Star fruit (Averrhoa carambola L.): Exploring the wonders of Indian folklore and the miracles of traditional healing

Suchita Gupta, Reena Gupta
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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.
杨桃(Averrhoa carambola L.):探索印度民间传说的奥妙和传统疗法的奇迹
几个世纪以来,人们一直使用草药来治疗各种疾病,如今,草药的治疗和经济意义已在全球范围内占据重要地位。Averrhoa carambola(俗称杨桃)就是这样一种植物,它是一种属于牛肝菌科的热带植物。它在印度和东南亚有着丰富的传统药用历史,被用来治疗各种疾病,包括泌尿系统感染、高血压、糖尿病和肠胃问题。这种水果因其酸甜的口感而广受欢迎,可用于沙拉、饮料和装饰菜肴。羊角芹的治疗潜力归功于其丰富的天然抗氧化剂和酚类化合物,如没食子酸形式的没食子单宁、儿茶素和表儿茶素。这些生物活性成分有助于其药用特性和健康益处。不过,科学调查显示,食用羊角豆可能会对健康造成危害。这种水果中草酸含量高,有中毒的危险,特别是对肾功能不全的人来说,如果过量饮用果汁,就会引起中毒。此外,含有的一种神经毒素--甘蓝毒素会干扰 GABA 能系统,导致神经中毒。这篇综述以条理清晰的方式全面介绍了目前有关羊角芹的功效、植物化学、药理学和毒性的研究进展。本综述中提出的见解有可能推动现代杨桃的进步和新疗法。随着人们对草药的兴趣不断增加,对苌果的进一步研究有望在天然疗法领域探索新的治疗应用。
本文章由计算机程序翻译,如有差异,请以英文原文为准。
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来源期刊
International Journal of Secondary Metabolite
International Journal of Secondary Metabolite Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology-Biotechnology
CiteScore
1.40
自引率
0.00%
发文量
28
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