Work

Spondias tuberosa Arruda (Umbu, Anacardiaceae): from an underutilized food resource to health-promoting and sustainable applications

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Spondias tuberosa Arruda (umbu tree) is a fruit-bearing species endemic to the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil and has long been used in traditional medicine to manage gastrointestinal, respiratory, inflammatory, and dermatological disorders. In recent years, increasing scientific interest has focused on its phytochemical composition and potential therapeutic applications, highlighting the need for a comprehensive synthesis of the available evidence. This review provides an updated overview of the phytochemical profile of S. tuberosa , with emphasis on its major bioactive constituents and reported pharmacological properties. A literature search was conducted using major scientific databases to identify relevant studies, including both in vitro and in vivo investigations. Phytochemical analyses reveal the presence of diverse secondary metabolites, particularly phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, carotenoids, and terpenoids. Preclinical studies indicate that extracts and isolated compounds from S. tuberosa exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antiproliferative effects in experimental models. Despite these promising findings, current evidence remains largely limited to in vitro and animal studies. Therefore, further research is required to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms, standardize extracts, and conduct well-designed clinical trials to confirm safety, efficacy, and translational potential. Overall, S. tuberosa represents a biologically active yet underexplored species with promising applications in functional nutrition and phytopharmacology.

Source: Journal of Agriculture and Food Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.jafr.2026.103284