October 28, 2025 | Bioresources and Environment |
Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Pahang, Malaysia, conducted a preliminary review on rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.), examining its morphology, phytochemical profile, and biological activity. Rambutan is an important tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia and is increasingly recognized for its nutritional value and potential medicinal applications. Despite its agricultural relevance, comprehensive and consistent scientific documentation of its taxonomy and morphology remains limited.
The authors systematically reviewed existing literature from books and major scientific databases, applying defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The review summarizes key morphological features of rambutan leaves, flowers, and fruits, noting considerable variation across reported studies. These inconsistencies highlight ongoing taxonomic challenges, likely stemming from overlapping physical traits and the scarcity of molecular phylogenetic research.
In addition, the study compiles available data on the phytochemical profile of rambutan, which includes compounds associated with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the authors emphasize that much of the existing evidence is based on in vitro work, with few standardized methods or in vivo validations.
Overall, this preliminary synthesis offers a foundational overview of N. lappaceum and identifies clear gaps that warrant further detailed research in taxonomy, morphology, and pharmacological evaluation.
