Nutrition, phytochemical compounds and biological activities of longan (Dimocarpus longan L.) fruit: A review

• Main Authors: Van, Chi Khang, Hoang, Quang Binh, Nguyen, Thanh Viet
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: Amino acids; Anticancer properties; Biological activity; Biosynthesis; Carbohydrates; Flavonoids; Global marketing; Longan; Phenols; Physiochemistry; Polyphenols; Proteins; Tyrosinase; Vitamins
• ISSN: 0094-243X; 1551-7616
• DOI: 10.1063/5.0171409

Longan (Dimocarpus longan L.) is a famous Asian fruit with several health advantages. Longan fruit has recently become popular all over the world due to its unique flavor that has captivated the global market. The fruit contains a high content of calories, water, protein, fat, carbohydrate, fiber and vitamins (e.g. vitamin C, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and vitamin B3), all of which are essential for human health promotion and illness prevention. The amino acids in longan fruit play a role in building proteins, participating in processes such as neurotransmitter transport and biosynthesis. Polyphenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids are among the physiochemical components in longan that contribute to various fruit’s biological activity. The pericarp, pulp, and seed of the longan fruit are high in phenolic compounds, which exhibit potential antioxidant properties. Other activities such as anticancer, anti-tyrosinase, anti-glycated, immunomodulatory, anti-osteoporotic, and prebiotic activity have been shown to benefit humans, suggesting extensive cunsumption of longan throughout the world. The biological activities need to be studied in depth to assess the impact on health. The protective effect of plant-based diets on cardiovascular disease and cancer is the driving force behind studies on the health utility of bioactives.