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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
In response to the increased popularity of medicinal plants, a number of conservation groups are recommending
the investigation on poorly characterized and widely distributed species, as it is the case of camellias. In
particular, Camellia japonica L. is a widespread species found in Galicia (NW Spain), where it has been largely
exploited with ornamental purposes. Recent findings on its phytochemical characterization showed thousands of
bioactive ingredients, mostly represented by phenolic compounds, together with terpenoids, and fatty acids.
These molecules present associated biological activities, acting as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory,
and anticancer agents. This review is aimed at describing the main bioactive compounds of C. japonica, as well as
the health-enhancing properties attributed to this medicinal plant. Novel strategies are needed to implement an
efficient industrialization process for C. japonica, ranging from small-scale approaches to the establishment of
large plantations, thus involving important sectors, such as the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
Description
Keywords
Camellias Natural bioactive compounds Medicinal plants Biological activities Food science Biochemical valorization
Pedagogical Context
Citation
Pereira, Antia G.; Garcia-Perez, Pascual; Cassani, Lucia; Chamorro, Franklin; Cao, Hui; Barba, Francisco J.; Simal-Gandara, Jesus; Prieto, Miguel A. (2022). Camellia japonica: a phytochemical perspective and current applications facing its industrial exploitation. Food Chemistry: X. ISSN 2590-1575. 13, p. 1-12
Publisher
Elsevier