Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Bombax ceiba L. Flowers as Source of Functional Food Development: A Review

Indigenous medicinal systems often incorporate wild plants and their parts. One such plant is Bombax ceiba L., also known as red silk-cotton tree, native to Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. This large deciduous tree holds cultural, economic, and medicinal significance, valued for its fiber and use in traditional medicinal systems. The flowers of B. ceiba are an excellent source of fiber and carbohydrates and contain vitamins (vitamin C) and minerals (iron, sodium, phosphorus, and calcium). Research has also shown that B. ceiba flowers are rich in phenolic compounds, which possess antioxidant properties and protect against oxidative stress and its related diseases. It also contains flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and other properties, including hepatoprotective, lipid peroxidation, anti-inflammatory, anticancer/antitumor, anti-ulcer, and antidiabetic properties. The presence of various bioactive compounds like quercetin, kaempferol, gallic acid, catechin, β-sitosterol, and mangiferin are responsible for these properties. In particular, mangiferin is well known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The focus of this review article is to provide an outline of the different types of phytochemicals found in B. ceiba flowers, as well as their biological properties and toxicity relevant to their potential applications in the development of nutraceuticals, food, and pharmaceuticals, contributing to improving human well-being.