Phytochemicals and Medicinal Properties of Indigenous Tropical Fruits with Potential for Commercial Development

Abstract

Hundreds of fruit-bearing trees are native to Southeast Asia, but many of them are considered as indigenous or underutilized. These species can be categorized as indigenous tropical fruits with potential for commercial development and those possible for commercial development. Many of these fruits are considered as underutilized unless the commercialization is being realized despite the fact that they have the developmental potential. This review discusses seven indigenous tropical fruits from 15 species that have been identified, in which their fruits are having potential for commercial development. As they are not as popular as the commercially available fruits, limited information is found. This paper is the first initiative to provide information on the phytochemicals and potential medicinal uses of these fruits. Phytochemicals detected in these fruits are mainly the phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and other terpenoids. Most of these phytochemicals are potent antioxidants and have corresponded to the free radical scavenging activities and other biological activities of the fruits. The scientific research that covered a broad range of in vitro to in vivo studies on the medicinal potentials of these fruits is also discussed in detail. The current review is an update for researchers to have a better understanding of the species, which simultaneously can provide awareness to enhance their commercial value and promote their utilization for better biodiversity conservation.

Pharmaceutical hit of anti type 2 Diabetes mellitus on the phenolic extract of Malaka (Phyllanthus emblica L.) flesh

“…This power is generated by the phenolic components [17,18]. The Malaka fruit is one of the most widely used fruits as traditional medication with many benefits [19][20][21]. Generally, to obtain phenolic compounds from plant samples, extraction is carried out with different solvent polarities.…”

Underutilised fruits: a review of phytochemistry and biological properties

“…Anacardaceae family which consists of one species of Bouea macrophylla and seven species of the genus Mangifera, is the most studied underutilised fruit in Malaysia. Anacardaceae fruits are mainly used as food source and only some have been reported to possess medicinal properties to treat various ailments such as M. caesia, M. foetida, M. pajang and M. pentandra ( Gerten et al, 2015;Khoo et al, 2016;Mirfat et al, 2016;Mirfat et al, 2015;Salma et al, 2006). Euphorbiaceae, Guttiferae and Sapindaceae are the next commonly studied underutilised fruits in Malaysia.…”

“…Parkia speciosa has been used for its diuretic and relaxing properties, treatment of high blood pressure, diabetes and has antibacterial effects on kidney, ureter and urinary bladder (Ko et al, 2014;Salma et al, 2006;Voon and Kueh, 1999) . Meanwhile, A. bilimbi is useful in treating fever, cold, coughs, itches, boils, beriberi, biliousness, inflammation of the rectum, internal haemorrhoids, hypertension, diabetes, syphilis and rheumatism (Khoo et al, 2016;Muhamad et al, 2014;Noor & Noriham, 2014;Salma et al, 2006).…”

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“…Epidemiological studies have revealed that consumption of fruit, vegetables, and their byproducts have health benefits against chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer 1 . The local fruits of Himachal Pradesh can serve as an ideal source of dietary antioxidants.…”