Salacca zalacca: A short review of the palm botany, pharmacological uses and phytochemistry
Mohammed S. M. Saleh1, Mohammad Jamshed Siddiqui1, Ahmed Mediani2, Nor Hadiani Ismail3, Qamar Uddin Ahmed1, Siti Zaiton Mat So'ad1, Salima Saidi-Besbes4
1 Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Indera Mahkota, Kuantan 25200, Pahang, Malaysia 2 Atta-ur-Rahman Institute for Natural Product Discovery, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia 3 Atta-ur-Rahman Institute for Natural Product Discovery, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Bandar Puncak Alam, Selangor; Faculty of Applied Science, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor D. E, Malaysia 4 Université Oran 1 Ahmed Ben Bella, Laboratoire de Synthèse Organique Appliquée, Département de chimie, Faculté des sciences exactes et appliquées, BP 1524 EL Mnaouer, 3’000 Oran, Algeria
Correspondence Address:
Mohammad Jamshed Siddiqui Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Kulliyyah of Pharmacy, International Islamic University Malaysia, Indera Mahkota, Kuantan 25200, Pahang Malaysia
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | 11 |
DOI: 10.4103/1995-7645.248321
|
Salacca zalacca (Gaertn.) Voss (family Arecaceae) is the snake fruit commonly known in Malay language as salak in Malaysia. This exotic fruit has diverse and potential pharmacological properties due to its high antioxidant content. It is often consumed due to its sweet taste. The abundant natural sugar and fibre along with minerals and vitamin makes it a nutritious fruit. Phytochemical investigation on this fruit has revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenolics, glycosides as well as some volatile and aromatic compounds, including gallic acid, quercetin, chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, proanthocyanidins, lycopene and β-carotene. Pharmacological studies on the fruit flesh and peel have shown some tremendous antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antidiabetic potential. This review provides the botanical information of Salacca zalacca as well as its scientific investigations involving the distinct pharmacological and phytochemical benefits. This could help in highlighting the lacking data and research gaps on this plant. |