Phytochemical components of rambutan (Nephelium Lappaceum)

The rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) is a tropical fruit and member of the Sapindaceae family closely related to the lychee and longan. The fruits are ovoid, with a red or yellow pericarp covered with soft spines that vary in coloring from green, yellow and red.

For the consumer, the fundamental attributes of fruit quality are its visual aspect (size, color, shine, shape, texture, firmness, absence of defects), aroma, and content of nutrients, vitamins and minerals, among others.

Eight phytochemical components were found in the fresh and dried pulp seed and rind of Nephelium lappaceum. There were saponin, alkaloids, tannins, phytates, oxalate, phenols and HCN, flavonoids a known phytochemical with antioxidant properties.

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. The active components contained in rambutan such as ellagic acid, corilagin and geraniin are responsible for those activities.
Phytochemical components of rambutan (Nephelium Lappaceum)