TR
EN
Star fruit (Averrhoa carambola L.): Exploring the wonders of Indian folklore and the miracles of traditional healing
Abstract
Herbal medicines have been used for centuries to treat various ailments and have now gained global importance for their therapeutic and economic implications. One such plant is Averrhoa carambola commonly known as star fruit, a tropical plant belonging to the Oxalidaceae family. With a rich history of traditional medicinal uses in India and Southeast Asia, it has been employed to treat various ailments, including urinary infections, hypertension, diabetes, and gastrointestinal issues. The fruit is popular for its sweet and sour taste and finds culinary use in salads, beverages, and garnishing. The therapeutic potential of A. carambola is attributed to its abundance of natural antioxidants and phenolic compounds such as gallic acid in gallotannin form, catechins, and epicatechins. These bioactive constituents contribute to its medicinal properties and health benefits. However, scientific investigations have revealed potential health risks associated with A. carambola consumption. High oxalic acid content in the fruit poses a risk of toxicity, particularly for individuals with renal impairments who consume excessive fruit juices. Additionally, the presence of caramboxin, a neurotoxin, can interfere with the GABAergic system, leading to neurotoxic effects. This review offers a comprehensive and well-organized examination of the current progress regarding the benefits, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity of A. carambola. The insights presented in this review have the potential to drive advancements and novel treatments involving star fruit in modern times. As interest in herbal medicines continues to rise, further research on A. carambola holds promise for exploring new therapeutic applications in the realm of natural remedies.
Keywords
References
- Abeysekera, R.A., Wijetunge, S., Nanayakkara, N., Wazil, A.W.M., Ratnatunga, N.V.I., Jayalath, T., & Medagama, A. (2015). Star fruit toxicity: a cause of both acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease: a report of two cases. BMC Res. Notes., 8, 1-4.. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-015-1640-8
- Avinash, P., Swapneel, K., Darshana, P., & Anita, P. (2012). A comprehensive review of an important medicinal plant-Averrhoa carambola L. Pharmacognosy Commun, 2(2), 13-7.
- Azeem, A. K., Mathew, M., & Nair, C. (2010). Hepatoprotective effect of Averrhoa carambola fruit extract on carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Asian Pac J Trop Med., 3(8), 610-613. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1995-7645(10)60148-4
- Bahramsoltani, R., Kalkhorani, M., Zaidi, S.M.A., Farzaei, M.H., & Rahimi, R. (2020). The genus Tamarix: Traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology. J. Ethnopharmacol., 246, 112245. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2019.112245
- Kamboj, V.P. (2000). Herbal Medicine. Curr. Sci., 78(1), 35-39. https://www.jstor.org/stable/24103844
- Bircher, A.G., & Bircher, W. H. (2000). Encyclopedia of fruit trees and edible flowering plants in Egypt and the subtropics. American University in Cairo Press.596.
- Cabrini, D.A., Moresco, H.H., Imazu, P., Silva, C.D.D., Pietrovski, E.F., Mendes, D.A.G.B., ... & Otuki, M.F. (2011). Analysis of the potential topical anti-inflammatory activity of Averrhoa carambola L. in mice .Evid. Based Complementary Altern. Med., 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1093/ecam/neq026
- Carolino, R.O., Beleboni, R.O., Pizzo, A.B., Del Vecchio, F., Garcia-Cairasco, N., Moyses-Neto, M., ... & Coutinho-Netto, J. (2005). Convulsant activity and neurochemical alterations induced by a fraction obtained from fruit Averrhoa carambola (Oxalidaceae: Geraniales). Neurochem. Int., 46(7), 523-531. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuint.2005.02.002
Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Pharmacognosy
Journal Section
Review
Early Pub Date
April 22, 2024
Publication Date
June 3, 2024
Submission Date
August 24, 2023
Acceptance Date
December 29, 2023
Published in Issue
Year 2024 Volume: 11 Number: 2
APA
Gupta, S., & Gupta, R. (2024). Star fruit (Averrhoa carambola L.): Exploring the wonders of Indian folklore and the miracles of traditional healing. International Journal of Secondary Metabolite, 11(2), 378-393. https://doi.org/10.21448/ijsm.1348465
AMA
1.Gupta S, Gupta R. Star fruit (Averrhoa carambola L.): Exploring the wonders of Indian folklore and the miracles of traditional healing. Int. J. Sec. Metabolite. 2024;11(2):378-393. doi:10.21448/ijsm.1348465
Chicago
Gupta, Suchita, and Reena Gupta. 2024. “Star Fruit (Averrhoa Carambola L.): Exploring the Wonders of Indian Folklore and the Miracles of Traditional Healing”. International Journal of Secondary Metabolite 11 (2): 378-93. https://doi.org/10.21448/ijsm.1348465.
EndNote
Gupta S, Gupta R (June 1, 2024) Star fruit (Averrhoa carambola L.): Exploring the wonders of Indian folklore and the miracles of traditional healing. International Journal of Secondary Metabolite 11 2 378–393.
IEEE
[1]S. Gupta and R. Gupta, “Star fruit (Averrhoa carambola L.): Exploring the wonders of Indian folklore and the miracles of traditional healing”, Int. J. Sec. Metabolite, vol. 11, no. 2, pp. 378–393, June 2024, doi: 10.21448/ijsm.1348465.
ISNAD
Gupta, Suchita - Gupta, Reena. “Star Fruit (Averrhoa Carambola L.): Exploring the Wonders of Indian Folklore and the Miracles of Traditional Healing”. International Journal of Secondary Metabolite 11/2 (June 1, 2024): 378-393. https://doi.org/10.21448/ijsm.1348465.
JAMA
1.Gupta S, Gupta R. Star fruit (Averrhoa carambola L.): Exploring the wonders of Indian folklore and the miracles of traditional healing. Int. J. Sec. Metabolite. 2024;11:378–393.
MLA
Gupta, Suchita, and Reena Gupta. “Star Fruit (Averrhoa Carambola L.): Exploring the Wonders of Indian Folklore and the Miracles of Traditional Healing”. International Journal of Secondary Metabolite, vol. 11, no. 2, June 2024, pp. 378-93, doi:10.21448/ijsm.1348465.
Vancouver
1.Suchita Gupta, Reena Gupta. Star fruit (Averrhoa carambola L.): Exploring the wonders of Indian folklore and the miracles of traditional healing. Int. J. Sec. Metabolite. 2024 Jun. 1;11(2):378-93. doi:10.21448/ijsm.1348465
Cited By
Star Fruit (Averrhoea Carambola): Exploring its Nutritional Value, Health Benefits, and Consideration for Potential Risk and Future Application in Biotechnology and Medicine
Current Pharmacology Reports
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40495-024-00387-7Comparative Effectiveness of Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) and Starfruit (Averrhoa bilimbi) Solutions in Reducing Lead (Pb) Levels in Shellfish (Polymesoda erosa)
Journal of Academic Biology and Biology Education
https://doi.org/10.37251/jouabe.v2i1.2073