Morphological, biochemical and molecular diversity of dragon fruits in India and their therapeutic applications: A comprehensive review

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Abstract

Dragon fruit has recently drawn considerable attention among the Indian growers due to its high antioxidant potential, vitamins, dietary fibers, minerals content, and great health benefits (e.g., lowering of cholesterol level, improving digestion, preventing skin infections, and boosting immune function).The aim of this review is to explore the systematic and insightful knowledge about the morphological, biochemical, and molecular diversity of dragon fruits; phytochemistry; and their therapeutic applications against oxidative stress-induced diseases. Dragon fruit extract contains various bioactive compounds, including quercetin, kaempferol, gallic acid, p-coumaric acid, carotenoids, anthocyanins, cyanidin-3-glucoside, and betalains, which are associated with various pharmacological properties (e.g., antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and anti-diabetic). Dragon fruit demonstrated a high anti-inflammatory property because it consists of betalains that play a significant role in the inhibition of the transcription factor NF-kB, which reduces the expression of inflammatory genes, such as TNF-α and IL-1β), while the roots of dragon fruit help in regulation of renal problems and blood glucose level. Certain saponins, such as oleanolic acid, betulinic acid, and lupane, also help in the prevention of chronic kidney diseases. This review discusses various bioactive compounds of dragon fruit that can be used in various herbal health care medicines and as cosmetics ingredients; however, examining the range of natural components in this fruit is crucial for better understanding its possible health advantages and the potential economic boost it could provide.

Keywords

anticancer / antimicrobial / carotenoids / dragon fruit / betalains / health care medicines

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