January 07, 2025 | Nutrients |
Investigating the plant-based foods of Borneo, the world’s third-largest island shared by Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei, researchers from Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia, along with collaborators from Griffith University and Western Sydney University, Australia, conducted a comprehensive review. As a biodiversity hotspot, Borneo is home to approximately 15,000 flowering plants and 3,000 tree species, many of which are endemic to the region. The region’s plant-based foods are gaining attention due to their role in promoting food sustainability, environmental preservation, and potential health benefits.
Traditional knowledge from indigenous communities has long guided the use of local fruits, vegetables, and seaweeds for medicinal purposes. This review compiles and explores contemporary foods consumed in Borneo, highlighting their diverse phytochemical compositions and associated biological activities. These include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-proliferative, wound healing, and expectorant properties.
The findings suggest that Borneo’s unique tropical food groups have significant potential for development into functional foods, offering health benefits beyond basic nutrition. The review emphasizes the need for further research and development to harness these plant-based resources for wider applications, potentially contributing to sustainable food systems and enhanced global health outcomes.
