Therapeutic Potential and Bioactive Compounds of Prunus mume: A Comprehensive Review of Pharmacological Benefits and Future Directions

Abstract

Prunus mume, a nutritious fruit and traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used in clinical applications and health foods for centuries. Recent studies have highlighted its diverse pharmacological properties, prompting a systematic review of its bioactive components and therapeutic potential. This review synthesizes evidence from PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect (1999–2024) to characterize the bioactive matrix of Prunus mume, including phenolic compounds, organic acids, triterpenoids, and the thermally derived compound mumefural. Key findings reveal that Prunus mume exhibits anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antioxidant, metabolic regulatory, cardiovascular protective, hepatoprotective, gastrointestinal protective, and cognitive-enhancing effects, with mechanisms elucidated through in vivo and in vitro studies. Notably, mumefural demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory and neurocognitive benefits, while triterpenoids show promising anticancer activity. Unlike previous reviews, this study emphasizes the underexplored potential of mumefural and identifies critical research gaps, such as its low oral bioavailability and the need for clinical validation. These insights underscore the potential of Prunus mume–derived compounds, particularly mumefural, for developing innovative pharmaceuticals and functional health products.