Phytochemicals and Biological Activity of Desert Date (Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile)

Abstract

Many underutilized tree species are good sources of food, fodder and possible therapeutic agents. Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile belongs to the Zygophyllaceae family and is popularly known as “desert date”, reflecting its edible fruits. This tree grows naturally in Africa, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. Local inhabitants use fruits, leaves, roots, stem and root bark of the species for the treatment of various ailments. Several research studies demonstrate that extracts and phytochemicals isolated from desert date display antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective and molluscicidal activities. Mesocarp of fruits, seeds, leaves, stem and root bark are rich sources of saponins. These tissues are also rich in phenolic acids, flavonoids, coumarins, alkaloids and polysterols. Some constituents show antioxidant, anticancer and antidiabetic properties. The objective of this review is to summarize studies on diverse bioactive compounds and the beneficial properties of B. aegyptiaca.

Uterine Contractile Activity and Abortifacient Effect of the Aqueous Extract of Euphorbia heterophylla L. Leaves in Albino Rats

“…Some of the compound classes detected in the plant extract, such as phenols, terpenoids, steroid, glucoside, and fatty acids have been reported to have smooth muscle contractile and cytotoxic properties that are connected to their uterine contractile and abortifacient properties (Gruber and O'Brien, 2011;Ijioma et al, 2020;Nie et al, 2021). Phenolic compounds particularly 2-methoxy-4vinyl phenol identified in the GC-MS analysis of E. heterophylla extract have been identified in various abortifacient plants such as Lawsonia inermis, Tephrosia falciformis, and Balanites aegyptiaca (Rajeswari and Rani, 2015;Vandana and Deora, 2020;Murthy et al, 2021). Exposure to phenolic compounds has been associated with spontaneous abortion (Chen et al, 2013).…”

Analysis of Free Sugars, Organic Acids, and Fatty Acids of Wood Apple (Limonia acidissima L.) Fruit Pulp

“…Underutilized fruits are considered as a vital source of essential amino acids, vitamins, mineral elements, and dietary fiber. In addition to these constituents, fruits are also rich in proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and reducing and non-reducing sugars [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Underutilized fruits are not only a primary source of food, but also have immense therapeutical potential due to the presence of bioactive compounds, including antioxidants such as unsaturated fats, organic acids, and sugars [1][2][3][4]7,8].…”

“…In addition to these constituents, fruits are also rich in proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and reducing and non-reducing sugars [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Underutilized fruits are not only a primary source of food, but also have immense therapeutical potential due to the presence of bioactive compounds, including antioxidants such as unsaturated fats, organic acids, and sugars [1][2][3][4]7,8]. Nutraceutical compounds, which are essential for the human diet and major constituents for the storage of energy and the structural and functional composition of cells, were achieved from oils and fats [9].…”

Antimicrobial activity and physicochemical properties of Balanites aegyptiaca seed oil

“…Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile is an underutilized fruit yielding tree native to Africa and distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, from Senegal in the west to Somali in the east and Jordan in the north to Zimbabwe in the south. B. aegyptiaca is also distributed in India, Myanmar, Iran, Jordan, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Yemen [1]. B. aegyptiaca is used in African and India as a folk medicine.…”