Chrysobalanus icaco L.: source of phytochemicals with bioactive potential against metabolic syndrome in México.

The change in the Mexican population's lifestyle and diet has led to a significant development of chronic degenerative diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome (MetS), which generate a serious public health problem. Moreover, considering recent evidence, these comorbidities are also pivotal factors in the progression and prognosis of respiratory diseases. The development of new treatments and the search for compounds from profitable sources such as plants can mitigate the problem. Chrysobalanus icaco is a plant used around the world, highlighting it's medicinal and food uses. Different secondary metabolites have been isolated and identified from fruits, leaves, roots, seeds, and stems of C. icaco. Most studies have focused on phenolic compounds, terpenoids, and alkaloids, as well as their functional properties. This review aimed to describe the phytochemical content and hypoglycemic, antiobesogenic, and anti-inflammatory potential of C. icaco, a fruit consumed for medicinal and nutritional purposes in southern Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]