Unique pandanus - Flavour, food and medicine

Abstract

Pandanus /screw pine has around 600 species of pine family Pandanaceae. All parts of the plant are useful. The leaves of Pandanus are used for thatching and making mats, hats, twine, sails, baskets, and fibre products, especially from pandanus palm (Pandanus tectorius) and the common screw pine (P. utilis). Leaves of P. amaryllifolius are used in Southeast Asian cooking. The fleshy fruits and seeds of P. utilis and P. leram are edible. Due to the exotic fragrance, Pandanus odoratissimus flowers are used for preparing perfumes. Long aerial roots of Pandanus species contains strong fibers, which are used for making ropes and baskets. Pandanus contains phytochemicals like steroids, carbohydrates, phenols, isoflavones, coumestrol, lignans, alkaloids, glycosides, amino acids and vitamins. Significant Pharmacological activities reported by scientists are anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, anti-viral, anti-neoplastic, anti-oxidant, anti-diuretic, analgesic and neuroprotective. We systematically reviewed and compiled information about pharmacognostic, phytochemical, pharmacological and nutritional aspects of Pandanus plant.