Tropical Almond Tree (Terminalia catappa L.): A Comprehensive Review of the Phytochemical Composition, Bioactivities and Economic Potential

Tropical almond tree (<i>Terminalia catappa</i> L.), belonging to the Combretaceae family, is an unfurling tree with different edible parts. This review discussed the nutritional content, ethnopharmacological applications, main bioactive components, biological effects and economic potential of <i>T. catappa</i>. <i>T. catappa</i> shows essential applications in medicine, cosmetics and pharmaceutics. The nutritional values of <i>T. catappa</i> are associated with its contents of carbohydrates, minerals, proteins, lipids, vitamins and amino acids. It is used in many ethnopharmacological applications, including a heart stimulator, anti-diarrhoeal, bactericidal, anti-parasitic and anti-stress. <i>T. catappa</i> is used to treat angina pectoris, asthma attacks and bronchitis. The main reported biological activities for <i>T. catappa</i> were antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-atherosclerosis, antitumor, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, antimalaria, hepatoprotective, insecticidal, anti-inflammatory and antihyperlipidemic activities. The main bioactive components reported in <i>T. catappa</i> encompassed phenolic compounds, alkaloids, diterpenes, fatty acids, galloyl glucose and derivatives, steroids and coumarins. <i>T. catappa</i> shows great economic opportunities which need to be expanded and diversified, taking into account its sustainability.