Feijoa Sellowiana fruit, an amazing source of anticancer molecules

Abstract

Feijoa sellowiana O. Berg is a tropical plant with edible fruits and characterised by a high content of flavonoids. Several studies have shown that Feijoa contains many bioactive components such as flavonoids, vitamin C, and essential minerals that contribute to multiple health benefits, such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. Regarding anticancer activity, several authors have shown that the Feijoa fruit acetonic extract and the molecules isolated by it have a selective cytotoxic effect, induce apoptosis, modulate cell cycle against solid and hematologic tumours and are effective against sensitive and resistant cancer cells. This review summarizes Feijoa fruit biological activities that have so far been identified with a focus on anticancer activity.