Research Progress on Components, Biological Activities, Preservation and Processing of Akebia trifoliate (Thunb.) koidz. Fruit

Akebia trifoliate (Thunb.) koidz. is a significant nutritional, medicinal, and economically valuable fruit. The whole plant of Akebia trifoliate (Thunb.) koidz. has medicinal activity. The vines of Akebia trifoliate (Thunb.) koidz. are the main source of the traditional Chinese medicine of Akebiae caulis. The mature dried fruits of Akebia trifoliate (Thunb.) koidz. is the traditional Chinese medicine named as “Yuzhiz”. The flesh fruit tastes sweet, smooth and fine-tender with delicate fragrance. The fruits contain nutrients (water, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins, etc.), functional components (flavonoids, polyphenols, triterpenes and their saponins, lignans, polysaccharides, organic acids, etc.), and have physiological activities (anti-tumor, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, etc.). In this paper, the nutritional components, bioactive components, biological activities, preservation, processing of Akebia trifoliata (Thunb.) koidz. are reviewed with its research and application prospect. This review will provide theoretical basis for the comprehensive development and precise processing of functional ingredients in Akebia trifoliata (Thunb.) koidz.