An alternative perspective of an underutilized fruit tree Choerospondias axillaris in health promotion and disease prevention: A review

Many underutilized fruit plants are still obscure, in spite of possessing high medicinal and nutritional properties. Here, we reviewed one of the underutilized fruits tree (Choerospondias axillaris) and explored its occurrence, distribution, nutritional properties, phytochemicals, and medicinal value, along with associated challenges and prospects. Literature mining using scientific and common name of this plant species, yielded 77 articles, indicating limited availability of information. Various parts of the species including fruits, seeds and bark have the potential to be used in different daily needs and therapeutic activities. The core problem to underutilized fruit tree sustainability includes indiscrimination, lesser accessibility and acceptability, insufficient information on their growth and cultivation. The challenges for the production and marketing of C. axillaris fruits along with the opportunities of having a high source of income and health benefits from these plants have been discussed. A scheme for the enhancement of utility of this underutilized fruit plants has been suggested in this review. A collective effort of botanists, food scientists, government and international shareholders are needed for promoting its domestication and commercialization. C. axillaris fruits have been found to be a very promising resource in the areas of food and health industries, and possess great opportunity to flourish in the international market. [Display omitted] •Choerospondias axillaris (Roxb.) B.L. Burtt. & A.W. Hill commonly known as Lapsi/Lupsi is an edible underutilized fruit.•Botanical description, chemical composition, nutritional analysis and phytochemicals of C. axillaris have been discussed.•Biological and therapeutic applications of C. axillaris have been mentioned.•Usage of various parts of the tree in daily needs which can provide economic benefits for the local has been discussed.•Challenges and opportunities of C. axillaris for enhancing their utilization, and commercialization have been discussed.