Khirni Fruit: Uses, Benefits and Side Effects by Dr. Smita Barode 

Introduction:

We all eat fruits, which are the primary source of protein, minerals and vitamins. Berries are some of the best fruits which we can eat daily. The Khiri fruit, which is ovoid, comes under berries and is the least used fruit. Popularly this Khirni fruit is called Rayan and the scientific name is Manilkara hexandra (Roxb) belongs to the family Sapotaceae. The Khirni fruit tree is naturally found in the tropical wilderness of India in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh andhra Pradesh and Orissa. Khirni fruits have economic importance and have been a significant source of livelihood for the Indian tribal population. Fresh Khirni fruit is sweet and acidic with one or more seeds. Khirni fruit in Hindi is called Khirani and in English is called Obtuse leaved mimusops. ​^1,2​ This blog presents the Khirni fruit’s health benefits, nutritional value, potential uses and many more.  

Nutritional Value of Khirni Fruit:

Khirni fruit nutritional facts may include the following: 

Table 1: Nutritional value of Khirni fruit.​²​ 

Furthermore, other phytonutrients like flavonoids, catechin, phenolic compounds like quercetin, gallic acid, quercetin, kaempferol and vanillic acid, fatty acid esters like triterpene alcohols may be present in it.​^1,3​ 

Properties of Khirni Fruit:

Khirni Rayan fruit may have the following properties: 

• It may act as an antioxidant.  
• It may have skin-soothing activity. 
• It may increase hunger. 
• It may act as an anti-ulcer agent. 
• It may have digestive properties. 
• It may act as an anti-inflammatory agent. 
• It may have analgesic properties (painkillers). 
• It may have diuretic activity (increase urine passage) 
• It may lower blood sugar levels. 
• It may have an antipyretic effect (reduce fever). 
• It may have an antimicrobial effect.​^1–4​ 

Based on my observations, Khirni fruit is a rich source of vitamin C. Based on some studies, consumption of Khirni fruit might improve lung functions. This is because fresh fruits like Khirni, with high vitamin C content, can have positive effects on lung function.

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

Potential Uses of Khirni Fruit:

The potential Khirni fruit benefits are: 

1. Potential uses of Khirni fruit for digestive distress 

Khirni fruit is a significant source of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, sugar, calcium, iron, phosphorus and vitamins like vitamins A, B and C are also present. It may also have digestive and stomachic properties. Stomach discomforts such as dyspepsia, indigestion, burning sensations, bloating, gas and flatulence may affect day-to-day life. Regularly adding Khirni fruit to your diet may enhance digestion and help release flatulence (a burning sensation from the stomach). It may help clear out the colon and may reduce digestive distress.^1,3 However, more clinical studies are needed to establish the effects of Khirni fruit on digestive problems. If you experience persistent digestion problems, consult a specialist for proper treatment. Do not self-medicate. 

2. Potential uses of Khirni fruit for enteric fever (typhoid) 

Enteric disease or typhoid fever, is caused by certain multi-drug-resistant bacteria such as Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus. In lab studies, Mahida et al., 2007 found that Khirni fruit plant extract may have antibacterial activity against typhoid-causing bacteria.³ These studies are conducted in laboratories; therefore, more clinical proof is needed to support the antibacterial effect of Khirni fruit against typhoid. Take prescribed medicine to recover from such infections. Do not self-medicate. 

3. Potential uses of Khirni fruit for diabetes 

Khirni Rayan fruit may have blood sugar-lowering properties. In animal studies, Nimbekar et al., 2013 found that the Khirni fruit extract may decrease blood glucose levels. In addition, it was found that Khirni fruit may significantly regulate blood sugar levels in type-2 diabetes. Therefore, this study may indicate that Khirni fruit may be employed in managing type-2 diabetes.^3,4 More human research is needed to suggest the true scope of the Khirni fruit for diabetes. Diabetes is a serious health condition. It requires proper diagnosis and treatment. Do not self-medicate. 

