# Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties ofChaenomeles speciosa: An Edible Medicinal Chinese Mugua

Authors: Weifeng Huang; Junwei He; Muhammad Farrukh Nisar; Hongshui Li; Chunpeng Wan
Journal: Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
 (2018)

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## Abstract

Chaenomelesplants are adapted to diverse ecological zones particularly the temperate areas of Korea, Japan, and China. In China,Chaenomeles speciosais mainly planted in Chongqing, Anhui, and Hubei provinces. Most of the studies till date have been focused on the anti-inflammatory activities ofC. speciosa fractions. The present study aimed to review the maximum literature reported for the presence of various phytochemicals inC. speciosa. In addition, the pharmacological properties of these chemical compounds of this plant shall also be discussed. The extracts of the various parts of the plant are rich in diversity of antioxidants, organic acids, phenolics, terpenoids, and many different phytochemicals that bear strong anticancer, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial properties, anti-inflammation, antihyperlipidemic, antihyperglycemic, and anti-Parkinson properties.C. speciosa fruits have broad scope in industry as well as in medicines. Not only the leaves and fruits ofC. speciosa plant, but various other parts including roots, seeds, bark twigs, and flowers all have long history of clinical trials in curing many human ailments. However, the maximum accessible data concerning the chemical compositions and their broad pharmacological properties ofC. speciosa plant parts is pretty restricted that make it more appealing for in-depth investigations.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

Chaenomelesplants are adapted to diverse ecological zones, but mostly occupied the temperate areas of Korea, Japan, and China. In China, it is mainly planted in Chongqing, Anhui, and Hubei provinces and locally called ‘Zhoupi mugua’, which has been well documented in broad traditional Chinese herbal medication systems. Recent scientific studies unveil high nutritional value of this plant. In the past few decades, cultivation ofC. speciosabecame a part of routine agriculture and fulfilling an ever increasing demands of the industry particularly the fruits juices, fruits tea, vinegar and fruit preservation, etc. Many of the agriculture varieties have been introduced in the market, to increase the gross yield of which three traditional varieties are well known, i.e., Luohanji, Zimugua, and Changjun [1]. The extracts of the fruits ofC. speciosa are rich in diverse antioxidants and many different phytochemicals that bear strong anticancer, antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial properties, anti-inflammation, antihyperlipidemic, antihyperglycemic, and anti-Parkinson properties [2–6].Chaenomeles are enriched with antioxidants and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities are well documented in recent studies [7]. Various parts of theChaenomeles plant which have variable amounts of phytochemicals such as peels are rich in triterpenes, due to which it is highly antioxidant [7]. This is quiet common observation which is being supported by multiple studies, that peels of a variety of fruits such as pear and hawthorn are having more antioxidants [8]. In case ofChaenomeles most of its peels are being wasted and ultimately huge amount of good source of antioxidants is gone wasted [8]; henceChaenomeles is a potential candidate in terms of superior performance due to its higher α-glucosidase and antioxidant functions [7]. In addition to these, various triterpenes and phenolics are also present in the plant extracts, especially ursolic and oleanolic acids which are potential chemicals being recognized even in People’s Republic of China Pharmacopoeia. Moreover, various minor but active compounds,namely, chlorogenic acid, catechin, epicatechin, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, caffeic acid, and syringic acid have also been isolated fromChaenomeles [9, 10].C. speciosafruits are well studied for their ingredients and phytochemical compounds such as polyphenols and vitamin C [11], and studies depicted that it could be a good source for the natural antioxidants and sufficient amount of fibers and low amount of citric acid [11, 12].C. speciosa is a member of family Rosaceae, and also known as flowering quince [13]. Traditionally,C. speciosa has widely been used in clinical trials to treat hepatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and prosopalgia [14]. It is also used as an edible food, canned food, preserved fruit, fruit wine, fruit vinegar, and juices [13]. Most of the studies till date have been focused on the anti-inflammatory activities ofC. speciosa fractions. The present study aimed to review the maximum literature reported for the presence of phytochemicals inC. speciosa. In addition, the pharmacological properties of these chemical compounds of thisChaenomeles fruits shall also be discussed.


## 2. Chemical Constituents

Up to now, approximately 64 chemical constituents have been isolated and identified fromC. speciosa, including triterpenes, sesquiterpenoids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, phenols, biphenyls, and others. Among them, triterpenes and flavonoids were considered to be the primary bioactive constituents ofC. speciosa. The components isolated fromC. speciosa are summarized in the current review (Figures 1–7).Figure 1
Chemical structures of triterpenes fromC. speciosa.Figure 2
Chemical structures of sesquiterpenoids fromC. speciosa.Figure 3
Chemical structures of flavonoids fromC. speciosa.Figure 4
Chemical structures of phenylpropanoids fromC. speciosa.Figure 5
Chemical structures of phenolics fromC. speciosa.Figure 6
Chemical structures of biphenyls fromC. speciosa.Figure 7
Chemical structures of other constituents fromC. speciosa.


