Ice Apple: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!

Introduction

Ice apple is a lesser-known tropical fruit of the palmyra palm tree. It is widely available in the hot, sizzling summer seasons. It is scientifically known as Borassus flabellifer and belongs to the family Arecaceae. Ice apple fruit is deep brown to black in appearance and spherical upon ripening. It is a coconut-like fruit with a juicy mass of white fibre coated with orange or yellow pulp. The pulp of a mature ice apple is eaten directly from the wiry fibre of peeled fruits¹. 

The fleshy ice apples are packed with translucent, juicy liquid and may have exceptional cooling properties. It provides a perfect mixture of vitamins and minerals required for the body during summer. The palmyra tree grows in tropical countries such as India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Indonesia^1,2. 

Nutritional Value of Ice Apple

Ice apples are considered a hydrant due to their high water content. The ice apples are rich in vitamins A, B, and C, as well as minerals like zinc, iron, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium³. The nutritional value of an ice apple is as follows: 

Here’s the information in pointer format:

• Energy: 87 kcal
• Fats: 1.0 g
• Proteins: 2.8 g
• Carbohydrates: 18.5 g
• Fibre: 15 g
• Sugars: 14-16 g

Did you know that India has the highest number of Palmyra trees in the world?³ That is approximately 85.9 million trees. Out of these, around 60% of the Palmyra trees are located in Tamil Nadu alone.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Properties of Ice Apple

The ice apple fruit contains different phytonutrients. These might contribute to various biological properties that may benefit human health¹. Ice apples may have the following properties: 

• Antioxidant  
• Anti-inflammatory  
• Antibacterial  
• Wound-healing  
• Sedative (might calm and induce sleep)  
• Stomachic (may increase hunger)  
• Laxative (may relieve constipation)  
• Diuretic (may excrete water from the body)  
• Anthelmintic (might act against parasitic infection)  
• Immune response suppressing²  

Potential Uses of Ice Apple for Overall Health

Various parts of the palmyra tree, including the ice apple fruit, may have beneficial properties contributed by its phytochemicals². Some of the potential uses of ice apple are described as follows: 

1. Potential Uses of Ice Apple for Skin

The health benefits of ice apple for the skin might be due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Ice apple may be helpful in skin inflammation problems such as boils, prickly heat, and rashes. Ice apples may have cooling properties. You can use ice apple in a face pack; applying a thin layer of jelly to the affected area may be beneficial in soothing sensitive skin. It may ease the itchiness associated with prickly heat². 

These studies are insufficient, and further research is necessary to support the potential use of ice apples in managing skin-related problems in humans. 

2. Potential Uses of Ice Apple for Diabetes

Ice apples are a rich source of vitamins and minerals, and they may be beneficial for people with diabetes².  

An animal study⁵ conducted by Uluwaduge et al. in 2007 showed that a steroid-like component of ice apple may have a beneficial effect on lowering blood glucose levels. In addition, their subsequent study also reported that dried ice apple fruit pulp (pinattu) might be used as an anti-hyperglycemic (glucose-lowering) agent. A previous clinical trial⁶ conducted with mild diabetic patients also suggested that eating dried ice apples might be helpful in lowering serum glucose levels. 

These studies, however, are insufficient, and more research is needed to prove the effectiveness of ice apples in managing diabetes-related issues in people. Therefore, before using ice apples for diabetes, it’s best to consult a doctor.  

3. Other Potential Uses of the Ice Apple

• The potential benefits of ice apple might demonstrate a solution for digestive problems and other ailments. 
• Ice apple may be used as a laxative to relieve constipation and can benefit the digestive process.  
• Ice apple may be suitable for dealing with nausea and vomiting. 
• The anthelmintic properties of ice apple might be helpful in dealing with a worm infestation. 
• It may be used as an expectorant (cough syrup), which might help expel the mucus during a cough. 
• During the hot summer months, eating ice apples can help keep the body hydrated. It may also help replenish the body. 
• The benefits of ice apples might help with painful urination and tiredness in the body.  
• Ice apple may also be beneficial for dealing with malnutrition in children and adults². 

