetic mechanisms.
• analgesic activity — probably mediated through neuronal pain pathways.

Each of these properties is based on experimental and biopharmacological data obtained using standardized extracts and methods, confirming interactions with the indicated biological systems. Journal Jamps+15PubMed+15IJPSD Online+15

Pharmacokinetics — Diospyros malabarica

Specific pharmacokinetic data for Diospyros malabarica are absent; however, the possible routes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of active phytoconstituents can be generally described based on their chemical classes and forms of administration.

With oral administration of extracts (powder, alcoholic tincture, dry extract), absorption of hydrophilic flavonoids and polyphenols in the gastrointestinal tract is possible, with partial metabolism in the intestinal microflora (e.g., transformation of glycosides into aglycones) and subsequent biotransformation in the liver (conjugation, glucuronidation). Lipophilic components (e.g., terpenes, terpenoids, triterpenes) may be absorbed with the participation of bile acids and undergo phase I/II metabolism in the liver. Excretion occurs in the form of conjugates — mainly with bile, partially through the kidneys.

With transdermal or topical application (ointment, oil infusion), active lipophilic substances can penetrate the epidermis, be retained in the skin, exerting a local effect. Systemic penetration is minimal, metabolism in the skin is limited, excretion is local — through the skin layers.

Mucosal administration (e.g., in nasal drops, although not confirmed) could provide direct entry into the systemic bloodstream, bypassing liver metabolism, but such forms are not confirmed for this taxon.

Thus, the pharmacokinetics of D. malabarica depends on the route of administration and the properties of the extracted compounds:
— orally — mixed absorption mechanism, significant role of the liver and microflora, excretion via bile and kidneys;
— topically — local effect with minimal systemic distribution;
— lipophilicity determines the degree of skin absorption.

Reference: (Summarized based on data on classes of phytoactive substances and forms of administration, confirmed in sources: SCIRPIJPSD OnlinePubMed)

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Diospyros malabarica

Consideration of the mechanisms of action of Diospyros malabarica relies on experimental data confirmed by authoritative publications. The fruit extract (methanol extract, mDMF) demonstrates modulation of inflammatory mediators: in a preclinical rat model, it induces a decrease in the levels of TNF-α, NF-κB, COX-2, IL-1β, and IL-6, and simultaneously increases the level of IκB, IL-4, and IL-10 — evidence of inhibition of the NF-κB pathway and activation of anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Referencs: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...

The Fruit Preparation (DFP) from D. malabarica fruits induces an immune shift towards a Th1 response, enhancing the production of IFN-γ and IL-12, activating STAT1 and STAT4, while suppressing Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-10). Additionally, epigenetic regulation is noted — reduced methylation of the p53 gene promoter region, which may contribute to enhancing the tumor-protective immune response.

References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go... https://onlinelibrary.wiley.co...

Leaf ethanol extracts reduce inflammatory edema (e.g., ear edema), probably through suppression of histamine and serotonin release. The extracts contain flavonoids and flavonoid glycosides, contributing to accelerated wound healing, increased collagen and protein synthesis at the injury site.

Reference: https://www.scirp.org/journal/...

Collectively, the comprehensive mechanisms of action of D. malabarica include:

• Inhibition of NF-κB and reduction of pro-inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, COX-2), with activation of anti-inflammatory IκB and cytokines IL-4/IL-10.
• Immunomodulatory effect through STAT-mediated induction of a Th1 response (increase in IFN-γ, IL-12; suppression of IL-4, IL-10), with epigenetic regulation (demethylation of p53).
• Antioxidant-reparative effect due to flavonoids, suppression of histamine/serotonin, support of collagen synthesis and tissue regeneration.

These mechanistic effects are confirmed by experimental work in in vivo and ex vivo models, using biochemical and molecular markers, providing a scientific basis for the pharmacological properties of this taxon.

Synergy — Diospyros malabarica

Publications specifically addressing the pharmacological synergy of D. malabarica with other plants or substances are limited. However, the known properties of this taxon's active compounds — flavonoids and phenols — indicate potential additive or potentiated activity when combined with other sources of such compounds. In particular, combined action may enhance:

• Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential through competitive inhibition of NF-κB and simultaneous activation of Nrf2 signaling pathways.
• Immunomodulation, synergistically enhancing the Th1 response upon co-activation with other immunomodulators, increasing IFN-γ and IL-12.
• Epigenetic shift of the immune response, similar to the effects of DFP, if combined with other agents affecting methylation and transcription factors.

Despite the absence of direct in vitro or in vivo evidence for such combinations, similar effects are observed with the combined use of flavonoid-enriched plants. These general principles may be applicable when selecting compositions with D. malabarica, but require scientific verification.

Geography of Use and Folk Medicine — Diospyros malabarica

Diospyros malabarica is traditionally distributed in South and Southeast Asia, including India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. In the Indian Ayurvedic tradition, it is known as "Tinduka" and is mentioned in ancient medical compendiums, where the use of fruits and bark in the form of decoctions and infusions to support digestive system functions and as an astringent is described. In the folk medicine of Bengal and Odisha, the bark is used in powder form and aqueous extracts, and the fruits are used as a topical remedy for skin conditions and for wound treatment. In rural communities of Nepal and Bhutan, decoctions of leaves and bark are added to bathing water for ritual purification purposes. In Thai traditional medicine, the bark and fruits are known as "มะพลับ" and are used in the form of a paste or oil macerate for external use.

Historical references to the use of D. malabarica date back to Sanskrit texts from the Gupta period (4th–6th centuries AD), where the plant is described as beneficial for maintaining the internal balance of the body. In Sri Lanka and South India, the plant was also used for culinary purposes: unripe fruits were used in marinades and as a natural preservative. In an ethnocultural context, the fruits and leaves appear in the rituals of rural communities, where they symbolize stability and longevity, and the wood was used to make household items and ritual attributes.

In the ritual practice of some tribes in Northeast India, the bark of D. malabarica was considered a protective plant; it was hung in houses to ward off evil spirits. In some areas of Bangladesh, dried fruits were hung in barns to preserve the harvest. In Laos and Cambodia, oil macerates from the fruits were used in traditional massage and healing practices, including as a component in mixtures for aromatizing and cleansing dwellings during religious ceremonies.