Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn.: An overview of its botany, uses, reproductive biology, pharmacological properties, and industrial potentials

Abstract

In this review, the botany, uses, reproductive biology, pharmacological properties, and industrial potentials of Ceiba pentandra (kapok) are updated. Reproductive biology entailed phenology, floral and fruiting biology, pollination ecology, and breeding system. Among the pharmacological properties of extracts, anti-hyperglycemia or antidiabetes dominated, mostly from the stem bark of C. pentandra. Industrial potentials of C. pentandra were focused on biodiesel, bioethanol, absorbents, and adsorbents production from different plant parts. Sources of information were from Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and J-Stage. Selection of articles in the literature was based on topics rather than on the period of coverage, although higher priority was accorded to more recent references. Some areas for further research of C. pentandra were suggested.

Nucleotide Variations of Kapok (Ceiba Pentandra) Based on Internal Transcribed Spacer (Its) Sequence Data in West Sumatra, Indonesia

“…This plant gained introduction and cultivation in all the tropics, including Indonesia (Abdullah et al, 2010), extending to various regions, such as Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, Madura, Bali, Lombok, Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi, Maluku, Ambon, and Irian Jaya (Agoes, 2010). C. pentandra has attained broad utilization by the community for medicinal and non-medicinal purposes (Chan et al, 2023). Given its several benefits and uses, C. pentandra became one of the potential plants used by humans (Nkoum et al, 2017).…”

Characterization of Porous Cellulose Triacetate Derived from Kapok Fibres (Ceiba pentandra) as a Tool to Enhance Crude Oil Absorption

“…One of the native plants in Malaysia which has a high percentage (around 69%) of cellulose is kapok. Kapok (Ceiba pentandra) or kekabu as it is commonly known in Malaysia is the tallest tree among the Ceiba species (Chan et al 2022). It was rst planted in Africa and was introduced to tropical Asia where presently it is highly abundant in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.…”