title: Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) fruit: hidden phytochemicals and health claims.
abstract: Currently, nutrition and health linkages focused on emerging strategy of diet based regimen to combat various physiological threats including cardiovascular disorders, oxidative stress, diabetes mellitus, etc. In this context, consumption of fruits and vegetables is gaining considerable importance as safeguard to maintain human health. Likewise, their phytochemicals and bioactive molecules are also becoming popular as promising demulcent against various ailments. The current review is an effort to sum up information regarding persimmon fruit with special reference to its phytochemistry and associated health claims. Accordingly, the role of its certain bioactive molecules like proanthocyanidin, carotenoids, tannins, ﬂavonoids, anthocyanidin, catechin, etc. is highlighted. Owing to rich phytochemistry, persimmon and its products are considered effective in mitigating oxidative damage induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS). The antioxidant potential is too responsible for anti-malignant and anti-melanogenic perspectives of persimmon functional ingredients. Additionally, they are effectual in soothing lifestyle related disparities e.g. cardiovascular disorders and diabetes mellitus. There are proven facts that pharmacological application of persimmon or its functional ingredients like proanthocyanidin may helps against hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia. Nevertheless, astringent taste and diospyrobezoars formation are creating lacuna to prop up its vitality. In toto, persimmon and its components hold potential as one of effective modules in diet based therapy; however, integrated research and meta-analysis are still required to enhance meticulousness.
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Food Science & and Technology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Masood Sadiq
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Butt
authors.affiliation: Department of Food Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan.
authors.forename: M Tauseef
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Sultan
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Food Science & and Technology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Mahwish
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Aziz
authors.affiliation: Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Ambreen
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Naz
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Food Science & and Technology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Waqas
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Ahmed
authors.affiliation: Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Naresh
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir Muzaffarabad, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Muhammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Imran
keywords: astringency; cardiovascular disorders; diabetes mellitus; oxidative stress; persimmon; phytochemicals; tannins