Phytochemical And Pharmacological Activities Of Wood Apple: A Systemic Review

Limonia acidissima also known as wood apple is a wild-growing medicinal plant distributed throughout India and Sri Lanka. Traditional practitioners in Sri Lanka, along with those using folk medicine and Ayurvedic toxicology principles, have reported that different extracts of Limonia acidissima are effective in managing vitiligo. Further research using advanced techniques is required to scientifically validate Ayurvedic and traditional medicines, yet there is limited emphasis on clinical studies and a deeper understanding of the specific properties of Limonia acidissima. This study aims to review and integrate current information on the pharmacological features of Limonia acidissima decoction component and assess its efficiency in treating vitiligo. Authentic Ayurvedic scriptures, modern writings, and previous research projects were used to gather information regarding Limonia acidissima. This study identified for various pharmacological properties, according to the Ayurveda, Vishagna (antitoxic), Shotha (anti-inflammatory), Yakrut Uttejaka (hepato-protective) along with its immune-modulatory, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, regulation of cytokines and its potential utility in vitiligo treatment. Bioactive compounds present in wood apple contribute to its antioxidant functions. These are indirectly support vitiligo treatment and its application specifically to vitiligo is not well-established in direct clinical research. Limonia acidissima is used in traditional and folk medicine to treat vitiligo, a condition with white spots. However, there is a lack of scientific proof in clinical settings, mechanisms of action, including, autoimmune response regulation, melanogenesis enhancement, and interaction with other vitiligo-related signaling pathways. Therefore, clinical, immunological, and analytical research could provide valuable information for vitiligo treatment.

Traditional medicine in Indonesia, although modern medicine is easily available, is still the main choice of coastal communities because it is considered more powerful and effective and is a cultural heritage that has been used for generations. This study aims to determine how many coastal village communities use traditional medicine compared to modern medicine. This study used a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. The research population was the Tanjung Rejo Village community, and data were obtained through counseling and direct interviews with respondents. The research population was coastal village communities, with a focus on Tanjung Rejo Village. Respondents were drawn from the village population, with relevant sampling techniques to obtain representative data on the use of traditional and modern medicine. Based on the results of the study, it is known that the majority of people still use traditional medicine more often than modern medicine. They believe that traditional medicine is more potent and effective for treatment, especially since it has been used for generations in their neighborhood. The use of traditional medicine is still more dominant among coastal village communities because it is considered more effective and safe compared to modern medicine. It is recommended that further development and research into traditional medicine be conducted to increase its wider application.

An understanding of the population-level data available on the use of traditional, complementary and integrative medicine is critical for reducing unmet health needs and improving health outcomes. Although research has shown that the existence of unmet health-care needs among people receiving conventional health care can drive the use of traditional medicine, the motivations for its use are complex and often related to cultural traditions, personal preferences and perceptions of effectiveness. At present, only limited population-based data are available on who uses traditional medicine, the reasons for its use, the context in which it is used (even when traditional medicine is a primary choice) and the outcomes of treatment. To address this data gap, we identified and analysed population-based surveys that reported data on traditional medicine use for perceived health problems in the World Health Organization’s Region of the Americas. Based on the findings, we discuss how best to analyse available population-based survey data and how survey questions on traditional medicine can be refined to enhance their usefulness. Strengthened data collection on traditional medicine can inform health-care policy on the integration of traditional practices into the health system, aid efforts to educate both health-care providers and the public on traditional medicine, support culturally responsive and people-centred care, and foster the ethical and effective integration of traditional medicine into health systems.

Indonesia has 20,000 types of plants where 300 species have been used as traditional medicines. The use of traditional medicine as an alternative treatment in Indonesia that has been used by both rural and urban communities. The use of traditional medicine is considered safer than modern medicine. The purpose of this study was to identify the level of use of traditional medicine and public awareness in the use of traditional medicine in work area of Health Center Gombong 1 which consists of 5 villages. This research is a non-experimental and descriptive research that uses a questionnaire. Respondents who participated in this study were 140 people. The characteristics of respondents who participated in this study were the majority of men (50,71%), last educated of elementary school (41,43%), as housewives (27,86%). The majority of people in work area of Health Center Gombong choose treatment with modern medicine (64,29%). In addition there are 35,71% using traditional medicine and the majority use rhizome species (46%) for the treatment of minor ailments. In this study also showed that the majority of people do not know the safety of traditional medicines (50%) due to lack of information so that information is needed on the benefits and safety and the use of good and appropriate traditional medicines.

