Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.
Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION
Elephant apple (Dillenia indica) seeds contain betulinic acid that demonstrates selective cytotoxicity against leukemia cell lines (IC50: 12.84–15.27 µg/mL) through cell wall disruption and genetic material leakage, alongside hepatoprotective n-hexane extracts that reduce serum enzyme markers. A comprehensive 2023 review in Foods confirmed the fruit's rich profile of flavonoids, polyphenols, and ascorbic acid underpinning its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties (PMID: 37627992), while a 2025 review in Chinese Herbal Medicines detailed its broader pharmacological and therapeutic potential (PMID: 41399796).
Reported Benefits (Provisional)
Origin & History
Elephant Apple (*Dillenia indica*) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, particularly India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. It thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, often found near rivers and in moist, fertile soils. This large, green fruit, encased in a hard, segmented shell, yields a sour, fibrous pulp prized in traditional medicine and cuisine for its functional nutritional benefits.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
Saikia et al. (2023) published a comprehensive review in Foods cataloging the bioactive compounds of Dillenia indica, including betulinic acid, flavonoids, and polyphenols, and their roles in antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity (PMID: 37627992). Nahar et al. (2025) in Chinese Herbal Medicines provided an extensive pharmacological review confirming the anticancer, hepatoprotective, analgesic, and wound-healing properties of D. indica extracts across multiple preclinical models (PMID: 41399796). Prabhakar et al. (2022) in Current Pharmaceutical Design highlighted elephant apple among Indian fruits with significant cancer-preventive potential warranting translational and clinical studies (PMID: 35652402). Bora et al. (2025) in Current Drug Discovery Technologies reviewed recent dosage form developments for D. indica, underscoring its emerging therapeutic formulations for improved bioavailability (PMID: 38638051).
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
- Dietary Fiber - Protein - Essential Fatty Acids - Vitamins: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E - Minerals: Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron - Phytochemicals: Flavonoids, Tannins, Polyphenols
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Betulinic acid isolated from elephant apple seeds exerts selective cytotoxicity against leukemia cell lines (IC50: 12.84–15.27 µg/mL) by disrupting cancer cell membrane integrity and inducing leakage of intracellular genetic material, a mechanism consistent with mitochondrial apoptotic pathway activation. The n-hexane seed extract confers hepatoprotection by significantly reducing serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and bilirubin, while attenuating lipid peroxidation markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and restoring endogenous antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. Polyphenolic constituents—including gallic acid, quercetin, and kaempferol—scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) via hydrogen atom transfer and chelation of pro-oxidant transition metals, thereby suppressing NF-κB-mediated pro-inflammatory cytokine expression (TNF-α, IL-6). The high ascorbic acid content further potentiates immune modulation by enhancing neutrophil chemotaxis and lymphocyte proliferation.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
Current evidence is primarily preclinical, with limited human clinical data available. Animal studies using Wistar albino rats demonstrated hepatoprotective effects of seed n-hexane extracts without toxic effects at therapeutic doses. One human study by Das and Sarma investigated antidiabetic effects, but specific participant numbers and quantified outcomes are not detailed in available literature. The anticancer activity has been demonstrated only in vitro using leukemia cell lines HL60, U937, and K562.
Also Known As
Research updates — and 25% off your first order
Join our list for source-aware wellness education, review-state updates, and product news — and unlock 25% off your first Hermetica order. Educational content is not medical advice. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.