A narrative review on the main chemical constituents and bioactivity of Camellia nitidissima Chi

Abstract

Camellia nitidissima Chi have boomed. Various components in Camellia nitidissima Chi have been identified and some of its health-beneficial functions have been demonstrated. The review aims to supply an overview of the main chemical components and health-beneficial functions of Camellia nitidissima Chi. Methods: The references in this review are mainly collected from published books and the scientific literature databases including Web of science, PubMed, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, with a timeframe from January 1986 to March 2022, containing English and Chinese references. Key Content and Findings: Chemical analysis reveals that Camellia nitidissima Chi contains a variety of chemical constituents, including phenolic compounds, saponins, polysaccharides, and other substances. Phenolic compounds, particularly flavonoids, are the most well-studied components in Camellia nitidissima Chi. Many of them are bioactive and contribute to the health-beneficial functions of Camellia nitidissima Chi. Plenty of studies confirm that Camellia nitidissima Chi have effects on antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-hyperglycemia, anti-hyperlipidemia, anti-allergy, and anti-depression. Part of the underlying mechanisms are unveiled. Conclusions: Based on current research progress, Camellia nitidissima Chi has the potential to be applied in dietary supplements and even medications. More studies are needed to further figure out its working mechanisms and assess its effectiveness in humans. leaves. The content and composition of free amino acids in C . nitidissima flowers are not quite the same as that in C . nitidissima leaves. Huang et al. (46) revealed that 17 types of amino acids were observed in C . nitidissima flowers. The content of free amino acids in C . nitidissima flowers ranged from was 4.32% to 5.46%, reaching the top at the fish-mouth stage. Essential amino acids accounted for 38% of total free amino acids in C . nitidissima flowers.