Aim: Wood apple (Feronia limonia L.) is a hardy, underutilized indigenous fruit tree known for its exceptional adaptability to harsh agro-climatic conditions, including drought, salinity, and degraded soils. Despite its rich nutritional and medicinal profile comprising vitamins, minerals, phenolic compounds, and pectin wood apple has seen limited attention in terms of systematic breeding, biochemical evaluation, and commercial cultivation. In the context of growing demand for nutritious, climate-resilient fruit crops and the need for value addition in lesser-known species, a deeper understanding of its genetic variability in quality traits is critical. Thus, this study was undertaken to explore the genetic diversity in key biochemical traits among selected wood apple genotypes with the aim of identifying elite lines suitable for varietal development, industrial processing, and nutritional enhancement. Methodology: A field evaluation was conducted at the Department of Fruit Science, Horticultural College and Research Institute, TNAU, Periyakulam, Tamil Nadu during 2019-2024. A total of nine genotypes (WFL-01 to WFL-09), shortlisted from prior germplasm collections based on preliminary quality traits, were subjected to detailed biochemical assessment under Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications Results: The current shows significant variability among the genotypes for quality parameters such as total soluble solids (TSS) ranging from 13.4 - 15.0 °Brix, acidity (2.40 - 3.60 %), TSS/acidity ratio (3.72 - 7.00), ascorbic acid (13.8 - 16.5 mg 100 g-1), calcium (130 - 245 mg 100 g-1), potassium (670 - 740 mg 100 g-1), pectin content (4.70 - 5.40 %), total sugars (1.83 - 2.38 %), reducing sugars (0.96 - 1.29 %), and non-reducing sugars (0.85 - 1.06 %). Conclusion: The present five-year study (2019–2024) revealed significant genetic variability among nine wood apple (Feronia limonia L.) genotypes. Among the genotypes, WFL-03 consistently recorded superior performance across all key quality traits, with TSS (15.0 °Brix), the lowest acidity (2.4 %), the highest TSS/acidity ratio (7.0), highest ascorbic acid (16.5 mg 100 g-1), and highest pectin content (5.40 %), making it highly suitable for varietal development and commercial processing applications such as value-added products, nutraceutical formulations and functional foods. Its favorable sugar profile also indicates its acceptability for fresh consumption and industrial use. The observed variability highlights the genetic potential for crop improvement programs aimed at enhancing nutritional quality and promoting wood apple as a climate-resilient, underutilized fruit crop with applications in health, food, and sustainable agriculture.

Traditional Medicine collectively referred to as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) when commonly used outside their traditional context, alongside other medical systems, including Western biomedicine.The World Health Organization officially promoted traditional medicine in developing countries in 1978, there have been increasing interests among developing countries in integrating traditional medicine into a national health care system. Integrating traditional medicine into a modern health care system, moreover, can benefit industrialized nations as well. The contributions of Traditional and Modern Scientific Medicines to health care delivery have attracted a great deal attention in most communities worldwide. Traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, Kampo, traditional Korean medicine, and Unani have been practiced in some areas of the world and have blossomed into orderly-regulated systems of medicine. More than 80% of the world’s population in over 170 of WHO’s 194 Member States currently use some form of traditional medicine, such as herbal medicine, yoga, Ayurveda, acupuncture and acupressure, and indigenous therapies.To generate awareness about traditional medicine, since the 1980s, a number of publications on self-health care have been developed to inform people about the benefits and uses of traditional medicine. Some of the areas of focused research include studies on the development of anticancer drugs, cardiovascular diseases such as arteriosclerosis and angina pectoris, respiratory diseases such as bronchial asthma, obesity, diabetes and other metabolic disorders, and basic studies on acupuncture therapeutic mechanisms for various bone and joint and spinal disorders, and on different kinds of composition of the human body. To ensure the safety, standardization, efficacy and quality of traditional medicines, the practitioners must follow the same stringent standards and regulations for production and use of traditional medicines as are followed for allopathic medicines. This study aims to summarize the advancements made in understanding the efficacy, effectiveness of Traditional Medicine. Traditional and local knowledge systems need to be protected, preserved, and studied as different ways to approach modern healthcare, science, and technology at large. Significant challenges exist in integrating the differing perspectives. Traditional knowledge is derived from years of history and experience and is preserved through long, complex narrations lacking the traditionally rigorous scientific scrutiny required by modern medicine. Modern scientists are prone to quickly dismiss its merit, considering it to be irrelevant as a result. For many, traditional medicine is the first port of call, and practitioners of traditional medicine have played an important role in treating chronic illnesses. These traditional medicines and practices have been preserved, organized and modernized during the past several decades, and have been fully integrated into the national health-care delivery systems from the central to the most peripheral administrative levels.

