Abstract

SYNSEPALEUM DULCIFICUM (MIRACLE FRUIT) ETHNOBOTANY, PHYTOCHEMISTRY, TASTE MODIFYING MECHANISM, AND THERAPEUTIC APPLICATION

Arivilkumar P.*, Pravinkumar S., Balamurugan B., Karthikeyan M., Vignesh C.

ABSTRACT

Miracle fruit, or Synsepalum dulcificum, is a tropical plant from West Africa that is noted for its unique ability to alter taste. This is mainly because it contains a glycoprotein called miraculin. When acidic foods or beverages are present, this protein's unique ability to interact with sweet taste receptors on the tongue triggers a sweet taste response, even without the presence of actual sugars. Particularly in the domains of therapeutic nutrition, functional foods, and nutraceuticals, this unique process has garnered significant attention from both the scientific and commercial communities. Indigenous people have long used miracle fruit as a natural sweetener and flavour enhancer, and its potential as a remedy for various ailments has sparked interest in the fruit. Since miraculin offers a sugar alternative that is calorie-free and may help regulate blood sugar levels, recent research highlights itspotential to aid in the management of diabetes. Its potential for weight loss and obesity prevention is also being studied since it satisfies sweet cravings without adding calories. Furthermore, Synsepalum dulcificum has demonstrated promise in the treatment of dysgeusia, or altered taste, particularly in chemotherapy-treated cancer patients. This could enhance their nutritional status and help them regain their appetite. In addition to its taste-altering properties, the fruit is a fantastic source of antioxidants and bioactive phytochemicals that have been demonstrated to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and health-promoting properties. These traits suggest that miracle fruit serves a wider range of purposes, including enhancing immune response, preserving metabolic health, and supporting overall well-being. This review thoroughly examines the phytochemical composition, mechanism of miraculin, ethnobotanical relevance, and medical uses of miracle fruit. It also looks at current scientific advancements, identifies knowledge gaps, and discusses how S. dulcificum might be incorporated into mainstream medicine, public health campaigns, and the future global nutraceutical market. Including these functional compounds derived from plants could offer creative solutions to dietary and health issues in the modern world.

Keywords: Synsepalum dulcificum, miracle fruit, miraculin, taste modification, glycoprotein, functional foods, nutraceuticals, antioxidants, antidiabetic, anti-obesity, dysgeusia, chemotherapy support, ethnobotany, natural sweetener, bioactive phytochemicals.