Functional properties and Bioactivities of Cleistocalyx nervosum var. paniala berry plant: a review
Medicinal plants have been used in traditional medicine for the prevention and treatment of several diseases by improving immunity and reducing cellular stress, but scientific documentation in this regard is very limited (Azuma, 1987; Sriwanthana et al., 2007). Cleistocalyx nervosum var. paniala is one of the least documented medicinal plant, which is widely grown in the northern parts of Thailand (Thongma, 2002) and is known to possess immense health benefits, such as antioxidant, anti-mutagenic, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-aging properties (Charoensin et al., 2012; Inboot et al., 2012; Taya et al., 2009; Manosroi et al., 2015; Sukprasansap et al., 2017). C. nervosum var. paniala belongs to the family Myrtaceae. It is endemic or indigenous to Northern Thailand. Its fruits are known for their antioxidant and anti-carcinogenic properties, due to the presence of polyphenols and flavonoids (Leelapornpisit et al., 2004). The characteristic feature of sweet and sour taste and the natural red color makes it a key ingredient in health drinks and functional foods (Patthamakanokporn et al., 2008). About 200 mL of 25% C. nervosum var. paniala fruit beverage possess approximately 820 μmol of total antioxidants and 74 mg of total phenolic compounds (Patthamakanokporn et al., 2008). In addition, C. nervosum var. paniala fruit have the ability to scavenge reactive oxygen radicals and ferric ion, thereby reducing antioxidant power as well as up-regulating the expression of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (Sukprasansap et al., 2017).