Background: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a comprehensive approach to cancer treatment, often complementing conventional therapies. Persimmon or Diospyros kaki has long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Bioactive compounds found in this plant can be used for cancer treatment and therapy. Aim: The study aims to comprehensively review the pharmacological and anti-cancer properties of Diospyros kaki, emphasising its phytochemical composition, mechanism of action and its potential application in traditional medicine and modern oncology. Methods: Relevant literature published till 2024 was retrieved from various databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, SciSpace, ScienceDirect, IMMPAT 2.0 and PubChem. Keywords such as Diospyros kaki, anti-cancer, pharmacological activity, and phytochemicals were chosen for screening. Studies reporting pharmacological properties, particularly those exhibiting anti-cancer activity, were selected. Result: Diospyros kaki demonstrates significant pharmacological activity across multiple systems. Its fruit, leaves, roots, and calyx contain polyphenols, flavonoids, and triterpenes that exhibit antidiabetic, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. From an anticancer perspective, compounds such as quercetin, kaempferol, diospyrin, and plumbagin contribute to apoptosis, oxidative stress modulation, and inhibition of tumour proliferation and angiogenesis. Therapeutically, its phytoconstituents support immune modulation, cellular redox balance, and enzyme inhibition, enhancing its potential as a supportive agent in chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Conclusion: The broad therapeutic profile of Diospyros kaki underlines its role in managing chronic diseases and cancer. Further research should focus on standardising extraction, improving bioavailability, and conducting clinical trials to translate these benefits into clinical use. Major Findings: Diospyros kaki exhibits potent anticancer and pharmacological activities, primarily through apoptosis induction, ROS modulation, and inflammation suppression, validating its traditional medicinal use and modern therapeutic relevance.

Aim: Wood apple (Feronia limonia L.) is a hardy, indigenous fruit crop with significant nutritional and medicinal properties. Despite its adaptability to adverse agro-climatic conditions and its utility in traditional medicine and dryland horticulture, the species remains underexploited due to limited research on its genetic potential. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic variability in yield-related traits among selected wood apple genotypes to identify superior types for varietal development. Methodology: Field evaluation was carried out at the Department of Fruit Science, Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Periyakulam, over five years (2019–2024). Nine genotypes (WFL-01 to WFL-09), selected from preliminary germplasm collections for their promising yield and quality traits, were assessed under a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Morphological and yield-related parameters were recorded using standard procedures. Results: Significant variability was observed among genotypes for all measured traits. Fruit length ranged from 6.80 to 11.00 cm, fruit width 6.90 to 10.00 cm, and fruit weight 150.00 to 470.00 g. Pulp weight varied from 75.00 to 340.00 g, with seed count ranging from 170 to 620. Shell thickness was between 0.28 and 0.40 cm. Yield per tree varied notably from 33.00 to 150.40 kg, and projected yield ranged from 7.20 to 30.80 t ha⁻¹. Conclusion: Among the evaluated genotypes, WFL-03 demonstrated the highest performance across all yield attributes, followed closely by WFL-08 and WFL-04. The considerable variation observed suggests a high degree of genetic diversity, offering significant opportunities for selection and genetic improvement in wood apple. These findings hold practical relevance for commercial cultivation, breeding programs, and sustainable utilization of this underutilized fruit crop.

