Bioactive phytochemicals, pharmacological, and therapeutic potential of Dillenia indica: A comprehensive review of current research
Nahar L. Habibi E. Khuniad C. Kalieva K. Wang D. Arabnozari H. Chaiwut P. Sangthong S. Theansungnoen T. Nath R. Talukdar A.D. Sarker S.D.
October 2025Elsevier B.V.
Chinese Herbal Medicines
2025#17Issue 4628 - 642 pp.
Dillenia indica, commonly known as “elephant apple”, is a tropical fruit-bearing tree with a rich history of medicinal use in traditional medicine across Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. This review comprehensively examines current research on the pharmacological properties of D. indica, focusing on its diverse bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and triterpenoids, which underpin its key biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic, and hepatoprotective properties. Flavonoids and tannins exhibit potent antioxidant activity, effectively scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress; a mechanism implicated in metabolic disorders, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, the plant demonstrates considerable anti-inflammatory effects by modulating key inflammatory pathways, including the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Saponins and triterpenoids enhance its antimicrobial activity, supporting traditional uses for treating infections. Preclinical studies indicate that D. indica extracts can inhibit cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in various cancer types, including breast, colorectal, and liver cancers. Furthermore, specific formulations may improve the bioavailability and targeted delivery of active constituents, thereby increasing therapeutic efficacy. Despite the promising findings in vitro and in vivo, there is a notable lack of well-designed clinical trials to validate these effects in humans. The plant is generally considered safe when consumed at recommended doses. However, excessive intake may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort and, in rare cases, hepatotoxicity. This review describes the therapeutic potential of D. indica as a natural agent while emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive clinical trials, particularly those investigating pharmacodynamics profiles, to confirm its efficacy and safety.
anticancer activity , antioxidant potential , bioactive phytochemicals , Dillenia indicaL. , pharmacological properties , preclinical and clinical studies
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Laboratory of Growth Regulators, Palacký University and Institute of Experimental Botany, the Czech Academy of Sciences, Šlechtitelů 27, Olomouc, 77900, Czech Republic
Medicinal Plants Research Centre, Institute of Herbal Medicines and Metabolic Disorders, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, 48175-866, Iraq
Centre for Natural Products Discovery, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, L3 3AF, United Kingdom
Department of Thai Traditional Medicine, Faculty of Health and Sports Science, Thaksin University, Phatthalung, 93210, Thailand
Deapartment of Chemistry & Mathematics, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
International Joint Laboratory of Medicinal Food Development and Health Products Creation, Biological Engineering Technology Innovation Center of Shandong Province, Heze Branch of Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Heze, 274015, China
School of Cosmetic Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai, 57100, Thailand
Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, School of Natural Sciences, Techno India University, Agartala, 799004, India
Department of Life Science and Bioinformatics, Assam University, Assam, 788011, India
Laboratory of Growth Regulators
Medicinal Plants Research Centre
Centre for Natural Products Discovery
Department of Thai Traditional Medicine
Deapartment of Chemistry & Mathematics
International Joint Laboratory of Medicinal Food Development and Health Products Creation
School of Cosmetic Science
Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology
Department of Life Science and Bioinformatics
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