Caco: from traditional knowledge to the scientific validation of its bioactive secondary metabolites
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59741/agraria.v23i3.779Keywords:
Chrysobalanus icaco, Secondary metabolites, Traditional herbal medicine, Antioxidants, Biological activity, Free radicalsAbstract
Chrysobalanus icaco L. (caco) is a tropical shrub from southeastern Mexico, whose pulp is consumed in preserves and refreshing drinks, while its leaves, roots, and seeds are used in traditional herbal medicine (THM) to promote human health and reduce the risk of chronic-degenerative diseases. Despite its ethnobiological value, the species has received little scientific attention in the country. In this context, a systematic review of the available and published academic literature on this species was carried out to analyze and describe the bioactive properties of the different parts of the plant and support its ethnopharmacological uses by scientific data. The methodology consisted of making use of scientific search engines (Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, etc.), using keywords such as biological activities and preclinical studies, in vitro techniques, and in vivo models of Chrysobalanus icaco L. and its secondary metabolites, for the collection and synthesis of scientific evidence. Results showed that literature describe that, even though the limited available, previous research describe how different parts of caco plant species contain a wide range of secondary metabolites (polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, fatty acids, among others) responsible for diverse biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and anticancer, all related to a potential therapeutic effects. It is concluded that C. icaco not only has some validity regarding its effectiveness within THM, but it also stands out as a key functional fruit for food security in vulnerable communities, for promoting alternative crops in coastal areas, and for guiding technology transfer towards sustainable community development.
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