Research Progress on Djulis: Chemical Composition, Bioactive Compounds, Health Benefits, and Applications

Djulis (Chenopodium formosanum Koidz.), a native pseudocereal of Taiwan belonging to the Amaranthaceae family, exhibits botanical characteristics closely resembling those of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.). It is rich in nutrients such as proteins, starch, and dietary fibers. Notably, its bioactive compounds encompass polyphenolic compounds, natural pigments, phytosterols, and triterpenoid saponins. Recent studies have focused on its nutritional value and health-related properties, particularly its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, hepato-protective, metabolic regulatory, and anti-aging effects. However, systematic research on djulis remains insufficient, with a notable lack of comprehensive and in-depth review analyses. This article discussed the nutritional characteristics and bioactive compounds of djulis, and explored the regulatory mechanisms underlying health benefits, which includes the activation of Nrf2 signaling pathways to reduce oxidative damage, inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathway to decrease the release of pro-inflammatory factors, activation of mitochondrial apoptosis pathway to inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells, suppression of lipogenesis-related factors to reduce lipid production, and regulation of the insulin signaling pathway to improve glucose and lipid metabolic disorders. It emphasized that djulis and its active components synergistically regulated health effects through multi-target mechanisms, forming a multi-dimensional regulatory network that integrates antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and metabolic regulation functions, thereby exerting their biological activities. Finally, the article summarized the development prospects of djulis in food, skincare products, and healthcare, aiming to provide references for further research and practical applications of djulis.