Myrtaceae fruits: A comprehensive overview of phytochemicals, nutraceuticals, health benefits and applications

The Myrtaceae family comprises a diverse group of tropical and warm-temperate fruit species recognised for their rich phytochemical composition, nutraceutical value and wide range of therapeutic properties. This family includes several economically and medicinally important fruit crops, including guava (Psidium guajava L.), jamun (Syzygium cumini L. Skeels), Malay apple (Syzygium malaccense L. Merr. & L.M.Perry), Surinam cherry (Eugenia uniflora L.), jaboticaba (Plinia cauliflora Mart. Kausel), camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia Kunth McVaugh) and gabiroba (Campomanesia adamantium Cambess. O.Berg). The Myrtaceae family, commonly known as the myrtle family, comprises a diverse group of tropical and warm-temperate plant species recognised for their phytochemical properties and potential health benefits. Despite significant scientific interest in these fruits, information on their phytochemical compounds, nutritional value, traditional uses, pharmaceutical functions and value-added applications remains limited. This review aims to address this gap by emphasising the therapeutic value and nutraceutical potential of selected Myrtaceae fruits. The review focuses on the bioactive components, nutritional composition, traditional uses and medicinal attributes. Myrtaceae fruits contain significant amounts of polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, tannins, carotenoids, ellagic acid, quercetin and vitamin C, which contribute to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral and antidiabetic properties. Furthermore, these fruits provide essential vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre, thereby contributing to their role as functional foods and nutraceuticals. This paper also discusses the development of various value-added products, such as juices, jams, jellies, wines, functional beverages and nutraceutical supplements, which enhance their economic and commercial significance. Future research should focus on the sustainable utilisation of these fruits, the characterisation of their bioactive compounds and the development of novel nutraceutical products to expand their applications of these Myrtaceae fruits in healthcare, the food industry and the pharmaceutical sector.