Seashore mangosteen in Malaysia as an underutilized coastal fruit species with phytochemical value and market potential

Seashore mangosteen ( Garcinia hombroniana ) is an underutilized coastal fruit species in Malaysia with ecological, ethnobotanical, and pharmacological potential, yet its scientific and commercial value remains insufficiently synthesized. This review aims to critically examine its taxonomy, botanical traits, phytochemical evidence, traditional uses, utilization prospects, and research gaps in Malaysia. A qualitative narrative review was conducted using peer-reviewed journal articles, books, monographs, biodiversity portals, and authoritative botanical references related to Garcinia taxonomy, ecology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, propagation, and market potential. The review shows that Malaysia hosts 49 Garcinia species, including G. hombroniana , which is adapted to coastal habitats and tolerates sandy, saline, acidic, drought-prone, and high-rainfall conditions. Morphologically, its leaves measure approximately 8.5–13 cm × 5–7 cm, while its fruits are 2.5–5 cm in diameter and may contain 1–12 seeds. Phytochemical evidence identifies xanthones, benzophenones, triterpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolics, with leaf essential oils containing α-copaene (61.25%), germacrene D (6.72%), and β-caryophyllene (5.85%). Reported bioactivities include antioxidant, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, antiplasmodial, anti-neuraminidase, and cytotoxic effects, while acute toxicity evidence suggests low toxicity with LD 50 > 5000 mg/kg. However, major constraints include seed recalcitrance, slow growth, dioecy, limited nutritional data, weak market evidence, and poor commercialization pathways. The novelty of this review lies in integrating taxonomic clarification, phytochemical evidence, ecological resilience, traditional knowledge, and market gaps to reposition G. hombroniana as a promising but under-researched species for sustainable utilization, functional product development, and climate-resilient coastal agroforestry in Malaysia.