Recent Development in Bioactive Compounds and Health Benefits of Kumquat Fruits

This review paper aims to compile recent literature available regarding the overall chemical compositions, nutritional properties, essential oils, bioactive compounds and health benefits of Kumquat fruits. Kumquat fruits contain a high level of polyphenols, essential oils, minerals and vitamins, especially vitamin C. The essential oil (EO) profile of Kumquat fruit varies among different sub-species and parts of fruits. Limonene was the major EO detected in the Kumquat fruit. In addition, a significant amount of total phenolic content (TPC) and flavonoids was also observed in the kumquat extract. The TPC and flavonoid content of Kumquat fruit were significantly influenced by drying temperature, drying duration, and extraction solvents. The application of hot water as an extraction solvent resulted in efficient extraction of TPC and flavonoids compared to ethanol and methanol. In addition, Kumquat fruits exhibit potent antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, liver protection, and anti-cancer activity. Overall, this review will be a positive addition to the existing knowledge of this field. This paper will support the researchers and industries to select raw materials with high nutritional value and potent biological activity. In addition, this report will help to select an appropriate method and raw material to generate value-added products from Kumquat by-products.