MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF ARECACEAE PLANTS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO CALAMUS ERECTUS: PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND PHARMACOLOGICAL INSIGHT
Main Article Content
Keywords
Arecaceae, Calamus erectus, Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemicals, Traditional Medicine
Abstract
Arecaceae family is an integral part of cultures and traditional practices across the world. India has around 225 species across 25 genera and they are known for various bioactivities. This mini review focuses at the medicinal potential of the palms with a special insight into the less explored Calamus erectus. In the north east India, the leaves and the nut of this plant are consumed as food or used in preparation of traditional medicines. Preliminary studies show that it has antioxidant, antidiabetic and anthelmintic properties. We have briefly discussed the phytochemical profiles of some wellknown species like Areca catechu (which has arecoline rich alkaloids that can be both stimulant and toxic), Cocos nucifera (which has medium chain fatty acids and phenolics known to fight germs and protect the liver) and Phoenix dactylifera (which has phenolics, carotenoids and metabolic benefits). The ethnobotanical information on Arecaceae available has noticeable gaps. No standard extraction techniques are followed for preparing extracts, there is a lack of ADMET and clinical validation. C erectus itself is very under studied. We have discussed a framework for an integrated and holistic approach needed for translational research to unlock the therapeutic potential and Arecaceae palms, especially C erectus, for the development of novel nutraceutical drugs.
References
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19. Peng, W., Liu, Y., Wu, N., Sun, T., He, X., Gao, Y., & Wu, C. (2015). Areca catechu L. (Arecaceae): A review of its traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 164, 340–356. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep. 2015.02.010
20. Raish, S. M. A., Almasri, R. S., & Bedir, A. S. (2025). Ancient Remedies, Modern Medicine: A Review of Antidiabetic, Cardioprotective, and Antimicrobial Activities of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera), Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Biology, 14(6), 695. https://doi.org/10.3390/ biology14060695
21. Rincón-Cervera, M. Á., Lahlou, A., Chileh-Chelh, T., Lyashenko, S., López-Ruiz, R., & Guil-Guerrero, J. L. (2023). Arecaceae seeds constitute a healthy source of fatty acids and phenolic compounds. Plants, 12(2), 226. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12020226
22. Salhi, S., Rahim, A., Chentouf, M., Harrak, H., Bister, J. L., Hamidallah, N., & Amiri, B. E. (2024). Reproductive Enhancement through Phytochemical Characteristics and Biological Activities of Date Palm Pollen: A Comprehensive Review on Potential Mechanism Pathways. Metabolites, 14(3), 166. https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo14030166
23. Sartinah, A., Nugrahani, I., Ibrahim, S., & Anggadiredja, K. (2022). Potential metabolites of Arecaceae family for the natural anti-osteoarthritis medicine: A review. Heliyon, 8(12), e12039. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12039
24. Sekhar, S., Ravinarayan, S. M., DYu, A. K., Kilic, F., Dhawan, R., Sidhu, R., Elazrag, S. E., Bijoora, M., & Mohammed, L. (2022). Are we nuts over coconuts? Studying the Effects of coconut oil on Low-Density lipoprotein and cardiovascular Diseases: a systematic review. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.24212
25. Silva, N. R. R. D. N., Cavalcante, R. B. M., & Da Silva, F. A. (2022). Nutritional properties of Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa) and health benefits. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 117, 105092. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfca.2022.105092
26. Sosnowska, J., & Balslev, H. (2009). American palm ethnomedicine: A meta-analysis. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-4269-5-43
27. Sultana, M., Das, S., Shahriar, M., Akhter, R., Mohamed, I. N., & Bhuiyan, M. A. (2022). In vitro Comparative Studies of the Leaf Extracts of Four Different Types of Calamus Species. Dhaka University Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 21(2), 173–181. https://doi.org/10.3329/dujps. v21i2.63118
28. Sun, H., Yu, W., Li, H., Hu, X., & Wang, X. (2024). Bioactive components of Areca nut: An overview of their positive impacts targeting different organs. Nutrients, 16(5), 695. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16050695
29. Teixeira, G. L., Ibañez, E., & Block, J. M. (2022). Emerging Lipids from Arecaceae Palm Fruits in Brazil. Molecules, 27(13), 4188. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27134188
30. Tow, W., Goh, A. P., Sundralingam, U., Palanisamy, U. D., & Sivasothy, Y. (2021). Flavonoid Composition and Pharmacological Properties of Elaeis guineensis Jacq. Leaf Extracts: A Systematic Review. Pharmaceuticals, 14(10), 961. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph14100961
