Lychee

some components identified from litchi seeds are claimed to possess anti-cancer properties mainly against lung, liver, pulmonary and cervical cancer.

antiviral activities confirmed from crude extracts and pure compounds isolated from L. chinensis. specific documented antiviral activity against coxsackievirus B, herpes simplex virus, and influenza.

anti-diabetic and anti-obesity activities confirmed. ethnopharmacological history indicates hypoglycemic and anti-hyperlipidemic activities. the seed extract specifically inhibits α-glucosidase — the same mechanism as the pharmaceutical drug acarbose. oligonol from the pulp reduces visceral fat accumulation and improves lipid profiles.

antiplatelet and hemostatic activities confirmed. inhibiting platelet aggregation while also supporting clotting when needed.

lychee flower extract enhances T-cell proliferation.

lychee seed biochar: biochar from lychee seed synthesized by chemical activation of KOH used for abatement of MB dye from aqueous solution, making it useful for water purification and dye removal applications.

unripe lychee fruit and seeds contain methylenecyclopropylglycine (MCPG) — a compound that inhibits fatty acid oxidation and can cause severe hypoglycemia, particularly in malnourished children on an empty stomach. this is the confirmed cause of the "lychee disease" outbreaks in India and Bangladesh (Muzaffarpur syndrome) that killed hundreds of children annually before the mechanism was identified. ripe fruit eaten after a meal carries no meaningful risk from MCPG. seeds at high concentrations warrant caution.