A Comprehensive Review on Nutrition, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology and Food Application Perspectives of Bioactive Rich Superfruits

Abstract

The rising prevalence of oxidant and free radical induced cellular damage have intensified the search in assessing the health promoting properties present in the naturally available superfruit matrices. Coping this arena, superfruits are believed to have an upsurge in its characterization, derivatization, and application potential in the next generation functional foods, therapeutic, and pharmaceutical products. This review was formulated to critically evaluate the nutritional, phytochemical, and health benefits associated in the selected superfruits (strawberry, blackberry, plums, apricots, blueberry, kiwifruit, and cherries) grown in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions and the studies related to its bioavailability and food applications. A critical mining of the antioxidant behavior in superfruits has revealed the emphasis on regional diversity and enhanced expression of bioactive signatures thereby highlighting the comparative antioxidant profile in various free radical systems. The key gaps associated in the transition of lab scale research evidence to the in vivo-based evaluation and commercialization has been discussed with key interventions in enhancing stabilization and improving bioavailability. The compiled information and data sets serves the researchers and scientific community to apprehend the comprehensive knowledge domain of the respective superfruit and provides strategies on the development of scientifically validated superfruit-based functional foods with greater degree of bioavailability.