Pooja Taak, Bhupendra Koul
Abstract
Fruits plants are a reservoir of nutrients and natural drugs. At present, researchers recommend the consumption of fresh fruits to enhance immunity, mental health and physical health. Lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) is one of the admired genus of the soapberry family (Sapindaceae) which includes 150 genera and 2,000 species. It is one of the important commercial fruit crop with several pharmaceutical properties. The pericarp, pulp, seeds, fruits, flowers and leaves are a source of bioactive constituents such as procyanidin A2, procyanidin B2, leucocyanidin, isolariciresinol, stigmasterol, epicatechin, saponins, rutin etc. The aim of the present review is to summarize the pharmacological activities represented by the aforementioned bioactive ingredients. Meticulous pharmacological and phytochemical studies on lychee could yield reliable compounds of pharmacological significance for better healthcare.