Miracle Fruit berry: Hedonic pleasure meets technological progress

Abstract

The “Miracle Fruit” (Synsepalum dulcificum) is a tropical shrub native to West Africa that was introduced in Ecuador, South America, six decades ago. Locally produced Miracle Fruit (MF) berries are cultivated under an Analog Forestry System, which promotes biodiversity conservation and sustainable production. MF berries contain miraculin, a glycoprotein that imparts a sweet taste to sour flavors, making it an intriguing subject for research. This review comprehensively explores the reported anticancer, antidiabetic, and other biomedical potentials of MF. It also examines the fruit's hedonic allure, gastronomic appeal, environmental significance, and industrial versatility. Importantly, this review highlights the circular economy potential of MF, demonstrating how its diverse applications in food, health, and technology sectors can be interconnected to maximize resource efficiency and minimize waste. The unique flavor-modifying property of miraculin enhances the fruit's attractiveness to consumers and researchers alike, while its multiple uses promote a circular approach to its utilization. This study explores and promotes the multifaceted applications of MF in Ecuador and globally. It aims to encourage health innovation, circular economy practices, industrial symbiosis, and environmental conservation. Furthermore, it showcases how a single natural resource can have far-reaching impacts across various domains.