### 2.1. Triterpenes

Triterpenes are regarded as the major bioactive ingredients ofChaenomeles species, and phytochemical studies are focusing this genus since last two decades [15]. To date, 13 steroid compounds have been isolated and identified fromC. speciosa. The steroids and theirs chemical structures are well described in recent studies (Table 1 and Figure 1). They all exist in the form of aglycones that belong to pentacyclic triterpenoids, including ursanes (1-7), lupanes (8-11), and oleananes (12 and13).Table 1
Triterpene compounds fromC. speciosa.
No. Compounds Parts Ref. 1 ursolic acid fruits [16–18] 2 3-O-acetyl ursolic acid fruits [16, 17, 19] 3 3-O-acetyl pomolic acid fruits [19, 20] 4 tormentic acid fruits [16, 17] 5 speciosaperoxide fruits [16, 17] 6 3β-acetoxyurs-11-en-13β,28-olide fruits [16, 17] 7 dihydrotomentosolic acid twigs [21] 8 ilexgenin B twigs [21] 9 betulinic acid fruits, twigs [19–21] 10 23-hydroxybetulinic acid twigs [21] 11 pycarenic acid twigs [21] 12 oleanolic acid fruits [15–18, 20, 22] 13 maslinic acid fruits, twigs [16, 17, 21]


### 2.2. Sesquiterpenoids

Sesquiterpenoids represent a relatively small group of compounds inChaenomeles species. To date, only five sesquiterpenoids were obtained from the ethanolic extract ofC.speciosa so far. Their structures of these compounds are shown in Table 2 and Figure 2.Table 2
Sesquiterpenoid compounds fromC. speciosa.
No. Compounds Parts Ref. 14 speciosaoside A fruits [23] 15 (1'R,3'R,5'R,8'S)-epi-dihydrophaseic acid-β-D-glucoside fruits [23] 16 Vomifoliol fruits [16, 17] 17 roseoside fruits [16, 17, 24] 18 (6S,7E,9R)-6,9-dihydroxy-4,7-megastigmadien-3-one 9-O-[β-D-xylopyranosyl(1→6)-glucopyranoside] fruits [16, 17, 24]


### 2.3. Flavonoids

Flavonoids are comprised of a huge number of polyphenolic compounds having a benzo-γ-pyrone organization, which is universally occurred in plant kingdom; there is no exception forChaenomeles species. Flavonoids are the second major bioactive constituents inChaenomeles species and they are divided into three categories including one flavone (19), three flavanonols (20–22), and five anthocyanins (23–27). Their structures of these compounds are shown in Table 3 and Figure 3.Table 3
Flavonoid compounds fromC. speciosa.
No. Compounds Parts Ref. 19 quercetin fruits [17, 25] 20 catechin fruits [18] 21 (-)-epicatichin fruits [26] 22 specpolyphenol A fruits [27] 23 pelargonidol chloride petals [28] 24 pelargonidin 3-​O-​β-​D-​glucopyranoside petals [28] 25 pelargonidin-3-​galactoside petals [28] 26 cyanidin 3-​β-​O-​glucoside petals [28] 27 cyanidin 3-​O-​β-​galactopyranoside petals [28]


### 2.4. Phenylpropanoids

Chaenomeles species are also rich in phenylpropanoids. Almost 9 phenylpropanoids were isolated and identified fromC. speciosa to date. These phenylpropanoids include 8 phenylpropionic acids (28–31 and33–36) and one phenylpropanol (32). Their structures of these compounds are elaborated in Table 4 and Figure 4.Table 4
Phenylpropanoid compounds fromC. speciosa.
No. Compounds Parts Ref. 28 cinnamic acid fruits [26] 29 caffeic acid fruits [22, 26] 30 n-butyl caffeate fruits [22] 31 1-​O-​p-​coumaroyl-​β-​D-​glucose fruits [24] 32 specphenoside A fruits [27] 33 chlorogenic acid fruits [26] 34 methyl chlorogenate fruits [26] 35 ethyl chlorogenate fruits [20] 36 5-​O-​caffeoylquinic acid butyl ester fruits [26]


### 2.5. Phenols

Many studies reported the presence of the aliphatic compounds inChaenomeles species. Nine phenols (37–45) were isolated fromC. speciosa. Their structures of these compounds are shown in Table 5 and Figure 5.Table 5
Phenolic compounds fromC. speciosa.
No. Compounds Parts Ref. 37 hydroquinone fruits [25] 38 4-hydroxybenzoic acid twigs [21] 39 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid fruits [17, 20, 25, 26] 40 protocatechuic acid ethyl ester fruits [26] 41 vanilloloside fruits [27] 42 di-​O-​methylcrenatin fruits [27] 43 3,​5-​dihydroxyphenethyl alcohol 3-​O-​β-​glucopyranoside fruits [27] 44 1,​2,​4-​hydroxybenzene fruits [24] 45 gallic acid fruits [20, 24]


