Ceratonia siliqua: Phytochemistry, Bioactivity, and Its Emerging Role as a Sustainable Food and Industrial Resource

Abstract

Ceratonia siliqua L. (C. siliqua), commonly known as the carob tree, is an evergreen species of the Fabaceae family native to the Mediterranean basin and increasingly cultivated worldwide. Traditionally valued as animal feed and a natural sweetener, it has recently gained recognition as a multifunctional plant resource with nutritional, pharmaceutical, and industrial relevance. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the botany, phytochemistry, nutritional profile, bioactivity, and traditional uses of C. siliqua, and discusses its economic and industrial significance. Emphasis is placed on its rich content of polyphenols, flavonoids, dietary fiber, proteins, and essential minerals, which have been associated with antioxidant, antidiabetic, antidiarrheal, antimicrobial, and cardiometabolic-related activities. Beyond its nutritional potential, carob is increasingly used in food processing, functional foods, and pharmaceutical formulations, with locust bean gum as a key industrial derivative. Despite its long history, recent advances highlight new applications and the need for systematic quality control, valorization of genetic resources, and sustainable exploitation strategies. Overall, this review provides an integrative perspective that bridges traditional knowledge with modern scientific findings, aiming to guide future research and support broader utilization of carob as a natural bioresource in health, nutrition, and industry.