Beneath the rind: A review on the remarkable health benefits and applications of the wood apple fruit
Niharika Sharma,
Radha,
Manoj Kumar,
Neeraj Kumari,
Nadeem Rais,
Ashok Pundir,
T. Anitha,
V. Balamurugan,
Marisennayya Senapathy,
Sangram Dhumal,
Suman Natta,
Vishal P. Deshmukh,
Sunil Kumar,
Ravi Pandiselvam,
Jose M. Lorenzo,
Mohamed Mekhemar
Affiliations
Niharika Sharma
School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, 173229, India
Radha
School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, 173229, India; Corresponding author.
Manoj Kumar
Chemical and Biochemical Processing Division, ICAR–Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology, Mumbai, 400019, India; Corresponding author.
Neeraj Kumari
School of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, 173229, India
Nadeem Rais
Department of Pharmacy, Bhagwant University, Ajmer, 305004, India
Ashok Pundir
School of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, 173229, India
T. Anitha
Department of Postharvest Technology, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Periyakulam, 625604, India
V. Balamurugan
Department of Agricultural Economics, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai, India
Marisennayya Senapathy
Department of Rural Development and Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
Sangram Dhumal
Division of Horticulture, RCSM College of Agriculture, Kolhapur, 416004, India
Suman Natta
ICAR—National Research Centre for Orchids, Pakyong, 737106, India
Vishal P. Deshmukh
Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Yashwantrao Mohite Institute of Management, Karad, India
Sunil Kumar
Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research, Modipuram, 250110, India
Ravi Pandiselvam
Division of Physiology, Biochemistry and Post-Harvest Technology, ICAR – Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), Kasaragod, 671 124, Kerala, India
Jose M. Lorenzo
Centro Tecnológico de la Carne de Galicia, rúa Galicia n◦ 4, Parque Tecnológico de Galicia, San Cibrao das Viñas, 32900, Ourense, Spain
Mohamed Mekhemar
Clinic for Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, School of Dental Medicine, Christian-Albrecht's University, 24105, Kiel, Germany; Corresponding author.
Limonia acidissima Groff, commonly referred to as the Wood apple, is a tropical fruit belonging to Rutaceae family. Indigenous to Sri Lanka, India, and Myanmar, it is extensively cultivated throughout Southeast Asia. This fruit holds a profound historical significance in traditional medicine due to its exceptional nutritional and therapeutic attributes. Wood apple pulp is significantly abundant in β-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, and contains a substantial amount of vitamin B, including riboflavin and thiamine, as well as trace amounts of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Moreover health-benefitting properties associated with L. acidissima, such as, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spermatogenic, analgesic, antiulcer, and antihyperlipidemic properties, are attributed to a diverse range of phytochemicals. These encompass polyphenolic compounds, saponins, phytosterols, tannins, triterpenoids, coumarins, amino acids, tyramine derivatives, and vitamins. From the findings of the various studies, it was observed that wood apple fruit shows significant anticancer activity by inhibiting the proliferation of cancer. Furthermore, wood apple finds wide-ranging commercial applications in the formulation of ready-to-serve beverages, syrups, jellies, chutneys, and various other food products. In summary, this review highlights the nutritional and phytochemical constituents of wood apple, depicts its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic capabilities, and explores its potential in value-added product development. Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that the molecular mechanisms supporting these properties remain an underexplored domain. To ensure the safe integration of wood apple fruit into the realms of the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical sectors, rigorous clinical trials, including toxicity assessments, are required. These endeavors hold the potential to promote innovation and contribute significantly to both research and industrial sectors.
