Nutraceutical perspectives and value addition of phalsa (Grewia asiaticaL.): A review

Abstract

Phalsa (Grewia asiatica L.) is a food plant originating from Southeast Asia, and is cultivated primarily for its fruit. Phalsa fruit is consumed raw or used as a drink or food additive. Additionally, in vitro and in vivo studies have found that extracts from various parts of phalsa plants (especially the fruit) possess strong antioxidant, radioprotective, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti‐inflammatory, anticancer, and cardio‐protective properties. However, despite the identification of numerous nutritional and health benefits of phalsa, research into nutraceutical applications of the plant are somewhat limited. Therefore, the objective of this review was to explore the pharmacological, nutritional, phytochemical, and other potential uses of the phalsa plant. Recommendations for food scientists, nutritionists, and members of other allied disciplines are provided to help direct future research into the production, value addition, preservation, and phytochemical characterization of phalsa. Moreover, its potential health benefits are highlighted, along with the underlying mechanisms of action. Practical applications The aim of the present review is to explore functional aspects of phalsa (Grewia asiatica L.) bioactive compounds, their role in improving health, as well as their possible application as a functional food ingredient.

Neuroprotective effects of dietary plants and phytochemicals against radiation-induced cognitive and behavioral deficits: a comprehensive review of evidence and prospects for future research

“…66–68 This plant possesses several beneficial properties such as antimicrobial, antiplatelet, antiemetic, anticancer, antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory activities. 66–68…”

Fruits and their phytochemicals in mitigating the ill effects of ionizing radiation: review on the existing scientific evidence and way forward

“…Grewia asiatica L. or Phalsa or Falsa is an essential dietary and medicinal plant in most villages in the Indian subcontinent, the place of its origin. 119,120 Its fruits are rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It also has many phytochemicals like quercetin, catechins, tannins, pelargonidin 3,5-diglucoside, grewinol, naringin, cyanidin-3-glucoside, naringenin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, and quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucoside.…”

“…It also has many phytochemicals like quercetin, catechins, tannins, pelargonidin 3,5-diglucoside, grewinol, naringin, cyanidin-3-glucoside, naringenin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, and quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucoside. 119,120 The fruit extract (methanolic extract at 700 mg kg −1 ) is reported to protect against radiation-induced sickness and mortality 121 and to provide hepatoprotective effects. 122 The extract also protected against radiation-induced learning and memory defects by mitigating histopathological changes in the cerebellum.…”

Phagocytosis, Degranulation and Extracellular Traps Release by Neutrophils—The Current Knowledge, Pharmacological Modulation and Future Prospects

“…stimulated ROS production and enhanced phagocytosis efficiency. These plants have documented antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties ( Abed et al, 2012 ; Akram et al, 2014 ; Mehmood et al, 2020 ).…”