31. Warnakulasuriya, S., & Chen, T. (2022). Areca Nut and Oral Cancer: Evidence from Studies Conducted in Humans. Journal of Dental Research, 101(10), 1139–1146. https://doi.org/10. 1177/00220345221092751
2. Barboza, N. L., Cruz, J. M. D. A., Corrêa, R. F., Lamarão, C. V., Lima, A. R., Inada, N. M., Sanches, E. A., De Araújo Bezerra, J., & Campelo, P. H. (2022). Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L. f.): An Amazonian fruit with potential health benefits. Food Research International, 159, 111654. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111654
3. Calamus erectus - Useful Tropical Plants. (n.d.). https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical. php?id=Calamus+erectus&utm_source=chatgpt.com
4. De Lacerda Coriolano, D., Alves, M. H. M. E., & Cavalcanti, I. M. F. (2021). Biological Potential of Products Obtained from Palm Trees of the Genus Syagrus. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2021, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/5580126
5. De Souza Aquino, J., Batista, K. S., Araujo-Silva, G., Santos, D. C. D., De Brito, N. J. N., López, J. A., Da Silva, J. A., Almeida, M. D. G., Pincheira, C. G., Magnani, M., De Pontes Pessoa, D. C. N., & Stamford, T. L. M. (2023). Antioxidant and Lipid-Lowering Effects of Buriti Oil (Mauritia flexuosa L.) Administered to Iron-Overloaded Rats. Molecules, 28(6), 2585. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28062585
6. Devi, M., & Ghatani, K. (2022). The use of coconut in rituals and food preparations in India: a review. Journal of Ethnic Foods, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42779-022-00150-7
7. Dubey, S. (2022). A REVIEW: TRADITIONALLY USED MEDICINAL PLANTS OF FAMILY ARECACEAE WITH PHYTOCONSTITUENTS AND THERAPEUTIC APPLICATIONS. International Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Allied Sciences, 11(12). https://doi.org/10.31032/ijbpas/2022/11.12.6655
8. Elsayed Hamed, A. N., PhD, Fouad, M. A., Kamel, M. S., & Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, 61519 Minia, Egypt. (2022). Chemical and biological review on various classes of secondary metabolites and biological activities of Arecaceae (2021-2006). In Journal of Advanced Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (Vol. 5, pp. 113–150). https://jabps.journals.ekb.eg/article_249402_6b760b80065bf9eec88a49a19c4809ac.pdf
9. Freire, J. a. P., Barros, K. B. N. T., Lima, L. K. F., Martins, J. M., De Carvalho Araújo, Y., Da Silva Oliveira, G. L., De Souza Aquino, J., & Ferreira, P. M. P. (2016). Phytochemistry Profile, Nutritional Properties and Pharmacological Activities of Mauritia flexuosa. Journal of Food Science, 81(11). https://doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.13529
10. Gruca, M., Van Andel, T. R., & Balslev, H. (2014). Ritual uses of palms in traditional medicine in sub-Saharan Africa: a review. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-4269-10-60
11. Hamed, F. M., Elsayed, H. E., Mady, M. S., Ali, M. E., Ahmed, A. A., Elgayed, S. H., Abouelenein, D., Caprioli, G., Mansour, Y. E., Mustafa, A. M., El-Sayed, E. K., & Moharram, F. A. (2025). Polyphenolic profile, hepatoprotective evaluation, and molecular docking study of three palm tree species (Family Arecaceae). Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal, 33(4). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44446-025-00017-3
12. Huang, G., Zeng, D., Liang, T., Liu, Y., Cui, F., Zhao, H., & Lu, W. (2024). Recent advance on biological activity and toxicity of arecoline in edible Areca (Betel) nut: a review. Foods, 13(23), 3825. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13233825
13. Lima, E., Sousa, C., Meneses, L., Ximenes, N., Júnior, M. S., Vasconcelos, G., Lima, N., Patrocínio, M., Macedo, D., & Vasconcelos, S. (2015a). Cocos nucifera (L.) (Arecaceae): A phytochemical and pharmacological review. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 48(11), 953–964. https://doi.org/10.1590/1414-431x20154773
14. Lima, E., Sousa, C., Meneses, L., Ximenes, N., Júnior, M. S., Vasconcelos, G., Lima, N., Patrocínio, M., Macedo, D., & Vasconcelos, S. (2015b). Cocos nucifera (L.) (Arecaceae): A phytochemical and pharmacological review. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 48(11), 953–964. https://doi.org/10.1590/1414-431x20154773
15. Martins, R. C., De Sousa Filgueiras, T., & Albuquerque, U. P. (2014). Use and Diversity of Palm (Arecaceae) Resources in Central Western Brazil. The Scientific World JOURNAL, 2014, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/942043
16. Mat, K., Kari, Z. A., Rusli, N. D., Harun, H. C., Wei, L. S., Rahman, M. M., Khalid, H. N. M., Hanafiah, M. H. M. A., Sukri, S. a. M., Khalif, R. I. a. R., Zin, Z. M., Zainol, M. K. M., Panadi, M., Nor, M. F. M., & Goh, K. W. (2022). Coconut palm: Food, feed, and nutraceutical properties. Animals, 12(16), 2107. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12162107
17. Mohammed, M., & Fouad, M. (2022). Chemical and biological review on various classes of secondary metabolites and biological activities of Arecaceae (2021-2006). Journal of Advanced Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 5(3), 113–150. https://doi.org/10.21608/jabps. 2022.126338.1149
