Healing power of Neltuma juliflora (Sw.) Raf.: a comprehensive review of its phytochemicals, pharmacology aspects, and potential health benefits

Neltuma juliflora (Sw.) Raf. (Mesquite), formerly known as Prosopis juliflora (SW.)DC. an evergreen shrub or tree native to the Caribbean, South America and Mexico, is recognised as among the most destructive woody invasive species globally. Despite its invasive nature, it provides numerous beneficial products and services, such as fuelwood, charcoal, animal feed, building materials, soil preservation, and the restoration of saline soils. This review covers the most prominent findings on the phytochemical composition, pharmacological properties, and health benefits of N. juliflora (Sw.) Raf. The plant is rich in diverse phytochemicals, including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins and phenolic compounds, extracted from various parts of the plant. These phytochemicals demonstrate a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, including anticancer, antidiabetic, insecticidal, antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and allelopathic effects. The review underscores the potential of N. juliflora (Sw.) Raf. as a valuable source of natural compounds with therapeutic applications.