Though studies show the benefits of ice apples in various health conditions, this information is insufficient. Therefore, further studies are necessary to establish the true extent of the benefits of ice apples on human health.   

Based on my understanding and research³, I have come across some studies that suggest Palmyra products have potential anti-arthritic properties. This means that these products may help in reducing arthritis-related symptoms and provide relief from joint pain and inflammation.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

How to Use Ice Apple?

Ice apple is a delicious fruit with a juicy fluid and sweet taste⁴. The uses of ice apple are given as follows: 

• The tender pulp of the ice apple contains sweet juice, which you can drink like coconut water. 
• Ice apples can be pickled in vinegar. They are also canned. 
• Ice apples are used to make refreshing delicacies like squash juice, sarbat, toffee, burfi, candy, peda and kheer, etc. 
• It can be sundried (punatoo), roasted or boiled. 
• The outer layer of the ice apple is often eaten by roasting or boiling it. 
• It is also used to make jams and cordials (candy)^3,4.

You should consult a physician before taking herbal supplements. Do not change or discontinue your ongoing medicine with any herbal or Ayurvedic preparations without consulting a physician. 

Side Effects of Ice Apple

There are no significant reports suggesting side effects of eating ice apples. Therefore, more studies are required about the side effects of ice apples on human health. 

However, if any side effects occur after eating the ice apple, immediately contact your Ayurvedic physician who prescribed it. They will give you the correct advice. 

In my experience, incorporating different parts of the plant, like leaves, bark, and roots, into your diet can provide disease prevention and overall health benefits. These plant components contain valuable substances, such as polyphenols, vitamins, minerals, and proteins, that have a positive effect on our well-being³. Including them in your meals can contribute to a healthier lifestyle and potentially help prevent certain diseases.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

Precautions to Take With an Ice Apple

Ice apple may be safe when eaten in small amounts. However, general precautions must be followed.  

• There is insufficient information available to suggest the safe use of ice apples for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Hence, it is crucial to consult a doctor before taking ice apple as a herbal remedy. 
• You need to be extra cautious when giving it to older adults and children because their immune systems are not very strong, and they might develop some reactions in the body. 
• It is advised that one should never use any herb to self-medicate, especially without the advice of a physician. 

Interactions With Other Drugs

There is not enough scientific information about the interaction between ice apple and other drugs. However, one should not assume that there are no interactions at all.  

Thus, it is better to take the advice of an Ayurvedic doctor who will prescribe the best way to have the ice apple.   

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Savalapurapu B, Sanyasi G, Bhavana MD, Deverapalli S. Development and formulation of value-added product from Palmyrah palm. J Chem Health Risks. 2023;13(4):833–838. Available from: https://jchr.org/index.php/JCHR/article/view/927​
2. Jerry A. A Comprehensive Review on the Medicinal Properties of Borassus flabellifer. J of Aca and Ind Res. 2018;7(7):93–97. Available from: http://www.jairjp.com/DECEMBER%202018/02%20JERRY%20REVIEW-JAIR%20DECEMBER%20ISSUE.pdf 
3. Krishnaveni S, Arunachalam R, Chandrakumar M, Parthasarathi G, Nisha R. Potential Review on Palmyra (Borassus flabellifer L.). Advan in Res. 2020;21(9):29–40. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343526441_Potential_Review_on_Palmyra_Borassus_flabellifer_L 
4. Lim TK. (2012) Borassus flabellifer. In: Edible Med and Non-Med Plants. 1^st ed. Dordrecht: Springer;2011.p. 293–300. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-8661-7_44 
5. Mahilrajan S, Thuraisingam S, Prabagar J. Exploring the nutritional, health and economic potential of palmyrah fruit pulp. Food Chem Adv. 2025 Mar;6:100212. doi: 10.1016/j.focha.2024.100212. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772753X24002740
6. Inoue Y, Cormanes L, Yoshimura K, Sano A, Hori Y, Suzuki R, Kanamoto I. Effect of apple consumption on postprandial blood glucose levels in normal glucose tolerance people versus those with impaired glucose tolerance. Foods. 2022 Jun 19;11(12):1803. doi: 10.3390/foods11121803. PMID: 35742001; PMCID: PMC9223382. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9223382/

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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