### 2.6. Biphenyls

To date, only five biphenyls (46–50) were obtained from the ethanolic extract ofC. speciosa. Their structures of these compounds are shown in Table 6 and Figure 6.Table 6
Biphenyls fromC. speciosa.
No. Compounds Parts Ref. 46 2',4'-dimethoxyaucuparin twigs [21] 47 aucuparin twigs [21] 48 2'-methoxyaucuparin twigs [21] 49 chaenomin B twigs [21] 50 chaenomin A twigs [21]


### 2.7. Others

In addition to the above-mentioned main components, other components (Table7 and Figure 7) are also found inChaenomeles species, such as fatty acid (51–53), quinic acids (57-59), coumarin (61 and62), and steroids (63 and64).Table 7
Other compounds fromC. speciosa.
No. Compounds Parts Ref. 51 3-methyl-3-hydroxylbutanedioic ester fruits [17, 25, 29] 52 triacontanoic acid fruits [26] 53 nonacosan-10-ol fruits [15, 18] 54 5-hydroxyme thyl-furan-2-carbaldehyde fruits [26] 55 5-​hydroxynicotinic acid fruits [24] 56 shikimic acid fruits [18] 57 (-​)​-​quinide fruits [24] 58 quinic acid fruits [18] 59 quinic acid butyl ester fruits [26] 60 kojic acid fruits [20] 61 esculetin fruits [26] 62 7,​8-​dihydroxycoumarin fruits [26] 63 β-sitosterol fruits [15, 18, 22] 64 daucosterol fruits [15, 18, 22]


## 2.1. Triterpenes

Triterpenes are regarded as the major bioactive ingredients ofChaenomeles species, and phytochemical studies are focusing this genus since last two decades [15]. To date, 13 steroid compounds have been isolated and identified fromC. speciosa. The steroids and theirs chemical structures are well described in recent studies (Table 1 and Figure 1). They all exist in the form of aglycones that belong to pentacyclic triterpenoids, including ursanes (1-7), lupanes (8-11), and oleananes (12 and13).Table 1
Triterpene compounds fromC. speciosa.
No. Compounds Parts Ref. 1 ursolic acid fruits [16–18] 2 3-O-acetyl ursolic acid fruits [16, 17, 19] 3 3-O-acetyl pomolic acid fruits [19, 20] 4 tormentic acid fruits [16, 17] 5 speciosaperoxide fruits [16, 17] 6 3β-acetoxyurs-11-en-13β,28-olide fruits [16, 17] 7 dihydrotomentosolic acid twigs [21] 8 ilexgenin B twigs [21] 9 betulinic acid fruits, twigs [19–21] 10 23-hydroxybetulinic acid twigs [21] 11 pycarenic acid twigs [21] 12 oleanolic acid fruits [15–18, 20, 22] 13 maslinic acid fruits, twigs [16, 17, 21]


## 2.2. Sesquiterpenoids

Sesquiterpenoids represent a relatively small group of compounds inChaenomeles species. To date, only five sesquiterpenoids were obtained from the ethanolic extract ofC.speciosa so far. Their structures of these compounds are shown in Table 2 and Figure 2.Table 2
Sesquiterpenoid compounds fromC. speciosa.
No. Compounds Parts Ref. 14 speciosaoside A fruits [23] 15 (1'R,3'R,5'R,8'S)-epi-dihydrophaseic acid-β-D-glucoside fruits [23] 16 Vomifoliol fruits [16, 17] 17 roseoside fruits [16, 17, 24] 18 (6S,7E,9R)-6,9-dihydroxy-4,7-megastigmadien-3-one 9-O-[β-D-xylopyranosyl(1→6)-glucopyranoside] fruits [16, 17, 24]


## 2.3. Flavonoids

Flavonoids are comprised of a huge number of polyphenolic compounds having a benzo-γ-pyrone organization, which is universally occurred in plant kingdom; there is no exception forChaenomeles species. Flavonoids are the second major bioactive constituents inChaenomeles species and they are divided into three categories including one flavone (19), three flavanonols (20–22), and five anthocyanins (23–27). Their structures of these compounds are shown in Table 3 and Figure 3.Table 3
Flavonoid compounds fromC. speciosa.
No. Compounds Parts Ref. 19 quercetin fruits [17, 25] 20 catechin fruits [18] 21 (-)-epicatichin fruits [26] 22 specpolyphenol A fruits [27] 23 pelargonidol chloride petals [28] 24 pelargonidin 3-​O-​β-​D-​glucopyranoside petals [28] 25 pelargonidin-3-​galactoside petals [28] 26 cyanidin 3-​β-​O-​glucoside petals [28] 27 cyanidin 3-​O-​β-​galactopyranoside petals [28]


