Physico-chemical Properties and Biological Activities of Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) Fruit

Abstract

Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) is exotic fruit commonly found in South East Asia region such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. Some physico-chemical properties have been used to describe the characteristics of rambutan fruit, either edible part or nonedible one. The seed and peel of rambutan are considered as wastes, therefore, some scientists have attracted to investigate the biological activities of seed and peel to seek the possibility of both to be developed as functional food. Several biological activities, which are beneficial to human health are reported in rambutan fruit, namely antioxidant, antibacterial, antidiabetic and anticancer. The active components contained in rambutan such as ellagic acid, corilagin and geraniin are responsible for those activities. This review highlighted some physico-chemical properties and the active compounds present in the fruit, seed and peel of rambutan along with the biological activities supporting rambutan fruit as functional food.