Phytochemical and pharmacological characteristics of phalsa (Grewia asiatica L.): A comprehensive review

Phalsa is a tropical and subtropical fruit that is high in nutritional value and is primarily cultivated for its fruit. As, Phalsa fruit contain high number of vitamins (A and C), minerals (calcium, phosphorus, and iron), and fibre while being low in calories and fat. The fruit and seed of Phalsa contain 18 amino acids, the majority of which are aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and leucine. Based on in vivo and in vitro studies phalsa plant possess high antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, antidiabetic properties. However, antioxidant properties are found in the form of vitamin C, total phenolic, anthocyanin, flavonoid, and tannin. The phalsa plant's fruits and leaves have substantial anticancer action against cancer cell lines. Because of the presence of a broad range of physiologically active chemicals, investigations on phalsa plants revealed that some plant parts have radioprotective qualities. The anti-glycosidase and anti-amylase activity of aqueous fresh fruit extract was shown to be substantial. The phalsa plant contains an abundance of biologically active chemicals, allowing it to control microorganisms through a variety of processes. Phalsa methanolic leaf extract was revealed to have antimalarial and antiemetic effects. The hot and cold polysaccharide fractions extracted from the phalsa plant have potent hepatoprotective and therapeutic properties. Therefore, this review is based on the nutritional, bioactive, phytochemicals, and potential pharmacological uses of phalsa. The potential health benefits and economic potential of the phalsa berry's phytochemicals are promising areas for further study.

Chemical composition and biological activities of essential oil from Grewia bulot leaves

This study focused on the chemical composition and biological activities of the essential oil derived from Grewia bulot, a plant species known for its medicinal properties. The analysis of Grewia bulot essential oil revealed the presence of 78 constituents. The major compounds were α-cadinol (13.5%), 1,8-cineole (12.7%), 1,10-di-epi-cubenol (9.8%), epi-α-cadinol (6.7%), (E,E)-α-farnesene (5.9%), (E)-citral (4.0%), selin-11-en-4-α-ol (4.0%), citronellol isobutanoate (3.9%), and geranic acid (3.7%). The essential oil exhibited promising antioxidant potential with an IC50 value of 452.65 ± 28.40 µg/mL in DPPH model. This oil did not show NO production inhibitory effect in RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, the essential oil exhibited significant cytotoxicity against KB, Hep-G2, MCF-7, and SK-LU-1 cancer cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 44.04 ± 1.47 to 74.20 ± 3.71 μg/mL.

Utility of Indian fruits in cancer prevention and treatment: Time to undertake translational and bedside studies

The World Health Organization predicts a 70% increase in cancer incidents in developing nations over the next decade, and it will be the second leading cause of death worldwide. Traditional plant-based medicine systems play an important role against various diseases and provide health care to a large section of the population in developing countries. Indigenous fruits and their bioactive compounds with beneficial effects like antioxidant, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory are shown to be useful in preventing the incidence of cancer. India is one of the biodiversity regions and is native to numerous flora and fauna in the world. Of the many fruiting trees indigenous to India, Mango (Mangifera indica), Black plum (Eugenia jambolana or Syzygium jambolana), Indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis or Phyllanthus emblica), kokum (Garcinia indica or Brindonia indica), stone apple or bael (Aegle marmelos), Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), Karaunda (Carissa carandas) and Phalsa (Grewia asiatica), Monkey Jackfruit (Artocarpus lakoocha) and Elephant apple (Dillenia indica) have been shown to be beneficial in preventing cancer and in the treatment of cancer in validated preclinical models of study. In this review, efforts are also made to collate the fruits' anticancer effects and the important phytochemicals. Efforts are also made at emphasizing the underlying mechanism/s responsible for the beneficial effects in cancer prevention and treatment. These fruits have been a part of the diet, are non-toxic, and easily acceptable for human application. The plants and some of their phytochemicals possess diverse medicinal properties. The authors propose that future studies should be directed at detailed studies with various preclinical models of study with both composite fruit extract/juice and the individual phytochemicals. Additionally, translational studies should be planned with the highly beneficial, well-investigated and pharmacologically multifactorial amla to understand its usefulness as a cancer preventive in the high-risk population and as a supportive agent in cancer survivors. The outcome of both preclinical and clinical studies will be useful for patients, the healthcare fraternity, pharmaceutical, and agro-based sectors.

Nutraceutical perspectives and value addition of phalsa (Grewia asiatica L.): A review

Phalsa (Grewia asiatica L.) is a food plant originating from Southeast Asia, and is cultivated primarily for its fruit. Phalsa fruit is consumed raw or used as a drink or food additive. Additionally, in vitro and in vivo studies have found that extracts from various parts of phalsa plants (especially the fruit) possess strong antioxidant, radioprotective, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and cardio-protective properties. However, despite the identification of numerous nutritional and health benefits of phalsa, research into nutraceutical applications of the plant are somewhat limited. Therefore, the objective of this review was to explore the pharmacological, nutritional, phytochemical, and other potential uses of the phalsa plant. Recommendations for food scientists, nutritionists, and members of other allied disciplines are provided to help direct future research into the production, value addition, preservation, and phytochemical characterization of phalsa. Moreover, its potential health benefits are highlighted, along with the underlying mechanisms of action. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The aim of the present review is to explore functional aspects of phalsa (Grewia asiatica L.) bioactive compounds, their role in improving health, as well as their possible application as a functional food ingredient.