4. Potential uses of Khirni fruit for skin problems 

A literature study by Amandeep et al., 2021 suggests that Khirni fruit extract may have antibacterial activity and soothing skin effects (emollient). Skin infections such as facial acne and black spots may be caused due to certain bacteria (acne vulgaris). The paste prepared from unripe Khirni Rayan fruit pulp may apply to the affected areas. The regular application of Khirni fruit pulp may reduce skin inflammation.^1,3,4 We need more research to develop Khirni fruit uses for skin infections. Suppose you have problems related to the skin; consult your doctor and do not self-medicate. 

5. Potential uses of Khirni fruit for swelling and inflammation  

Khirni fruit and bark may contain a mixture of phytonutrients such as polysaccharides, saponins, sterols and tannins. These bioactive compounds may act as anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. It might help purify the blood and its anti-inflammatory properties might help reduce swellings and redness during injuries.³ However, this information is insufficient; therefore, more human interventions are needed to suggest the uses of Khirni fruit for swelling and inflammation. If you feel pain or swelling, take medical consultation and do not self-medicate.  

Other Potential Uses of Khirni Fruit:

• Khirni fruit may be eaten regularly to overcome memory weakness. It might also help with hallucination and unconsciousness.¹ 
• Khirni Rayan fruit pulp is astringent and may be used in chronic dysentery.³ 
• Khirni fruit herbal preparations may help against jaundice.³ 
• It may have diuretic properties. It might help increase the production of urine and help clear the easy passage of urine from the body.³  
• Khirni fruit may have an antipyretic effect which might significantly reduce high fever.^1,3 

Though studies show the potential uses of Khirni fruit in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a necessity for further studies to develop the scope of the benefits of Khirni fruit on human health.  

Khirni fruit is packed with many nutrients like vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. Consuming Khirni fruit might improve eye and bone health. It also might help with fever, jaundice and various gastric conditions.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

How to Use Khirni Fruit?

You may use Khirni fruit as follows: 

• It may be eaten fresh as a table fruit. 
• It may be used in dehydrated form. 
• Khirni fruit seeds may be edible.¹ 

You should consult a qualified doctor before having Khirni fruit in large quantities. They will guide you with its form and dosage per your health condition. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing modern medical treatment with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation of Khirni fruit without consulting an ayurvedic physician. 

Side Effects of Khirni Fruit:

No significant studies recorded the side effects of Khirni fruit in humans. However, Khirni fruit berries are astringent in taste as it contains a high amount of acid.¹ You must consult a doctor to get the proper treatment if you encounter any side effects after eating Khirni fruit. 

Precautions to Take With Khirni Fruit:

Eating Khirni fruit in smaller quantities might be safe. However, eating in more significant amounts is not recommended. Follow the below precautions:  

• Khirni fruit is acidic in taste.¹ If you have mouth ulcers or sore mouth, avoid having it as it might worsen the condition. 
• Khirni fruit may have blood-sugar-lowering properties.⁴ If you experience frequent low blood sugar, then avoid this fruit.  
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women must consult their doctors before having Khirni fruit to avoid complications. 
• People must be cautious while giving it to small children and the elderly as they are acidic.¹ 

Interactions With Other Drugs:

Less information is available regarding the interactions of Khirni fruit with other drugs. More human interventions are required to study herb-drug interactions. Therefore, avoid eating Khirni fruit with any medicine and if any complications arise, consult with doctors. Do not self-medicate. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

References:

1. Singh S., Jha M. A Comprehensive Pharmacognostic Review: Manilkara Hexandra (Roxb.) Dubard Intern J of Pharma Sci and Res. 2020;11(8):3645–52. Available from: https://ijpsr.com/bft-article/a-comprehensive-pharmacognostic-review-manilkara-hexandra-roxb-dubard/ 
2. Singh S, Singh A. Khirni (Manilkara hexandra (Roxb.) Dubard). Under Fruit Crops: Imp and Culti.2017;615–25. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/A-Singh-20/publication/344883359_Khirni/links/5f96a30692851c14bce79be1/Khirni.pdf 
3. Kaur A, Singh Gill N. Review Article on Manilkara Hexandra (Khirni). Interna J of Mod Pharma Res. 2015;5(4):46. Available from: https://ijmpronline.com/admin/assets/article_issue/1627629609.pdf 

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