Garcinia subellipticaMerr. (Fukugi): A multipurpose coastal tree with promising medicinal properties.
In this short review, the current knowledge on the botany, ecology, uses, and medicinal properties of the multipurposeGarcinia subelliptica(Fukugi) is updated. As yet, there are no reviews on this indigenous and heritage coastal tree species of the Ryukyu Islands in Japan, which has ethnocultural, ecological, and pharmacological significance. Planted by the Okinawan people some 300 years ago, Fukugi trees serve as windbreaks and accord protection against the destructive typhoons. The species has become a popular ornamental tree, and its bark has been used for dyeing fabrics. It forms part of the food chain for mammals and insects and serves as nesting sites for birds. Endowed with bioactive compounds of benzophenones, xanthones, biflavonoids, and triterpenoids,G. subellipticapossesses anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-tyrosinase, trypanocidal, antibacterial, DNA topoisomerase inhibitory, DNA strand scission, choline acetyltransferase enhancing, hypoxia-inducible factor-1 inhibitory, and antiandrogenic activities. Fukugetin and fukugiside are two novel biflavonoids named after the species. The chemical constituents of Fukugi fruits when compared with those of mangosteen yielded interesting contrasts.
Centre for Environmental Biology and Ecosystem Studies, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan.
Tomomi
T
Inoue
International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems (ISME), Okinawa, Japan.
Mami
M
Kainuma
International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems (ISME), Okinawa, Japan.
Karin
K
Baba
International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems (ISME), Okinawa, Japan.
Nozomi
N
Oshiro
International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems (ISME), Okinawa, Japan.
Norimi
N
Kimura
Department of Food Science with Nutrition, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Eric Wei Chiang
EW
Chan
Anticancer; Fukugi; Garcinia subelliptica; anti-inflammatory; chemical constituents