## 2.4. Phenylpropanoids

Chaenomeles species are also rich in phenylpropanoids. Almost 9 phenylpropanoids were isolated and identified fromC. speciosa to date. These phenylpropanoids include 8 phenylpropionic acids (28–31 and33–36) and one phenylpropanol (32). Their structures of these compounds are elaborated in Table 4 and Figure 4.Table 4
Phenylpropanoid compounds fromC. speciosa.
No. Compounds Parts Ref. 28 cinnamic acid fruits [26] 29 caffeic acid fruits [22, 26] 30 n-butyl caffeate fruits [22] 31 1-​O-​p-​coumaroyl-​β-​D-​glucose fruits [24] 32 specphenoside A fruits [27] 33 chlorogenic acid fruits [26] 34 methyl chlorogenate fruits [26] 35 ethyl chlorogenate fruits [20] 36 5-​O-​caffeoylquinic acid butyl ester fruits [26]


## 2.5. Phenols

Many studies reported the presence of the aliphatic compounds inChaenomeles species. Nine phenols (37–45) were isolated fromC. speciosa. Their structures of these compounds are shown in Table 5 and Figure 5.Table 5
Phenolic compounds fromC. speciosa.
No. Compounds Parts Ref. 37 hydroquinone fruits [25] 38 4-hydroxybenzoic acid twigs [21] 39 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid fruits [17, 20, 25, 26] 40 protocatechuic acid ethyl ester fruits [26] 41 vanilloloside fruits [27] 42 di-​O-​methylcrenatin fruits [27] 43 3,​5-​dihydroxyphenethyl alcohol 3-​O-​β-​glucopyranoside fruits [27] 44 1,​2,​4-​hydroxybenzene fruits [24] 45 gallic acid fruits [20, 24]


## 2.6. Biphenyls

To date, only five biphenyls (46–50) were obtained from the ethanolic extract ofC. speciosa. Their structures of these compounds are shown in Table 6 and Figure 6.Table 6
Biphenyls fromC. speciosa.
No. Compounds Parts Ref. 46 2',4'-dimethoxyaucuparin twigs [21] 47 aucuparin twigs [21] 48 2'-methoxyaucuparin twigs [21] 49 chaenomin B twigs [21] 50 chaenomin A twigs [21]


## 2.7. Others

In addition to the above-mentioned main components, other components (Table7 and Figure 7) are also found inChaenomeles species, such as fatty acid (51–53), quinic acids (57-59), coumarin (61 and62), and steroids (63 and64).Table 7
Other compounds fromC. speciosa.
No. Compounds Parts Ref. 51 3-methyl-3-hydroxylbutanedioic ester fruits [17, 25, 29] 52 triacontanoic acid fruits [26] 53 nonacosan-10-ol fruits [15, 18] 54 5-hydroxyme thyl-furan-2-carbaldehyde fruits [26] 55 5-​hydroxynicotinic acid fruits [24] 56 shikimic acid fruits [18] 57 (-​)​-​quinide fruits [24] 58 quinic acid fruits [18] 59 quinic acid butyl ester fruits [26] 60 kojic acid fruits [20] 61 esculetin fruits [26] 62 7,​8-​dihydroxycoumarin fruits [26] 63 β-sitosterol fruits [15, 18, 22] 64 daucosterol fruits [15, 18, 22]


## 3. Pharmacological Activities

Various natural compounds have served huge industrial and individual demands in curing multiple diseases due to their potential pharmacological properties. This lust gained attention of the scientists to continue exploration of such similar plants and compounds bearing similar medicinal importance. DriedChaenomeles fruits are being used as traditional herbal medicines since centuries within mainland of China to cure dysentery, prosopalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, cholera, beriberi, vitamin C deficiency syndrome, enteritis, and hepatitis [14, 30]. Presence of complex compounds such as phenolics, tannins, multiple organic acids, glycosides, and flavones inChaenomeles made it an important plant having diverse pharmacological properties [31, 32]. The following sections will highlight and update the various pharmacological properties ofChaenomeles plant reported in recent years.Chaenomeles plant has said to possess diverse biological functions, due to which it has been in use since centuries in traditional Chinese medicine [13, 30, 33]. Modern day research also confirmed thatC. speciosa is enriched in diverse pharmacological and biological properties particularly anti-inflammation, immunomodulation, antimicrobial, antitumor, and antioxidant actions are notable [33, 34].


