Sapindaceae fruits: A comprehensive overview on phytochemicals, nutraceuticals and health benefits application
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: The article delves into the intricate realm of the Sapindaceae family, shedding light on the many phytomedicinal advantages that these fruits offer. This family boasts an array of economically significant fruits, including Litchi (Litchi chinensis), Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum), Longan (Dimocarpus longan), Guarana (Paullinia cupana), Ackee (Blighia sapida) and Soapberry (Sapindus saponaria), each of which has its own set of medicinal characteristics. The Sapindaceae family, also known as the soapberry family, comprises numerous tropical and subtropical plant species known for their phytochemical properties and potential health benefits. Despite the well-known medicinal properties of Sapindaceae fruits, there is a lack of a comprehensive compilation that combines knowledge about their important components, nutritional value, traditional value and medicinal properties. This review aims to address this gap by providing assessments of the medicinal potential of Sapindaceae fruits and their prospects as food products. The study focuses on the chemicals, nutrients and medicinal properties of Sapindaceae fruits, excluding studies lacking therapeutic relevance. Findings show that Sapindaceae fruits contain bioactive compounds such as saponins, flavonoids and phenolic acids, which are antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-obesity and anti-diabetic. In addition, these fruits are rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber, which supports their use as functional foods and vitamins. The review suggests future research on sustainable uptake and development of nutrients from Sapindaceae, which could increase their use in healthcare and potentially lead to the development of cost-effective pharmaceutical products for consumers and the agricultural sector.
Source: Plant Science Today
DOI: 10.14719/pst.5065
Institution: Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
Language: English
Topic: Medicinal Plant Research
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4403784359