A systematic review on traditional use, phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of Manilkara zapota

Introduction

Manilkara zapota, commonly referred to as Sapodilla, Chikoo, or Sapota, is a well-known member of the Sapotaceae family and is used for traditional medicinal purposes all over the world. It is a prominent commercial crop cultivated extensively in Indonesia, India, Malaysia, as well as Sri Lanka. Numerous phytochemicals have been extracted from different portions of the plant, and various parts of the tree have historically been employed to cure illnesses like dysentery, fever, and diarrhoea. This paper provides a summary of the botanical, taxonomical, pharmacological, and phytochemical components of Manilkara zapota. This article also discusses the bioactivities of the plant, such as its antimicrobial activity, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal, anthelmintic, anticancer, and antiarthritis properties.

Method

We used electronic databases like ScienceDirect, PubMed, SpringerLink, Google Scholar, and Scopus to perform a comprehensive literature investigation in order to collect enough relevant and sufficient records for our review paper. Only scholarly works that were released between 2000 and 2024 are taken into account.

Results

The medicinal potential of Manilkara zapota is vast, encompassing a wide range of pharmacological activities such as anticancer, antidiabetic, antidiarrheal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anthelminthic, analgesic, and antiaging effects. Approximately 21 compounds have been identified and isolated from various parts of the plant, exhibiting significant pharmacological activities. However, to fully unlock and understand the therapeutic capabilities of Manilkara zapota and its isolated chemical constituents, further in vivo pharmacological and toxicological studies are necessary.

Conclusion

These studies will not only deepen our understanding of the plant's medicinal properties but also pave the way for its broader and more effective application in clinical settings. Thus, continued exploration and investigation are essential for realizing the full potential of Manilkara zapota in medical practice.