### 3.1. Antioxidant Property

The botanical extracts are a potential source of natural antioxidants with almost no side effects [13]. The extracts ofC. speciosa fruits have very strong antioxidant ability. In a recent study, it was claimed thatC. speciosa have a strong potential for scavenging free radicals, i.e., various reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free nitrous oxide mainly due to the presence of strong antioxidant compound quercetin [17]. In atherosclerosis, level of LDL increased with decreased antioxidant capability in the blood due to the formation of LDL-oxidation complexes [35], which was successfully treated with the application of powderedC. speciosa that was thought to be due to its higher antioxidant nature of the plant parts that increased increasing the antioxidant levels in the blood and declining the cholesterol levels [36]. Moreover, various polysaccharides are being extracted fromC. speciosa and reported to possess strong antioxidant activity [37].A huge amount of flavonoid contents reported inC. speciosa has shown significant reduction in peroxide levels in lard, removed DPPH, and deoxidized the iron (Fe3+) in a concentration-dependent fashion, demonstrating its strong antioxidant nature compared to ascorbic acid (vitamin C) [38]. Moreover, quercetin and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid which were extracted fromC. speciosa showed higher inhibition for DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and neuraminidase [17]. The antioxidants activity in five species ofChaenomeles (Mugua) was studied and about 44 fractions were prepared that showed a potent and stable free-radical DPPH and the hydroxyl radicals scavenging activity [39].


### 3.2. Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Activities

C. speciosa plant also being administered in inflammatory and immune related issues and glucosides present in the extracts have strong anti-inflammation as well as immunoregulatory properties [34, 40]. Methyl-3-hydroxybutanedioic ester found inC. speciosa has also been reported to possess strong anti-inflammatory effects particularly in inflammatory avian influenza and dyspepsia [17]. Various plant extracts even in fractions have also been reported to possess good potential against inflammations, pains and antianalgesic activity mainly due to the presence of chlorogenic acid [13]. Some of theChaenomeles polysaccharides also showed anti-inflammatory activities [41]. In another study, it was reported thatChaenomeles fractions control the calcium channels, due to which it has got higher analgesic activity [42].C. speciosa plant is in use since long time to treat rheumatoid arthritis in various parts of China primarily due to its antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory potential [40]


### 3.3. Antiatherosclerotic Effects

As arteriosclerosis is a systemic condition, hyperlipidemias, especially oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL), are major elements that initiate this route and result in the formation of plaque [43]. Atherosclerosis is a condition, where the level of antioxidants decreased within the blood due to oxidation of LDL. Level of LDL increased with decreased antioxidant capability in the blood due to the formation of complexes [35], which was successfully treated by the application of powderedC. speciosa. It was thought to be due to the higher antioxidant nature of the plant parts by increasing the antioxidant levels in the blood and declining the cholesterol levels [36].


### 3.4. Antitumor and Immunomodulatory Activities

Cancer is the main cause of a large number of deaths across the world. Most of the cytotoxic drugs being used to cure cancer tissues have also been reported to be harmful to the normal tissues [44]. An average molecular weight water-soluble polysaccharide was successfully extracted fromC. speciosa that is composed of glucose, rhamnose, galactose, and arabinose. This polysaccharide is good in inhibiting the tumor growth in the mice along with improvement in delayed type hypersensitivity and higher secretion of interleukin- (IL-) 2, TNF-α, and IFN-γ in blood serum [45]. It is further suggested that the antitumor effects of this polysaccharide might be due to the association with its potent immunostimulatory activityin vivo [45]. Many of the plant based polysaccharides are less nontoxic with hardly any serious problems compared with certain synthetic compounds and hence make these polysaccharides a superior choice for modern medication [46, 47].It was in the mid-1970s, when it was said for the first time that various organic acids present inC. speciosa have strong antitumor activity studied on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in mice [48], and this antitumor activity is because of the presence of multiple terpenoids [49, 50]. Among various acids present in this plant, there are betulinic, maslinic, oleanolic, and ursolic acids which are the prominent triterpenoid chemicals [51]. Oleanolic and ursolic acids in plants have inhibitory effects on estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer, osteosarcoma cells, and HuH7 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells, which induce quick apoptosis in the cancer cells [51–53]. Moreover, various acids present in the plant extracts including maslinic acids showed potential antiangiogenic properties on non-small-cell and lung cancer cells [51, 54].In vivo, ethanolic extracts ofC. speciosa checked the growth of tumors along with increased immune responses in mice, while Foxp3, TGF-β, and PD-L1 protein expression levels were reduced within the tumors [3]. It was the pioneer study that explained ethanolic extracts ofC. speciosa which strongly inhibited the growth and invasion of tumors by direct killing of cancerous cells as well as enhanced immune responses [3].