The history of traditional medicine is extensive. While modern medicine is commonly used to treat chronic illness, traditional medicine (TM) is gaining popularity as a healthcare practice in Bangladesh. However, evidence regarding the prevalence, patterns, and associated factors of TM use among chronic illness patients in Bangladesh remains limited. This study aimed to explore the use of traditional medicine among adults with chronic illnesses. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 518 adults with chronic illness from October to December 2023. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews. The Chi-square test was used to determine the association between categorical variables and multinomial logistic regression models to identify the factors associated with the use of traditional medicine. The mean age of the participants was 43.7 (SD = 15.9) years. Among the respondents, 8.3% used traditional medicine and 5.2% used both traditional and modern medicine. Homeopathy, herbal medicine, and ayurveda were used by 69, 23, and 9%, respectively. Bivariate analysis revealed that gender (p = 0.014), educational qualification (p = 0.010), monthly income (p < 0.001), occupation (p = 0.002) and place of residence (p < 0.001) were statistically significantly associated with traditional medicine use. Among the respondents, 22.9% of people who used traditional medicine claimed that it was effective for disease management. Multinomial logistic regression revealed that rural individuals were seven times more likely to use TM compared to urban residents(AOR = 7.545, 95% CI: 2.933, 19.412, p < 0.001). This study revealed that individuals living in rural areas with lower monthly incomes were more likely to use traditional medicine for the treatment of chronic illnesses. Older individuals utilized it more compared to younger ones. Additionally, the study highlighted the perceived effectiveness of traditional medicine in managing chronic illnesses. These findings emphasize the need for a collaborative healthcare approach that integrates traditional medicine with modern practices to better address the diverse needs of populations.

This study aimed to analyze the relationship between community beliefs and the use of traditional medicine in the working area of Karang Tengah Health Center, Sukabumi. This study used a quantitative research design with correlational analytic method and cross-sectional approach. A total of 99 respondents were selected using accidental sampling technique from a population of 20,790. Primary data were collected through a questionnaire that evaluated the community's belief in traditional medicine as well as the frequency of its use, while secondary data were obtained from the annual report of the puskesmas and official sources of the Ministry of Health. Data were analyzed using the Chi-Square test to measure the relationship between variables. The results showed that the majority of respondents had a high level of trust in traditional medicine (43.4%) and most used traditional medicine at a moderate level (44.4%). Bivariate analysis revealed a significant association between the level of trust and the use of traditional medicine with a p value of &lt;0.05. Factors such as bad experiences with modern medicine, socio-cultural influences, and more affordable costs encourage people to choose traditional medicine. This study concludes that people's trust significantly influences their decision to use traditional medicine. These results are expected to contribute to the development of more inclusive health policies by effectively integrating traditional and modern medicine

