A Comprehensive Review of C. capsularis and C. olitorius: A Source of Nutrition, Essential Phytoconstituents and Pharmacological Activities

Abstract

Plant bioactive compounds have gained global significance in terms of both medicinal and economic ramifications due to being easily accessible and are believed to be effective with fewer side effects. Growing relevant clinical and scientific evidence has become an important criterion for accepting traditional health claims of medicinal plants and also supports the traditional uses of Corchorus as folk medicine. C. capsularis and C. olitorius have broad applications ranging from textile to biocomposite, and young leaves and shoots are used as healthy vegetables and have long been used as traditional remedies for fever, ascites, algesia, liver disorders, piles, and tumors in many cultures. This review systematically summarized and emphasized the nutritional attributes, mostly available bioactive compounds, and biological and potential pharmaceutical properties of C. capsularis and C. olitorius, disclosed to users and non-users. Results suggest that various phytochemicals such as cardiac glycosides, phenols, flavonoids, sterols, lipids, and fatty acids were found or analytically identified in different plant parts (leaf, stem, seed, and root), and many of them are responsible for pharmacological properties and their antitumor, anticancer, antioxidant, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, antiviral, antibacterial, anticonvulsant, antidiabetic and antiobesity, and cardiovascular properties help to prevent and cure many chronic diseases. In addition to their use in traditional food and medicine, their leaves have also been developed for skin care products, and some other possible uses are described. From this review, it is clear that the isolated compounds of both species have great potential to prevent and treat various diseases and be used as functional foods. In conclusion, this comprehensive review establishes a significant reference base for future research into various medical and functional food applications.

Unveiling the Chemical Composition, Bioactive Profile and Antioxidant Capacity of Dried Egyptian Jew’s Mallow Stems as a Promising Anticancer Agent

“…Phenolic compounds, a broad family of secondary plant metabolites, are recognized as antioxidants and other dietary reducing agents crucial for the quality of plant-based diets. They maintain the body’s tissues against oxidative stress-related diseases like cancer, inflammation, and coronary heart disease [ 1 ]. The phenolic and flavonoid compounds of dried C. olitorius methanolic ( Table 2 ) revealed that the stem extract contained high amounts of phenolic compounds, for example, ellagic acid, pyrogallol, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid, and catechin.…”

“…Plants have given humans and other organisms food and other health benefits for as long as they have existed [ 1 ]. Secondary metabolites, or bioactive chemicals, are present in medicinal plants [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ].…”

“…Brazilian and other folk medicines use it to treat colitis. Stomatitis, chronic bronchitis, furuncles, abscesses, contusions, gonorrhea, pain, fever, tumors, hemorrhoids, and other painful and inflammatory conditions are treated with plant leaf extract [ 1 , 27 ]. AL Yousef et al and Yakoub et al reported that dry oils of leaves and stems include many bioactive components, such as 2, 4-di-tert-butylphenol, and fatty acids, including hexadecenoic and ethyl palmitate.…”

Phytochemical content and antioxidant activity of different anatomical parts of Corchorus olitorius and C. capsularis during different phenological stages

“…These are mainly farmed for the production of biodegradable natural fibers from stem bark. Moreover, in jute-producing countries tender shoots with young leaves are utilized as a vegetable, and different parts have several nutraceuticals, pharmaceutical, and commercial importance [ 2 ]. Vitamin C, carotenoids, α -tocopherol and phenolic content in both of species are significantly greater than in many other vegetables and grains, making it an excellent source of these nutrients [ 3 ].…”

Antimicrobial Bioactivity and GC-MS Analysis of Different Extracts of Corchorus olitorius L Leaves

“…The vegetable is rich in vitamins A, B 1&2 , C, and E ; fiber as well as minerals like calcium and iron [ 12 , 13 ]. The traditional medicinal uses of C. olitorius amongst various communities comprise the treatment of heart failure, gastric ulcers, typhoid fever, malaria, gonorrhea, common colds, tumors, and measles [ 10 , 14 ]. The vegetable also has antiviral [ 15 ], antioxidant [ 16 ], gastroprotective, and antidiabetic properties [ 14 , 17 ].…”