### 3.5. Antidiarrhea

Various organic acids (betulinic, oleanolic, and ursolic acids) are the active components in fruits ofC. speciosa which are regarded as potent therapeutic candidates in treating LT-induced diarrhea [55]. Moreover, studies used the extracts ofC. speciosa showing strong antimicrobial activity and analgesic effects [13, 33]. It is further suggested that G-protein-AC-cAMP regulated signaling has a major role in reducing the inflammation and deterioration of joints in arthritis rats [40]. Intervention of intracellular signaling cascades in synoviocytes by using glucosides ofC. speciosa may consequently suppressed the deterioration of bones and reduction of inflammations in autoimmune rat models. The major and prominent effect ofC. speciosa glucosides on higher cAMP levels in synoviocytes are thought to be linked with its inhibitory protein (Gi). Moreover, this Gi-protein mediated AC-cAMP signaling cascade is thought to be one of the vital procedures in reducing inflammations and modulating-immune responses by glucosides ofC. speciosa[56–58].


### 3.6.α-Glucosidase Inhibitory

Among many varieties being cultivated within China,C. speciosa Var. Yunnan showed maximum antioxidant potential along with α-glucosidase inhibition [59]. Moreover, another study confirmed that, inC. speciosa total amount of polysaccharides, flavonoids, ursolic acid, and polyphenols are the prominent phytochemicals bearing good antioxidant properties. In addition to it, complete polysaccharides and flavonoid contents are mainly involved in inhibition of α-glucosidase activity ofC. speciosa [60]. Such studies shall be helpful in qualitative evaluation of theC. speciosa and its implementation in different industries. Moreover, peels can be a good source of inhibitors of α-glucosidase activity and antioxidants within the broad range of pharmaceutical as well as related industries [1]. Until now, many phytochemicals having strong α-glucosidase inhibition potential are under use as an oral hypoglycemic medicines to check hyperglycemia [60]. Furthermore, exploration of α-glucosidase inhibitors is of supreme priority for finding novel antidiabetic drugs [61].


### 3.7. Antiviral Activity

The viral particles spread and replicates within the host cells cause severe disturbances and conditions. Recently, many influenza viral epidemics have been out broken in many parts of the world. The annual report by World Health Organization (WHO) published early in 2018 explained that data from about all over the world laboratories has confirmed many incidents of epidemic influenza H1N1 2009 that caused almost 13,554 mortalities [17]. The birds influenza virus mainly generated the oxidative stress and amplify the inflammations within the patient. Quercetin, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid and methyl-3-hydroxybutanedioic esters, which were extracted fromC. speciosa, pose a synergistic effect during the treatment of avian influenza and hence proved as prospective and strong antiviral compounds [17]. Avian influenza is frequent and followed with virus invasion along with increased oxidative stress and heavy inflammations. Furthermore, numerous effects of theC. speciosa compounds have a potential and specialized role in curing avian influenza; particularly quercetin would be a strong anti-inflammation and antiviral compound [17]. The oleanolic acid extracted fromC. speciosa(20μg/ml) robustly inhibits the replication of hepatitis B virus genome which showed a powerful inhibition ratio (29.33%) [62]. TheC. speciosa plant extract contains powerful antioxidants in it that depicts it could potentially be used to cure new influenza A virus epidemics.It is summarized that continuous research interests have explored plenty of natural compounds fromC. speciosa plant. Such explorations of novel compounds from this plant have been said to possess strong medical importance. In certain disease aroused mainly of heavy oxidative stress, it is being replenished by the strong antioxidant nature of this plant. The flavonoids present inC. speciosamainly reduce peroxide and LDL levels, remove DPPH and deoxidize free cellular iron (Fe3+), and hence pose a strong antioxidant effect. Moreover,C. speciosa plant also contributed its immune modulatory and anti-inflammatory effects by reducing the expression of interleukins and related inflammatory factors. The various phytochemicals particularly the polysaccharides present inC. speciosa possess α-glucosidase inhibition potential and hence reduce hypoglycemic conditions. Similarly, antimicrobial and analgesic effects of theC. speciosa compounds are mainly following G-protein-AC-cAMP regulated signaling cascade to reduce the inflammation and deterioration of joints in arthritis rats. In different virus associated pathologies such as avian influenza, quercetin, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and methyl-3-hydroxybutanedioic esters reduce the oxidative stress and expression of many inflammatory factors caused by the viral pathogen and hence relive the pains and condition of the patient. Moreover, oleanolic acid present inC. speciosa efficiently inhibits the replication of hepatitis B virus genome.


