Ceiba pentandra (L.) Gaertn.: An overview of its botany, uses, reproductive biology, pharmacological properties, and industrial potentials
Eric Wei Chiang Chan, Siew Wei Yeong, Chen Wai Wong, Oi Yoon Michelle Soo, Alice Choon Yen Phua, Ying Ki Ng
Abstract
In this review, the botany, uses, reproductive biology, pharmacological properties, and industrial potentials of Ceiba pentandra (kapok) are updated. Reproductive biology entailed phenology, floral and fruiting biology, pollination ecology, and breeding system. Among the pharmacological properties of extracts, anti-hyperglycemia or antidiabetes dominated, mostly from the stem bark of C. pentandra. Industrial potentials of C. pentandra were focused on biodiesel, bioethanol, absorbents, and adsorbents production from different plant parts. Sources of information were from Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and J-Stage. Selection of articles in the literature was based on topics rather than on the period of coverage, although higher priority was accorded to more recent references. Some areas for further research of C. pentandra were suggested.