A comprehensive assessment of the nutritional, phytochemical, volatile components and utilization of Himalayan bayberry as a potential ethnic fruit crop

Abstract Myrica esculenta is also known as Kaiphal or Box Myrtle, widely grown in China, Japan, Taiwan, South Africa, Australia, North America, Nepal, Ethiopia, Brazil, and India. The fruit is known to contain high contents of diverse classes of phytochemical compounds including tannins, sugars, and vitamin C, flavonoids, phenolic acids, triterpenoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and essential oils, which are applied to treat various human and livestock health ailments. Among all, the principal compounds present in the fruits are hydroxybenzoic acid, gallic acid, p-coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid and myricetin. However, high moisture content and delicate texture limits its shelf life to 3 days at 20–22 °C and 7–10 days at refrigerated temperature. This review paper presents a preview of the various prospective solutions available for shelf life extension and consumption of this fruits and its by-products. The review also highlights its strong pharmacological activities including antimicrobial, chemo preventive, hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-allergic, antidiarrheal, anticancer, anti-asthma, and antifungal properties. Various parts of M. esculenta has been studied for their potential use in ayurvedic medicines owning to their nutritious and therapeutic properties. The outer bark of the plant and its flowers possess carminative, disinfectant and astringent properties. Its utilization in the treatment of cough, ulcers, inflammation, piles, acute diarrhoea, opthalamia, cancerous tumours and asthma has also been addressed multiple times in the literature. Food processing technologies, such as freezing, drying, juicing, utilization for wine and vinegar have been largely employed to extend its utilization in daily meals. Extraction of its bioactives and essential oil altogether extends its application in the pharmaceutical sector. However, more intensive biological research or clinical interventions are required to examine the potential health benefits of M. esculenta plant and its various products so as to ensure its availability to the future generations.