ABSTRACT
Citrullus colocynthis, commonly known as bitter apple, is a desert plant that is native to Asia and the Mediterranean basin. The plant has large and fleshy roots, vine-like stem, angular leaves, yellowish flowers, and spherical fruits. The extracts obtained from different parts of the plant contain a vast range of health-promoting phytogenic compounds having potent bio-functionalities. Phytochemical screening of these bioactive compounds (BACs) has revealed that these substances are useful in combating several lifestyle-related metabolic disorders due to their antioxidant potential. Accordingly, the current chapter is meant to provide an overview for highlighting the health-promoting potentiality of these bioactive components. This chapter mainly focuses on exploring the anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, and hepatoprotective perspectives of bitter apple extracts. Based on the present compilation, future directions can be extracted regarding the application of this beneficial plant as a source of developing innovative pharmaceuticals and functional food products.
