Nutritional and therapeutic potential of underutilised fruits from Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka provides a home for a significant number of fruit species, and yet most of them are underutilised due to a lack of awareness regarding their therapeutic potential. Different plant parts from these fruits have been used for centuries to cure various diseases in traditional medicine, as fodder and to overcome hunger. Despite having remarkable health benefits and being resistant to extreme environmental conditions, these fruits are still confined to home gardens and forests, while some commercially cultivated major fruits remain dominant in the market. Hence, gathering information on the nutritional and health benefits of these fruit species will enhance people’s awareness, ensure food security through value-added food product development, facilitate livelihoods for rural farmers and also establish long-term sustainability. The main objective of this review is to highlight the phytochemical potential of some underutilised fruit varieties in Sri Lanka while exploring their health-promoting aspects, including antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective properties. Many research studies have been conducted on commonly available major fruits. However, there is a notable gap in research that explores pharmacological aspects of these fruits. Further research is warranted in developing methods for sustainable harvesting and postharvest practices for underutilised fruits from Sri Lanka. Characterisation of health benefits associated with underutilised fruits will help to develop awareness about their potential and possibly foster commercial interest. Developing nutraceuticals or functional foods from these fruits will help us to focus on enhancing their sustainable production.