## 3.1. Antioxidant Property

The botanical extracts are a potential source of natural antioxidants with almost no side effects [13]. The extracts ofC. speciosa fruits have very strong antioxidant ability. In a recent study, it was claimed thatC. speciosa have a strong potential for scavenging free radicals, i.e., various reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free nitrous oxide mainly due to the presence of strong antioxidant compound quercetin [17]. In atherosclerosis, level of LDL increased with decreased antioxidant capability in the blood due to the formation of LDL-oxidation complexes [35], which was successfully treated with the application of powderedC. speciosa that was thought to be due to its higher antioxidant nature of the plant parts that increased increasing the antioxidant levels in the blood and declining the cholesterol levels [36]. Moreover, various polysaccharides are being extracted fromC. speciosa and reported to possess strong antioxidant activity [37].A huge amount of flavonoid contents reported inC. speciosa has shown significant reduction in peroxide levels in lard, removed DPPH, and deoxidized the iron (Fe3+) in a concentration-dependent fashion, demonstrating its strong antioxidant nature compared to ascorbic acid (vitamin C) [38]. Moreover, quercetin and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid which were extracted fromC. speciosa showed higher inhibition for DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and neuraminidase [17]. The antioxidants activity in five species ofChaenomeles (Mugua) was studied and about 44 fractions were prepared that showed a potent and stable free-radical DPPH and the hydroxyl radicals scavenging activity [39].


## 3.2. Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Activities

C. speciosa plant also being administered in inflammatory and immune related issues and glucosides present in the extracts have strong anti-inflammation as well as immunoregulatory properties [34, 40]. Methyl-3-hydroxybutanedioic ester found inC. speciosa has also been reported to possess strong anti-inflammatory effects particularly in inflammatory avian influenza and dyspepsia [17]. Various plant extracts even in fractions have also been reported to possess good potential against inflammations, pains and antianalgesic activity mainly due to the presence of chlorogenic acid [13]. Some of theChaenomeles polysaccharides also showed anti-inflammatory activities [41]. In another study, it was reported thatChaenomeles fractions control the calcium channels, due to which it has got higher analgesic activity [42].C. speciosa plant is in use since long time to treat rheumatoid arthritis in various parts of China primarily due to its antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory potential [40]


## 3.3. Antiatherosclerotic Effects

As arteriosclerosis is a systemic condition, hyperlipidemias, especially oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL), are major elements that initiate this route and result in the formation of plaque [43]. Atherosclerosis is a condition, where the level of antioxidants decreased within the blood due to oxidation of LDL. Level of LDL increased with decreased antioxidant capability in the blood due to the formation of complexes [35], which was successfully treated by the application of powderedC. speciosa. It was thought to be due to the higher antioxidant nature of the plant parts by increasing the antioxidant levels in the blood and declining the cholesterol levels [36].


## 3.4. Antitumor and Immunomodulatory Activities

Cancer is the main cause of a large number of deaths across the world. Most of the cytotoxic drugs being used to cure cancer tissues have also been reported to be harmful to the normal tissues [44]. An average molecular weight water-soluble polysaccharide was successfully extracted fromC. speciosa that is composed of glucose, rhamnose, galactose, and arabinose. This polysaccharide is good in inhibiting the tumor growth in the mice along with improvement in delayed type hypersensitivity and higher secretion of interleukin- (IL-) 2, TNF-α, and IFN-γ in blood serum [45]. It is further suggested that the antitumor effects of this polysaccharide might be due to the association with its potent immunostimulatory activityin vivo [45]. Many of the plant based polysaccharides are less nontoxic with hardly any serious problems compared with certain synthetic compounds and hence make these polysaccharides a superior choice for modern medication [46, 47].It was in the mid-1970s, when it was said for the first time that various organic acids present inC. speciosa have strong antitumor activity studied on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in mice [48], and this antitumor activity is because of the presence of multiple terpenoids [49, 50]. Among various acids present in this plant, there are betulinic, maslinic, oleanolic, and ursolic acids which are the prominent triterpenoid chemicals [51]. Oleanolic and ursolic acids in plants have inhibitory effects on estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer, osteosarcoma cells, and HuH7 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells, which induce quick apoptosis in the cancer cells [51–53]. Moreover, various acids present in the plant extracts including maslinic acids showed potential antiangiogenic properties on non-small-cell and lung cancer cells [51, 54].In vivo, ethanolic extracts ofC. speciosa checked the growth of tumors along with increased immune responses in mice, while Foxp3, TGF-β, and PD-L1 protein expression levels were reduced within the tumors [3]. It was the pioneer study that explained ethanolic extracts ofC. speciosa which strongly inhibited the growth and invasion of tumors by direct killing of cancerous cells as well as enhanced immune responses [3].