Traditional medicines such as Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, Unani, and ethnomedicines have globally been practiced by billions of people for many centuries. In the rural areas of developing countries, traditional medicine is often the only accessible and affordable treatment available. Even in developed countries the use of traditional medicine is gaining popularity, where western medicine is generally available. In Asian and African countries, 80% populations depend on traditional medicines for primary health care according to the World Health Organization. A lot of famous pharmaceutical drugs are derived from traditional medicines (e.g., artemisinin from traditional Chinese medicine Artemisia annua). Plants, animals, microbes, and minerals used in traditional medicines are enormous. Only the species number of traditionally used medicinal plants was estimated to be between 10,000 and 53,000. Although studies on traditional medicines have become a popular research trend worldwide, only a very small proportion of traditional medicines had been investigated focusing on their chemical components and biological activities. There are still a huge number of traditional medicinal species which are not investigated chemically. For the tropical plant species, for example, only 1% of them had been screened. As for the polypharmaceuticals with more than two species, especially in traditional Chinese medicine, less chemical studies had been completed. They are being used by millions of people every day. Therefore, further investigations of chemical basis of traditional medicines will be necessary and urgent. It will be also very important in the future to gain a better understanding of the chemical basis of these traditional medicines, demonstrate their activity, understand their mechanism of action, develop new potential applications, and discover new drugs based on the studies of traditional medicines. We received more than 30 papers after the call for papers was released in October 2013. Finally, only 18 high-quality peer-reviewed papers were included in this special issue. In addition to one review article, 17 papers are original research articles. The traditional medicinal plants are often selected for pharmacological studies, followed by isolation and identification of their chemical constituents. In this special issue, some plants are famous traditional herbal medicines such as Panax notoginseng, Angelica sinensis, Carthamus tinctorius, and Oldenlandia diffusa (Hedyotis diffusa). Some are less well-known but important in local ethnic communities (e.g., Selaginella moellendorffii, Elephantopus scarber, Melastoma malabathricum, Dicranostigma leptopodum, and Rabdosia japonica var. glaucocalyx). Besides the medicinal plants, other natural medicinal sources, such as Czech propolis, have also been included in this issue. Whether the processed or prepared medicines (e.g., Chinese traditional patent medicine and Chinese medicinal formula) are mixed with other materials or not demonstrated different biological activities from their original herbs. Their chemical basis and mechanism of action should be revealed. Paeoniae Radix (processed roots of Paeonia lactiflora), Fuzheng Fangai pill (composed of Codonopsis pilosula, Astragalus, and other 4 species), Tianshu capsule (composed of Ligusticum chuanxiong and Gastrodia elata), and Sihuangxiechai decoction (composed of Astragalus and other 15 species) are included in this special issues. The research results pharmacologically supported their customary uses of these traditional medicines. It is impressive to note that an important traditional medicinal plant, Huangqi (Astragalus mongholicus and/or A. membranaceus), appeared in 4 papers in this issue (L. Shi et al., Y. Gao et al., S. Liu et al., and X. P. Huang et al.). Both its secondary metabolites and polysaccharide showed multiple pharmacological activities such as immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects, anti-inflammation, and antivirus. Further studies on Huangqi may endow this traditional medicine with more new potential applications. Jatropha is ethnobotanically and ethnopharmacologically an important group in Euphorbiaceae, including J. curcas and J. gossypiifolia. To compare with other Jatropha species, few studies have isolated chemical compounds from J. gossypiifolia. However, it should be prioritized for bioprospecting. We believe that this special issue will provide readers with ideas and information in the fields of traditional medicines. Because of the great diversity of traditional medicines, the chemical basis and biological activity should be massively investigated in next decades so as to examine the safety, action mechanisms, new applications, and development potentials of traditional medicines. Chunlin Long Shi-Biao Wu William C. S. Cho

Objectives: Fruit candies were prepared using Wood apple (Limonia acidissima) and Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) and evaluated for the proximate composition, antioxidant activity, flavonoids and phenolics contents, sensory attributes, storage stability, and microbial load in the developed products. Wood apple and passion fruit are cheaper, highly nutritious and easily perishable, and seasonally available fruits. This study planned to make these fruits available through the year by preserving them as soft candies. Material and Methods: Soft candies were developed stored and quality parameters were assessed for a period of 90 days. The candies were evaluated by a panel for sensory attributes using 9 point hedonic scale. Results: The acid content of the preserved products remained the same during the entire storage. The moisture content in both the products was > 12% and the protein content ranged from 1.4% to 2.34%. As expected, the fat and crude fiber contents were low. The total phenolics and flavonoids were present in appreciable amounts. The developed products showed acceptable sensory attributes and were microbiologically safe at the end of the storage period and fit for consumption. Conclusion: Hence the study concluded that, the developed wood apple jam and fruit bar in this study was safe and fit for consumption. The seasonal fruits can be exploited for preparation of fruit candies.

