Ceylon hill-cherry

Rhodomyrtus tomentosa

Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, commonly known as white wax myrtle or Chinese bayberry, is a plant traditionally used in East Asian herbal medicine. While its specific traditional uses are not well-documented, it has shown promise in scientific research for various health benefits. Studies indicate that compounds derived from the fruit of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa may improve depression-like behaviors by reducing neuroinflammation and exhibit anti-inflammatory effects on lung injury through selective inhibition of MAPK signaling pathways. Additionally, these fruits contain derivatives with dose-dependent immunomodulatory properties and show antibacterial activity against multi-drug resistant strains such as MRSA and VRE. Safety-wise, no major issues have been recorded, and there are currently no reported drug interactions associated with this plant.

At a glance
Best evidence
D
Cautions

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • Rhodomyrtus tomentosa leaves yielded three new acylphloroglucinol trimers with shown antibacterial effects against MRSA and VRE. D PMID
  • Rhodomyrtus tomentosa fruit improved LPS-induced depression-like behaviors in mice by attenuating hippocampal neuroinflammation. D PMID
  • QFM-3m, a derivative from Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, reduces inflammation and lung injury by selectively inhibiting MAPK signaling. D PMID
  • RTFP-2b from Rhodomyrtus tomentosa fruits exhibits dose-dependent immunomodulatory properties in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Ceylon hill-cherry?

Ceylon hill-cherry (Rhodomyrtus tomentosa) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about Ceylon hill-cherry?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Ceylon hill-cherry; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Rhodomyrtus tomentosa leaves yielded three new acylphloroglucinol trimers with shown antibacterial effects against MRSA and VRE.

How strong is the evidence for Ceylon hill-cherry?

The strongest finding for Ceylon hill-cherry carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Ceylon hill-cherry safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Ceylon hill-cherry in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Ceylon hill-cherry interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Ceylon hill-cherry in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Ceylon hill-cherry?

Ceylon hill-cherry is also known as: Родомирт опушённый.

Is Ceylon hill-cherry a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 Rhodotomentotrimers G-I, antibacterial acylphloroglucinol trimers from Rhodomyrtus tomentosa. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Structural Characterization and Immunomodulatory Activity of an Acidic Polysaccharide from Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Aiton) Hassk. Fruits. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 A dihydrofuro[2,3-b] benzofuran derivative alleviates lipopolysaccharide induced acute lung injury via suppressing MAPK signaling. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Rhodomyrtus tomentosa fruit ameliorates LPS induced depression-like behaviors in mice by attenuating hippocampal neuroinflammation via inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88/MAPK/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. literature abstract metadata