Byrsonima crassifolia: Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology – An Update

Abstract

Byrsonima crassifolia is a fruit‐bearing species widely distributed across tropical regions of the Americas with potential health applications. This review updates the knowledge base on its traditional uses, phytochemicals, and pharmacological activities to support future research. Native communities employ it as a key food and artisanal resource. As a medicinal plant, it has a history of treating diarrhea, diabetes, inflammation, and other conditions. Extracts and fractions, mainly from leaves and fruits, reveal numerous bioactive compounds, particularly non‐flavonoid polyphenols, flavonoids, and terpenoids. In vivo and in vitro evidence shows convergence between traditional medicine and a range of pharmacological activities, including antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and gastroprotective effects; other reports indicate antioxidant, neuromodulatory, photoprotective, chemopreventive, and antitumor properties. Various studies link these pharmacological findings to the antioxidant profile of polyphenols identified in the species. Additionally, individual terpenoids isolated from seeds show promising effects on infection, inflammation, and glycemic control. Collectively, these findings indicate that the use of B. crassifolia and its bioactive compounds has a scientific basis. However, future research must advance in extract standardization, chemical marker quantification, molecular mechanism exploration, toxicity testing, and clinical trials to validate its therapeutic potential.