This research was aimed to study the effect of the comparison of wood apple (Limonia acidissima) with water and natrium bicarbonate concentrate on quality of carbonated beverage. The experiment was used Randomized Completely Block Design with two factors. First factor was the comparison of wood apple with water consisting 3 levels, they are K1 (wood apple 4 : water 5), K2 (wood apple 3 : water 5), and K3 (wood apple 2 : water 5). Second factor natrium bicarbonate concentrate consisting 3 levels, they are N1 (natrium bicarbonate 0,36%), N2 (natrium bicarbonate 0,42%), and N3 (natrium bicarbonate 0,48%). Data analysis using variance analysis and further test HSD 5%. The results indicate that there is no interaction between comparison of wood apple with water and natrium bicarbonate concentrate to all observation variable, yet treatment of natrium bicarbonate concentrate affected significantly to pH carbonated beverage. The best treatment was carbonated beverage of wood apple that was made using comparison of wood apple 2 with water 5 and natrium bicarbonate concentrate 0,42% which shows flavor organoleptic 3.80, color 4.87, aroma 4.07, sparkle 4.23, lightness (L*) 31.21, redness (a*) -2.95, yellowness (b*) 4.26, CO2 4.68 mg/ml, pH 3.91, lactic acid 0.75%, TPT 10.40Brix, and viscosity 0.95 mPa.s.

The present investigation was carried out at Post Graduate Laboratory, Department of Fruit Science and Department of Post-Harvest Technology, College of Horticulture & Forestry, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya-224229, U.P. India during 2022-2023. Guava (Psidium gujava L.), wood apple (Feronia limonia L.), and ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) which have nutritional, medicinal and therapeutic values were blended in different ratios viz., 100:0:0 (T1), 0:100:0 (T2), 0:0:100 (T3), 33.33:33.33:33.33 (T4), 40:30:30 (T5), 50:25:25 (T6), 60:20:20 (T7), 70:15:15 (T8), 80:10:10 (T9), and 90:5:5 (T10) to get the best blend combination for the preparation of RTS. The blend comparising 60% guava pulp, 20% wood apple, and 20% ginger juice was found to be best over other treatments for the preparation of palatable quality of RTS. The 10% of best blend with 13% Total soluble solids, 0.30% acidity and incorporated with 70 ppm SO2 was used to prepare RTS for storage study. During the storage TSS, acidity, reducing sugars, total sugars and browning increased whereas, ascorbic acid (vitamin-C), non-reducing sugar, pH and organoleptic quality decreased with the advancement of storage period whereas microbial growth initially increased then decreased during the period. The RTS was organoleptically acceptable upto 4 months of storage in case of both ambient and low temperatures.

India is blessed with varied agro-climatic conditions which have paved a way to grow variety of fruits in different seasons of the year. The Awadh region of Uttar Pradesh are suitable for the cultivation of wood apple. In wood apple the existing variability is low due to the problem of un exploitation and lack of awareness. Considering the wide genetic diversity in wood apple (Feronia limonia L.) in terms of qualitative characters, an extensive survey of diversity rich area of Awadh region of Uttar Pradesh was done and twenty nine genotypes in the form of fruits were collected from the different locations during 2021-23 to identify elite genotypes having desirable horticultural traits. The experimental design employed in this study was Complete Randomized Block Design. The results revealed rich genetic variations with respect to individual fruit length (5.33-9.49 cm), fruit width (5.57-9.54 cm), fruit weight (113.26-263.45 g), shell thickness (0.14-0.43 mm), seed length (4.04-8.46 mm), seed width (1.95-4.17 mm), seed thickness (1.34-1.69 mm), seed weight per fruit (25.25-31.06 g), number of seeds per fruit (134.50-456.0), among different genotypes. The different genotypes also exhibited wide range of variability in qualitative characters, viz. total soluble solids (10.22-18.14 0Brix), acidity (2.12-6.09 %), TSS/acidity ratio (1.67-8.71), reducing sugars (0.85-1.30 %), non reducing sugars (0.67-1.06 %), total Sugars(1.55-2.40 %), Vitamin C (15.16-27.95 mg/ per 100 g) and pectin content (1.03-2.09 %) among all 29 genotypes studied for their qualitative characters.