Current Status of Genus Impatiens: Bioactive Compounds and Natural Pigments with Health Benefits

The document provides a comprehensive overview of the genus Impatiens, emphasizing its potential in the food industry due to its bioactive compounds and natural pigments, particularly anthocyanins, which offer health benefits and are used as natural food colors. Impatiens species contain a variety of compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins, and terpenes, and have been used traditionally in medicine, especially in Asia. The review notes the economic significance of species like I. walleriana and I. hawkeri, which contribute to a substantial market in the United States. It also discusses the nutritional content of Impatiens, the challenges in production and handling to ensure food safety, and the need for further research to fully understand their nutritional composition and health benefits. The document concludes that while Impatiens have traditional medicinal uses and potential health benefits, more research is necessary to explore their bioactive compounds, particularly anthocyanins, and their applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries.