Indonesian Journal of Jamu
Vol. 11 No. 5 (2026): Jurnal Jamu Indonesia (In Progress)

Bioactive Compounds, Pharmacological Activities, Toxicity Profiles, and Prospects for New Drug Discovery from Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Karamunting)

Jajang Japar Sodik (Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Bhakti Kencana, Bandung 40614, West Java, Indonesia)
Entris Sutrisno (Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Bhakti Kencana, Bandung 40614, West Java, Indonesia)
Taufik Muhammad Fakih (Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Islam Bandung, Bandung 40116, West Java, Indonesia.)



Article Info

Publish Date
01 Sep 2026

Abstract

Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Karamunting) is an evergreen shrub of the Myrtaceae family traditionally used in South and Southeast Asia for treating diarrhea, dysentery, gynecological disorders, and wounds. Recent studies have identified diverse metabolites, especially triterpenoids, flavonoids, phenolics, and meroterpenoids, with rhodomyrtone as a key antibacterial compound. A review of 128 studies (2014–2024) shows that extracts and isolated compounds of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa exhibit strong antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. Major bioactive compounds include rhodomyrtone, myricetin, gallic acid, ellagic acid, and piceatannol. Acute toxicity tests indicate safety up to 3,000 mg/kg BW, though nanoformulations may increase toxicity. Novel mechanisms, such as membrane protein trapping and antibiofilm effects, suggest potential against multidrug-resistant pathogens. Despite gaps in long-term toxicity and clinical data, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa holds promise as a source of new therapeutic agents. Keywords: Rhodomyrtus tomentosa; Karamunting; Bioactive compounds; Pharmacological activities; Antimicrobial.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JJI

Publisher

Subject

Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Chemistry Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology

Description

Jurnal Jamu Indonesia (JJI) is dedicated to the exchange of information and widespread scientific understanding regarding the development of the world of herbal medicine through the publication of scientific papers. The themes of scientific papers within the scope of JJI include the theme of herbal ...