Common names | Lucuma
Scientific name | Pouteria lucuma
Used part | Fruit pulp
Known active compounds | gallic acid, gallocatechin, catechin
Potential benefits in cosmetics | anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound healing 

Product name | Lucuma-ANB

 

 

Plant Story

Lucuma (Pouteria lucuma) is an evergreen tree native to the Andean valleys of Peru and Ecuador. It is believed that lucuma has been used for over 2,000 years. The Incas considered lucuma a symbol of fertility and new creation, and lucuma is called ‘Gold of the Incas’ by local people of Peru. Lucuma fruit is used as a sweetener and flavoring agent, especially for ice cream. Additionally, lucuma fruit was thought to support skin health and digestion according to ancient records. In alternative medicine, lucuma is believed to have health benefits such as reducing inflammation, enhancing immune system, and lowering blood pressure.

 

Studies for constituents and biological activities of lucuma is limited to date. However, a study on other species P. sapota, P. viridis, and P. campechiana reported the presence of several phenolic compounds, such as gallic acid, gallocatechin, catechin, epicatechin, catechin 3-O-gallate, dihydromyricetin, and myricitrin. These compounds and crude extract of three species also exhibited anti-oxidant activity by DPPH assay. Lucuma fruit oil showed wound healing property by promoting cell migration of human neonatal fibroblast cells. It also reduced NO production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, indicating anti-inflammatory activity.