Melastoma malabathricum

Scientific name:  Melastoma malabathricum L.

Common name:  Singapore rhododendron

Local name:  Senduduk

Family:  Melastoma

Melastoma malabathricum or senduduk has been classified as a weed and can be seen growing wildly in abandoned or wastelands.  This so-called ‘weed’ has been used extensively in traditional medicine both locally and abroad.

It has been found to be especially useful in treating both internal and external wounds.  It has also been popularly used by the women folks following childbirth to strengthen the womb and accelerate healing.

The leaves and shoots are traditionally eaten to cure diarrhea.  In Malaysia, paste made from senduduk leaves and roots are used to prevent scars from scurf or smallpox.  A decoction of the roots is used to relieve toothaches, to soften the feet and to eliminate flatulence.

A decoction prepared from a mixture of senduduk leaves, vinegar, ginger and bonglai, is used for treating leucorrhea; in another prescription, sugar instead of vinegar is added to the mixture.  A paste made from the senduduk shoots is used for treating puerperal infections.  The vegetative parts are astringent.

The leaves and shoot ends, alone or with mangosteen bark or fruit husks, are prepared as decoction for treating diarrhea.  The powdered leaves are used for treating dysentery, wounds and as a tonic.