Nutritional and therapeutic potentials of rambutan fruit (Nephelium lappaceum L.) and the by-products: a review

The progressive development of functional foods and herbal medicine has enthused many researchers to explore novel plant sources. In this regard, the rambutan fruit (Nephelium lappaceum L.) appears to be a promising candidate primarily due to its nutritional and bioactive compositions. With that, this particular review presents a systematic depiction of chemical composition and bioactivities of the rambutan fruit peel, pulp, and seed. Numerous reports do not provide sufficient data pertaining to cultivar, stage of maturity or the environment of fruit, yet the summarized data suggest a myriad of therapeutic potentials derived from the rambutan fruit. In fact, the rambutan fruit has been proven to possess phytochemicals that demonstrate anticancer, anti-allergic, anti-obesity, antidiabetic, anti-HIV, antimicrobial, anti-dengue, anti-hypercholesterolemic, and antihyperglycemic effects in varied in-vitro and in-vivo models. Nonetheless, advance studies are indispensable to further highlight the therapeutic mechanisms involved. In addition, a phytochemical analysis would further establish the rambutan fruit as a sustainable candidate in developing functional foods and pharmaceuticals.