Medicinal Plant Research 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 210-222 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 219 α-amylase, which are associated with conditions like Alzheimer's disease, glaucoma, and diabetes (Ozden et al., 2023). However, incorporating kiwifruit extracts into medicine poses challenges, such as ensuring the stability and bioavailability of the active compounds, and addressing potential allergens and chemical hazards like mycotoxins, pesticides, and heavy metals (Wang et al., 2020). 7.3 Natural preservatives Kiwifruit polyphenols have been explored for their use as natural antioxidants in food preservation. These polyphenols, abundant in kiwifruit oil, exhibit strong radical scavenging activities, which can effectively maintain food quality during storage by preventing oxidative damage (Ozden et al., 2023). The use of kiwifruit-derived antioxidants in food products not only extends shelf life but also enhances the nutritional profile of the preserved foods, offering a natural alternative to synthetic preservatives (Deng et al., 2018). This application is particularly valuable in the context of increasing consumer demand for clean-label products with natural ingredients. 8 Future Research Directions 8.1 Sustainable utilization Focus on sustainable uses of underutilized kiwifruit resources. The sustainable utilization of underutilized kiwifruit resources, including non-fruit plant parts and agricultural wastes, is crucial. Research indicates that various species and cultivars, as well as non-fruit plant parts, contain valuable bioactive compounds that are currently underutilized (Sanz et al., 2020; Wang et al., 2020). By focusing on these resources, we can reduce waste and create new functional ingredients for various applications (Sha et al., 2023; Wu et al., 2023). Exploration of non-fruit plant parts and agricultural wastes. The exploration of non-fruit plant parts, such as peels, seeds, and leaves, as well as agricultural wastes, can lead to the discovery of new bioactive compounds with potential health benefits. Studies have shown that these parts of the kiwifruit plant contain significant amounts of antioxidants, phenolic compounds, and other bioactives that can be harnessed for nutraceutical and therapeutic purposes (Dias et al., 2020; Sanz et al., 2020; Nirmal et al., 2023). 8.2 Bioactive compound purification Techniques for purifying bioactive compounds from kiwifruit. Advanced extraction techniques, such as ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), and supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), have shown promise in efficiently purifying bioactive compounds from kiwifruit and its by-products (Kheirkhah et al., 2019; Sha et al., 2023; Wu et al., 2023). These methods can enhance the yield and purity of valuable compounds, making them more suitable for use in functional foods and pharmaceuticals. Importance of understanding composition-activity relationships. Understanding the composition-activity relationships of bioactive compounds is essential for optimizing their health benefits. Detailed studies on the chemical composition of kiwifruit and its by-products, as well as their biological activities, can provide insights into how these compounds exert their effects and how they can be best utilized (Wang et al., 2020; Mthembu et al., 2023). 8.3 Clinical trials and mechanistic studies Need for more clinical trials to establish health benefits. While kiwifruit has been shown to possess various health-promoting properties, more clinical trials are needed to establish its efficacy in preventing and treating chronic diseases. Current research highlights the potential of kiwifruit in areas such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities, but clinical evidence is still limited (Dias et al., 2020; Sanz et al., 2020; Wang et al., 2020). Detailed mechanistic studies to understand physiological effects. Detailed mechanistic studies are necessary to understand the physiological effects of kiwifruit bioactive compounds. Investigating the molecular pathways and mechanisms through which these compounds exert their health benefits can provide a scientific basis for their use in therapeutic applications. This includes studying their effects on specific enzymes, receptors, and cellular processes (Kheirkhah et al., 2019; Wang et al., 2020; Wu et al., 2023).
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