Malpighia emarginata DC.

Sianci or Barbados cherry (Malpighia emarginata) is a shrub up to 4 meters tall of the Malpighiaceae family, native to South America, Central America, and the Caribbean, now also grown in Texas and India. Its vitamin-C-rich fruit is commonly eaten as a salad mix, juice, or cake decoration. Sianci is also believed to be antiaging and used as a natural whitening agent in cosmetic products.

This plant tolerates various soil types but prefers dry soil and full sunlight throughout the day. Grows optimally at 30-35°C, in conditions ranging from light (sandy) soil, medium (somewhat clayey) soil, to heavy (clay) soil.

• Leaves ovate, 2-8 cm long, growing on petioles, with serrated edges and finely hairy.
• Flowers bisexual and 1-2 cm long, 5 pink or red petals.
• Fruit cherry-shaped, small and round about 1-2 cm, bright red when ripe and green before ripening, 1-3 cm in diameter, juicy, taste ranging from sour to sweet.

• Propagated generatively (seed) and
• vegetatively (cuttings).
• The plant begins fruiting at 2-3 years of age, producing bright red fruit.

Carotene, niacinamides, bioflavonoid, anthocyanin, phenolic, melatonin, tannin, catechins, cardiac glycosides, lactones, steroid, depsides, depsidones, saponin.

Natural whitening agent in cosmetics, has antioxidant, antiaging, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, antigenotoxic and antihyperglycemic activity.

• Prepare fresh sianci fruit, wash thoroughly. Cut into small pieces then dry in the sun.
• Grind and sift the dried material.
• Store the simplisia powder in plastic and keep at room temperature.

Also known as Barbados cherry.