Bioactive compounds, pharmacological activity and food application of Biancaea sappan (Indian red wood): A critical review

Abstract Sappanwood is a resourceful, flowering tree belongs to the family Leguminosae with its origin mainly reported from Southeast Asia. It has been used for ages to cure human ailments including heart diseases, jaundice, respiratory problems, coughs, wounds, and allergies. The different parts of sappanwood including wood, heartwood, seeds, leaves, and bark are reported with bioactive constituents, which deliver essential assistance to the human body. Beyond contribution to health status, they also have encouraging benefits for food industries. The brazilin extracted from the heartwood part of sappanwood has been used as a food preservative and as an ingredient for functional foods. The studies prescribed in the given manuscript defined the role of sappanwood and its parts (wood, bark, seeds, leaves, and heartwood) in nutritional, food, and pharmacological area. Recent studies have shown several promising activities, particularly relaxant, digestive, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, anticancer, and antagonistic effects. The popularity of sappanwood because of its medicinal and industrial importance specifies comprehensive references for its nutritional benefits. The existent work stated the recent research conveyed till date for valuation of nutritional eminence, phytochemicals constituents, industrial applications, and pharmacological significance of sappanwood.