StarFruit/Kamrakh- Health benefits, application, chemical constituents, side effects and many more

StarFruit/Kamrakh


The Star-fruit producing plant (Averrhoa carambola L.) is a species of woody plant in the family Oxalidaceae native to the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka; but, cultivated in many parts of the world. Star-fruits are popular tropical fruits and used commonly in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM) in India, China, and Brazil. The entire fruit is edible, including the slightly waxy skin. The flesh is crunchy, firm, and extremely juicy. It does not contain fibers and has a texture similar in consistency to that of grapes.

It shows antioxidant (mediated via L-ascorbic acid, epicatechin, and gallic acid), hypoglycemic (mediated via high fiber levels and 2-dodecyl-6-methoxycyclohexa-2,5-diene-1,4-dione), hypotensive (mediated via apigenin), hypocholesterolemic (mediated via micronized fiber), anti-inflammatory, anti-infective, antitumor effects, and immune-boosting effects. 

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It is also called as Karmarang, Kamarang, Kamrakh in Hindi  and  Star fruit tree, Carambola tree, Carambola apple, Karazola, Coromandal gooseberry in English.  karambal in Marathi.





Vitamins and Minerals content

  • Vitamins : A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, C, E, Choline
  • Minerals : Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Manganese, potassium, Sodium, Zinc
  • This fruit contains high amount of oxalate, which is hazardous for uremic patients, and caramboxin (CBX), which is neurotoxic. 
  • Star-fruits are also a rich source of natural antioxidants such as L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and Gallic acid, which aid in scavenging reactive oxidative species
  • Studies suggest that the extracts of Star-fruit plant leaves, fruits and roots contains saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids and tannins
  • plant leaves, fruits, and roots showed a predominant content of saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and pyrogallic steroids. Other phytochemicals such as phenols, anthocyanin and anthocyanidin, chalcones and aurones, leucoanthocyanidins, catechins, and triterpenoids were also extracted from various parts of star fruit
  • It was reported that the major sterolspresent in the fruits of carambola are β-sitosterol, campesterol, lupeol andisofucosterol; it also contained the fourmajor plant fatty acids – palimitic, oleic,linoleic and linolenic acid. Carambolahave identified o-glycosyl flavonoidcomponent such as quercetin-3-o-β-dglycoside and rutin.  



Properties 

Rasa(Taste) – Madhura(sweet), Amla(Sour)

Guna(Qualities) – Laghu(Light to digest)

Taste conversation after digestion – Madhura (Sweet)  

Veerya(Potency) – Sheetala(Coolant)

Grahi – absorbent 

Effect on Tridosha – Balances Kapha and Vata Dosha

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Consumption 

The fruit is consumed as whole or In the fruit juice format.



Uses, Remedies, Benefits and Application

1) Star fruit possesses Vitamin C in abundance and thus it eases the process of absorption of Iron, which is good for Anemia.


2) A fruit can be a vegetable, spice, adjuvant, side dish and even a medicine.


3) 5-6 ml of fruit juice is added with a spoon of honey and taken along with cup of like warm water and taken on empty stomach, regularly. This helps to reduce bad cholesterol and body weight.

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4) The presence of antioxidants/Minerals like iron, zinc and manganese in the fruits aid in strengthening the immune system.


5) The dried star fruits are used as spices too. While cooking meat, this is added as an additional ingredient and this further facilitates easy cooking as well as proper digestion of the meat.


6) Star-fruit contains approximately 60% of cellulose, 27% of hemicelluloses and 13% of pectin. It indicates that star-fruit is indeed rich in insoluble fibres fractions. The insoluble fibres have the ability to retain water more than cellulose; thus called as ‘water insoluble fibre. These water in soluble fibre leads to smooth movement of the bowels and has the capability of lowering blood glucose by slowing down the absorption of carbohydrate in our body.


7) Approximately 5 gram of fruit pulp is mixed with 1-2 gram of pepper powder. This is wrapped in a thin cloth and kept over the middle of the scalp. If necessary this is tied properly, left there for 20 – 30 minutes.

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8) Presence of high amounts of fibres in fruits aids in absorbing glucose and retarding the glucose diffusion into the blood stream; as a result, it helps in controlling blood glucose concentration. Diabetic patient always Consult ayurveda practitioner before use.


9) This fruit is known to have high antioxidant property that efficiently scavenge free radicals as well as helps in hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemia treatments.


10) Shade dried star fruits are powdered. For 5 grams of this powder, a teaspoon of ginger juice is added and consumed. This relieves sore throat, tonsillitis as well as chronic cough.


11) A fist full of fresh flowers are collected and chutney is made (by adding little coconut powder).This relieves anorexia and indigestion conditions.

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12) The juice from carambolas is also used in iced drinks.


13) Ripe carambolas may also be used in cooking. In Southeast Asia, they are usually stewed in cloves and sugar, sometimes with apples. In China, they are cooked with fish. In Australia, they may be cooked as a vegetable, pickled, or made into jams. In Jamaica they are sometimes dried.

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14) The fruits slices dried under sunshine. These dried fruits are made into decoction and by adding little jaggery or mishri candy thin syrup is made. This is taken in the dose of 10-15 ml twice a day. In cases of indigestion, loss of appetite, distension of abdomen etc this very effective. 

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15) Star-fruits are also commonly used in preparation of juice, pickles and salads. However, it can be eaten raw and used for cleaning utensils; because, it helps in removing the rust caused by iron oxidation.


16) Crushed leaves are applied externally in the treatment of ringworm.


17) The fresh fruit juice or pulp is taken and mixed with a pinch of salt and half spoon of ghee. This is applied to the middle of the scalp, especially during night time, 30 minutes before going to bed. Bilious headache and insomnia are getting relieved by this simple recipe.

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18) In Chinese Materia Medica, it is used to quench thirst and to increase the secretion of saliva. In Ayurveda, the ripe fruit is considered as digestive, tonic and causes biliousness.


19) Star fruits are rich in natural antioxidants such as vitamin C, β‐carotene, and gallic acid. Furthermore, it is a good source of magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese, potassium, and phosphorous, it also contains high amounts of fibers and low calories. pH of the fruits become less acidic as the fruits’ ripening occurs.


20) The leaf or stem bark is taken and fine paste is made. This is applied over the joints or affected lesions of abscesses. This gives good benefit in such cases to relieve the pain and swelling.



Side effects 

  • As it contains oxalic acid and Caramboxin, it's large quantity consumption is restricted/avoided
  • People with kidney stones, dialysis, kidney failure avoid it's consumption or consult ayurveda practitioner before eating.



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Reference :

  1. Bhavaprakasha Nighantu
  2. Bioinformation. 2016; 12(12): 420–424.  PMCID: PMC5357571
  3. Food Sci Nutr. 2021 Mar; 9(3): 1810–1823.  PMCID: PMC7958541
  4. BMC Nephrol. 2018; 19: 288.  PMCID: PMC6198447
  5. Clin Interv Aging. 2016; 11: 1183–1192.  PMCID: PMC5012612
  6. Front. Pharmacol., 12 August 2021
  7. International Journal of Pharma Research & Review, July 2013; 2(7):54-63
  8. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 2016; 5(3): 132-137
  9. RESEARCH REVIEW International Journal of Multidisciplinary,Volume-03, Issue-09, September-2018 
  10. World Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Volume 1, Issue 1, 17-33.  ISSN 2278 – 4357
  11. Yasawardene P, Jayarajah U, De Zoysa I, Seneviratne SL. Mechanisms of star fruit (Averrhoa carambola) toxicity: A mini-review. Toxicon. 2020;187:198-202. doi:10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.09.010

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