Abstract

NUTRACEUTICAL AND HEALTH-PROMOTING EFFECTS OF GREWIA ASIATICA L., AN EDIBLE FRUIT PLANT

Abhishek Raj* and Dr. Amit Sharma

ABSTRACT

Grewia asiatica L., also known as Phalsa is a species native to tropical Asia: India, Nepal, Thailand, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Cambodia, China, Laos, Vietnam and also many other countries. It is widely cultivated for its edible fruit and also for nutraceutical applications as a medicinal plant. The composition per 100 g of the fruit pulp is water (80.8 g), protein (1.3 g), fat (0.9 g), carbohydrates (14.7 g), fiber (1.2 g) and minerals like calcium, phosphorus and iron (1.1 g). The fruit and seed of Grewia contains 18 amino acids. Among 18 amino acids, the main amino acids which are present abundantly are aspartic acid, glutamic acid and leucine. The fruit also contains high number of vitamins A and C. The plant also contain various bioactive compounds like anthocyanins, tannins, phenolics and flavonoids. The plant has many pharmacological properties such as antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anticancer, antioxidant, antidiabetic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antiemetic, radioprotective, hepatoprotective, antihyperlipidemic, immunomodulatory, sedative, hypnotic and nootropic properties. Therefore, recently Grewia has gained scientific attention and some of the Pharma and Nutraceutical companies are using the extract of Grewia to develop new products which are safe, cost-effective and readily available.

Keywords: Grewia asiatica, Phalsa, Sherbet Berries, Nutraceutical, Diabetes, Health, edible fruit, Phytochemicals, Cancer, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial.