Current Phytochemical and Pharmacological Outlook of Actinidia deliciosa (Kiwi Fruit)

Abstract

: Worldwide health and therapeutic practices seek to amalgamate alternative medications with evidence-based medicine for an improved understanding of metabolic progression and its influences on the human body. Actinidia deliciosa, also known as “Kiwi fruit”, is a dioecious plant that is native to China and distributed widely across the Asian continent. Commercial planting of kiwifruit was started in the early 20th century when it reached New Zealand from China. In recent times, Kiwi fruit has gained a major demand due to its high content of vitamin C. Kiwi fruit also contains dietary fiber, iron, carotenoids and is a rich source of antioxidants. These may aid in lowering blood pressure, improve wound healing, blood glucose control and improve bowel health. Vitamin C, choline, lutein, and zeaxanthin are antioxidants that assist in the removal of free radicals from the body and may prevent the body from various diseases and inflammations. Herein, we state the health benefits found in diverse compounds from Actinidia deliciosa, highlighting the source, morphology, chemical constituent, cultivation, production, traditional uses, nutritional value, health benefits, toxicity studies, clinical trials, and pharmacological activities while highlighting side effects associated with kiwifruit. This review provides a bird’s eye insight mainly on the morphological, phytochemical, and pharmacological activity, which could be beneficial in making use of technological and scientific advances. This plant can be used as a current medical adjuvant for its potential. The complete plant must be broadly investigated for further future perspective.