Functional properties and bioactivities of cleistocalyx nervosum var. Paniala berry plant: A review

Abstract

In treating various diseases, natural therapies are widely preferred in the modern era to synthetic drugs as they offer little or no side effects, in contrast to synthetic drugs. However, there is limited scientific knowledge about plants that have a broad range of medicinal properties. Cleistocalyx nervosum var. paniala, native to Thailand and generally known as Ma-kiang in Thai, is one of the least documented plant species. Due to its richness in phenolic compounds, especially anthocyanins, C. nervosum var. paniala has been used in traditional medicine to treat several health complications. The fruits, seeds, and leaves of C. nervosum var. paniala have been reported to exhibit antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-mutagenic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-aging, and neuroprotective properties. The extracts of C. nervosum var. paniala are non-toxic to living systems, and they also can activate the immune system. Moreover, they are widely used in industrial applications, such as in functional food products and in many health products, due to the colored anthocyanin pigments and the anthocyanin benefits of C. nervosum var. paniala. However, there is a need to conduct research in this berry species to identify the mechanism behind its medicinal properties. The present review summarizes the functional properties and bioactivities of C. nervosum var. paniala based on available scientific information.