A review on the chemical composition, biological activity, and potential health benefits applications of Longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.).
- 2025-08-20
- Food chemistry 493(Pt 4)
- Yan Hu
- Xiaoying Zhang
- Daotong Li
- Chen Ma
- Li Dong
- Yinghua Luo
- Xiaosong Hu
- Fang Chen
- PubMed: 40907437
- DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2025.145985
Study Design
- Type
- Review
Longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) is a tropical tree species known for its nutritional, economic, and medicinal benefits. Its fruit consists of pulp, peel, and seed, all rich in bioactive compounds with various health and pharmacological effects. The pulp, particularly in its dried form, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to boost immunity and treat ailments. Moreover, the peel and seed contain polyphenols and flavonoids, demonstrating antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, hypoglycemic, and antibacterial effects. These components also exhibit strong adsorption capacity, aiding in heavy metal and dye removal for environmental management. However, large amounts of peel and seeds are discarded, leading to resource waste and pollution. Despite their significant potential, a comprehensive review of the active compounds and health benefits of longan remains lacking. This review summarizes recent advancements in longan research, focusing on its botanical characteristics, medicinal history, chemical composition, and biological activities, while highlighting its potential applications in modern medicine.