Paper Contents
Abstract
Limonia acidissima, commonly known as the Wood apple, is a tropical fruit from the Rutaceae family. Native to regions like Sri Lanka, India, and Myanmar, it is widely cultivated across Southeast Asia. This fruit has been deeply valued in traditional medicine, particularly for its remarkable nutritional and therapeutic properties. The pulp of the wood apple is rich in -carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, and is also a good source of essential B vitamins such as riboflavin and thiamine, with small amounts of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) present as well. Wood apple's health-promoting benefits are attributed to a diverse array of bioactive compounds, which include antioxidants, hepatoprotective agents, antimicrobials, neuroprotective substances, antidiabetic agents, anti-inflammatory compounds, and more. These properties are linked to its phytochemical profile, which contains polyphenols, saponins, phytosterols, tannins, triterpenoids, coumarins, amino acids, tyramine derivatives, and vitamins. Studies have also shown that wood apple exhibits promising anticancer potential by inhibiting the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. Beyond its health benefits, the wood apple is widely used in commercial food products, including ready-to-drink beverages, syrups, jellies, chutneys, and other culinary applications. This review delves into the nutritional and phytochemical content of the wood apple, emphasizing its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic effects, and discusses its potential for development into value-added products. However, while the fruit demonstrates substantial health benefits, it is important to note that the molecular mechanisms underlying these properties remain insufficiently explored. To fully integrate wood apple into the food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries, comprehensive clinical trials and toxicity studies are essential. Such research could foster innovation and contribute significantly to both scientific and commercial progress.Keywords: Wood apple, Phytochemicals, Anticancer, Nutrition, Essential oils.
Copyright
Copyright © 2025 Eswara Priya B. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
