Rambutan
Nephelium lappaceum
Nephelium lappaceum, commonly known as rambutan, is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia and parts of the Pacific Islands. While its traditional uses are not well-documented in historical or cultural practices, studies have identified various bioactive compounds within its peel, leaves, and branches. These include phenolic compounds that exhibit antioxidant and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities. The rambutan shell extract has shown strong antioxidant, antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and antitumoral properties with minimal hemolytic effects. Metabolites of the peel polyphenols were identified in rats, indicating phase I and II metabolic pathways, though systemic exposure for some compounds was low. Additionally, a ZnO-modified activated carbon derived from rambutan peel and seeds demonstrated high methylene blue removal efficiency. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded, but further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and applications of Nephelium lappaceum in traditional medicine and beyond.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The study found that Nephelium lappaceum peel, leaves, and branches contain different phenolic compounds with varying antioxidant and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities.
- The rambutan shell extract showed strong antioxidant, antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and antitumoral activities with low hemolytic activity.
- The study identified various metabolites of rambutan peel polyphenols in rats, indicating metabolic pathways including hydrolysis, methylation, sulfation, and glucuronidation.
- The study found that the ZnO-modified activated carbon derived from rambutan peel and seeds effectively removed methylene blue with a maximum adsorption capacity of 82.95 mg g-1.
- The study documents the pollen diversity from various plants, including Nephelium lappaceum, in the Soconusco region, contributing to honey characterization.
- GRN at 30 mg/kg showed significant antinociceptive and neuroprotective effects by modulating antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic pathways in a rat model of neuropathic pain.
Frequently asked questions
What is Rambutan?
Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Rambutan?
6 sourced findings are recorded for Rambutan; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that Nephelium lappaceum peel, leaves, and branches contain different phenolic compounds with varying antioxidant and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities.
How strong is the evidence for Rambutan?
The strongest finding for Rambutan carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Rambutan safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Rambutan in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Rambutan interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Rambutan in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Rambutan?
Rambutan is also known as: Рамбутан, ramboutan.
Is Rambutan a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Accumulation and transformation of C6, C9 and C12 phenols from the peel, leaves and branches of Nephelium lappaceum L. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Geraniin Mitigates Neuropathic Pain Through Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Nitric Oxide Modulation in a Rat Model of Chronic Constriction Injury. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Atlas of pollen of melliferous plants, data set from the Soconusco region, Chiapas, Mexico. literature abstract metadata
- T2 ZnO-modified activated carbon derived from rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) peel and seeds for efficient methylene blue removal: adsorption mechanism and artificial neural network modeling. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Metabolic fate of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) peel polyphenols following oral administration in rats. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) Shell as a Source of Polyphenols: Chemical Characterization and Biological Activities. literature abstract metadata