18. Murphy, D. J., Goggin, K., & Paterson, R. R. M. (2021). Oil palm in the 2020s and beyond: challenges and solutions. CABI Agriculture and Bioscience, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s43170-021-00058-3
19. Peng, W., Liu, Y., Wu, N., Sun, T., He, X., Gao, Y., & Wu, C. (2015). Areca catechu L. (Arecaceae): A review of its traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 164, 340–356. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep. 2015.02.010
20. Raish, S. M. A., Almasri, R. S., & Bedir, A. S. (2025). Ancient Remedies, Modern Medicine: A Review of Antidiabetic, Cardioprotective, and Antimicrobial Activities of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera), Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Biology, 14(6), 695. https://doi.org/10.3390/ biology14060695
21. Rincón-Cervera, M. Á., Lahlou, A., Chileh-Chelh, T., Lyashenko, S., López-Ruiz, R., & Guil-Guerrero, J. L. (2023). Arecaceae seeds constitute a healthy source of fatty acids and phenolic compounds. Plants, 12(2), 226. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12020226
22. Salhi, S., Rahim, A., Chentouf, M., Harrak, H., Bister, J. L., Hamidallah, N., & Amiri, B. E. (2024). Reproductive Enhancement through Phytochemical Characteristics and Biological Activities of Date Palm Pollen: A Comprehensive Review on Potential Mechanism Pathways. Metabolites, 14(3), 166. https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo14030166
23. Sartinah, A., Nugrahani, I., Ibrahim, S., & Anggadiredja, K. (2022). Potential metabolites of Arecaceae family for the natural anti-osteoarthritis medicine: A review. Heliyon, 8(12), e12039. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12039
24. Sekhar, S., Ravinarayan, S. M., DYu, A. K., Kilic, F., Dhawan, R., Sidhu, R., Elazrag, S. E., Bijoora, M., & Mohammed, L. (2022). Are we nuts over coconuts? Studying the Effects of coconut oil on Low-Density lipoprotein and cardiovascular Diseases: a systematic review. Cureus. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.24212
25. Silva, N. R. R. D. N., Cavalcante, R. B. M., & Da Silva, F. A. (2022). Nutritional properties of Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa) and health benefits. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 117, 105092. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfca.2022.105092
26. Sosnowska, J., & Balslev, H. (2009). American palm ethnomedicine: A meta-analysis. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-4269-5-43
27. Sultana, M., Das, S., Shahriar, M., Akhter, R., Mohamed, I. N., & Bhuiyan, M. A. (2022). In vitro Comparative Studies of the Leaf Extracts of Four Different Types of Calamus Species. Dhaka University Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 21(2), 173–181. https://doi.org/10.3329/dujps. v21i2.63118
28. Sun, H., Yu, W., Li, H., Hu, X., & Wang, X. (2024). Bioactive components of Areca nut: An overview of their positive impacts targeting different organs. Nutrients, 16(5), 695. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16050695
29. Teixeira, G. L., Ibañez, E., & Block, J. M. (2022). Emerging Lipids from Arecaceae Palm Fruits in Brazil. Molecules, 27(13), 4188. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27134188
30. Tow, W., Goh, A. P., Sundralingam, U., Palanisamy, U. D., & Sivasothy, Y. (2021). Flavonoid Composition and Pharmacological Properties of Elaeis guineensis Jacq. Leaf Extracts: A Systematic Review. Pharmaceuticals, 14(10), 961. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph14100961
31. Warnakulasuriya, S., & Chen, T. (2022). Areca Nut and Oral Cancer: Evidence from Studies Conducted in Humans. Journal of Dental Research, 101(10), 1139–1146. https://doi.org/10. 1177/00220345221092751
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Aug 13, 2025
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Navneet Hazarika, Banmita Das, & Kandarpa Saikia. (2025). MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF ARECACEAE PLANTS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO CALAMUS ERECTUS: PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND PHARMACOLOGICAL INSIGHT. Journal of Population Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology, 32(7), 417-424. https://doi.org/10.53555/hhgdh318
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Author Biographies
Navneet Hazarika
Department of Bioengineering and Technology, Gauhati University, Assam
Banmita Das
Department of Bioengineering and Technology, Gauhati University, Assam
Kandarpa Saikia
Department of Bioengineering and Technology, Gauhati University, Assam
How to Cite
Navneet Hazarika, Banmita Das, & Kandarpa Saikia. (2025). MEDICINAL PROPERTIES OF ARECACEAE PLANTS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO CALAMUS ERECTUS: PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND PHARMACOLOGICAL INSIGHT. Journal of Population Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology, 32(7), 417-424. https://doi.org/10.53555/hhgdh318