## 3.5. Antidiarrhea

Various organic acids (betulinic, oleanolic, and ursolic acids) are the active components in fruits ofC. speciosa which are regarded as potent therapeutic candidates in treating LT-induced diarrhea [55]. Moreover, studies used the extracts ofC. speciosa showing strong antimicrobial activity and analgesic effects [13, 33]. It is further suggested that G-protein-AC-cAMP regulated signaling has a major role in reducing the inflammation and deterioration of joints in arthritis rats [40]. Intervention of intracellular signaling cascades in synoviocytes by using glucosides ofC. speciosa may consequently suppressed the deterioration of bones and reduction of inflammations in autoimmune rat models. The major and prominent effect ofC. speciosa glucosides on higher cAMP levels in synoviocytes are thought to be linked with its inhibitory protein (Gi). Moreover, this Gi-protein mediated AC-cAMP signaling cascade is thought to be one of the vital procedures in reducing inflammations and modulating-immune responses by glucosides ofC. speciosa[56–58].


## 3.6.α-Glucosidase Inhibitory

Among many varieties being cultivated within China,C. speciosa Var. Yunnan showed maximum antioxidant potential along with α-glucosidase inhibition [59]. Moreover, another study confirmed that, inC. speciosa total amount of polysaccharides, flavonoids, ursolic acid, and polyphenols are the prominent phytochemicals bearing good antioxidant properties. In addition to it, complete polysaccharides and flavonoid contents are mainly involved in inhibition of α-glucosidase activity ofC. speciosa [60]. Such studies shall be helpful in qualitative evaluation of theC. speciosa and its implementation in different industries. Moreover, peels can be a good source of inhibitors of α-glucosidase activity and antioxidants within the broad range of pharmaceutical as well as related industries [1]. Until now, many phytochemicals having strong α-glucosidase inhibition potential are under use as an oral hypoglycemic medicines to check hyperglycemia [60]. Furthermore, exploration of α-glucosidase inhibitors is of supreme priority for finding novel antidiabetic drugs [61].


## 3.7. Antiviral Activity

The viral particles spread and replicates within the host cells cause severe disturbances and conditions. Recently, many influenza viral epidemics have been out broken in many parts of the world. The annual report by World Health Organization (WHO) published early in 2018 explained that data from about all over the world laboratories has confirmed many incidents of epidemic influenza H1N1 2009 that caused almost 13,554 mortalities [17]. The birds influenza virus mainly generated the oxidative stress and amplify the inflammations within the patient. Quercetin, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid and methyl-3-hydroxybutanedioic esters, which were extracted fromC. speciosa, pose a synergistic effect during the treatment of avian influenza and hence proved as prospective and strong antiviral compounds [17]. Avian influenza is frequent and followed with virus invasion along with increased oxidative stress and heavy inflammations. Furthermore, numerous effects of theC. speciosa compounds have a potential and specialized role in curing avian influenza; particularly quercetin would be a strong anti-inflammation and antiviral compound [17]. The oleanolic acid extracted fromC. speciosa(20μg/ml) robustly inhibits the replication of hepatitis B virus genome which showed a powerful inhibition ratio (29.33%) [62]. TheC. speciosa plant extract contains powerful antioxidants in it that depicts it could potentially be used to cure new influenza A virus epidemics.It is summarized that continuous research interests have explored plenty of natural compounds fromC. speciosa plant. Such explorations of novel compounds from this plant have been said to possess strong medical importance. In certain disease aroused mainly of heavy oxidative stress, it is being replenished by the strong antioxidant nature of this plant. The flavonoids present inC. speciosamainly reduce peroxide and LDL levels, remove DPPH and deoxidize free cellular iron (Fe3+), and hence pose a strong antioxidant effect. Moreover,C. speciosa plant also contributed its immune modulatory and anti-inflammatory effects by reducing the expression of interleukins and related inflammatory factors. The various phytochemicals particularly the polysaccharides present inC. speciosa possess α-glucosidase inhibition potential and hence reduce hypoglycemic conditions. Similarly, antimicrobial and analgesic effects of theC. speciosa compounds are mainly following G-protein-AC-cAMP regulated signaling cascade to reduce the inflammation and deterioration of joints in arthritis rats. In different virus associated pathologies such as avian influenza, quercetin, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and methyl-3-hydroxybutanedioic esters reduce the oxidative stress and expression of many inflammatory factors caused by the viral pathogen and hence relive the pains and condition of the patient. Moreover, oleanolic acid present inC. speciosa efficiently inhibits the replication of hepatitis B virus genome.


## 4. Conclusions

It is concluded thatC. speciosa have broad scope in industry and in medicines. Not only the leaves and fruits ofC. speciosa plant, but various other parts which include roots, seeds, bark twigs, and flowers, all have long clinical trials history in curing many human ailments. However, the maximum accessible data concerning the chemical composition and their broad pharmacological properties of various parts ofC. speciosa plants is quiet less that make it more appealing for in-depth investigations.



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*Source: 9591845-2018-12-09.xml*