Star Fruit (Kamrakh): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!
By Dr Rajeev Singh +2 more
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By Dr Rajeev Singh +2 more
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Star fruit is scientifically known as Averrhoa carambola. It belongs to the family Oxalidaceae. It has many different species, namely, A. dolichocarpa, A.microphylla, A.leucopetala, A.bilimbi and A. carambola. However, A. carambola is most cultivated and exported species native to southeast Asia.1 Star fruits are juicy, crunchy and a mixture of slightly sweet and sour tastes. They are usually green when small and unripe and turn yellow when ripen. The name ‘star fruit’ was coined because of the longitudinally stretched ridges of oval-shaped carambola fruit that give the appearance of a star when cut cross-sectionally.2–4
Star fruit contains various nutrients such as vitamins (B1, B2 and C), minerals, and bioactive compounds. It is a good source of fibre and contains cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin. Star fruit may help with various diseases related to the brain, heart and stomach.1,3
Star fruit contains various nutrients such as vitamins (B1, B2 and C), minerals, and bioactive compounds. It is a good source of fibre and contains cellulose, hemicellulose and pectin. Star fruit helps manage various diseases related to the brain, heart and stomach.1,3
Star fruit has a very high amount of nutrients.
| Nutritional components | Value per 100 grams |
| Water | 92.6 g |
| Energy | 35.7 kcal |
| Protein | 0.38 g |
| Fat | 0.8 g |
| Carbohydrate | 9.38 g |
| Fibre (total dietary) | 0.8 g |
| Components | Value per 100 grams |
| Calcium | 3 mg |
| Iron | 0.32-0.45 mg |
| Potassium | 167-168 mg |
| Sodium | 3.8 mg |
| Magnesium | 11.85-12.05 mg |
| Vitamin C | 25.8 mg |
| Oxalic acid | 9.6 mg |
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The potential properties of star fruit are given as follows:
The scientific name of ‘Star fruit’ is Averrhoa carambola. The word carambola is a derivation of the Sanskrit word karmaranga which means “food appetizer”. Also, in Malayalam, it is known as a carambola.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
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The potential of star fruit for various health-related issues might be described as follows.
Star fruit contains insoluble fibre that may help decrease the absorption of carbohydrates in the body. The crude extract of star fruit might also significantly lower blood glucose levels and triglycerides levels and increases insulin levels in the blood. These findings indicate that it may help in the potential management for diabetes.3
The leaves of star fruit are rich in vitamin C and bioactive compounds like phenols and flavonoids, which are abundant sources of natural anti-oxidants3. These anti-oxidants might help in scavenging free radicles such as peroxides and hyperoxides and may remove inflammation-causing toxins from the body.1
A study found that star fruit decreases lipid levels, significantly lowers cholesterol levels by reducing body mass index, atherogenic index (reflects the value of triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein) and liver cholesterol in animal models, preventing the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. It may help with cholesterol levels owing to its high fibre and low-fat content.2,3
Star fruit is a rich source of vitamin C and minerals that may help reduce swelling of joints, dermatitis (skin inflammation) and psoriasis (rash and formation of dry patches on the skin).5 Due to its potential anti-inflammatory properties, star fruit may also help with sore throat and cough and has been used in ancient times.1
Star fruit (Kamrakh) has a good amount of electrolytes such as sodium and potassium that may help to regulate blood pressure and might help with heartbeat and blood flow. Calcium present in star fruit may also help with the tension in arteries and might lower the risk of developing heart diseases such as heart attack and stroke.3
The extract from the leaves of star fruit might help with stomach discomfort and the formation of ulcers. It also contains bioactive compounds and mucilage that may provide a lining to digestive mucosa, helping with the damage caused by gastritis.1
The leaf, fruit and bark of star fruit have been found to have a potential to inhibit the growth of various bacteria and fungi, exhibiting anti-microbial activity. The leaf extracts of star fruit might have a potential to inhibit the growth of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria such as S. aureus, Klebsiella spp., E. coli, P. aeruginosa and B. cereus.1,3
Star fruit contains vitamin C, which might not only help in scavenging free radicals, but also may produce a high level of white blood cells and might help build a strong immune system.3
Consumption of star fruit might be beneficial in lowering the risk of developing cancer. Polyphenols like proanthocyanin, gallic acid and vitamin C are present in star fruit and may act as strong antioxidants. These antioxidants may scavenge peroxides and hyperoxides, assist the immune system and help with the toxins of the body, which may potentially be helpful for cancer. Star fruit extract might have a potential effect against tumour cells and might decrease tumour yield and tumour burden and increase healthy cell viability, survival time and levels of haemoglobin, red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC).1,,3
Though there are studies that show the benefits of star fruit in various conditions, but these are insufficient and there is a need of further studies to establish the true extent of benefits of star fruit on human health.
In India, people mix the roots of star fruits with sugar to make an antidote for poisoning. Moreover, ripe star fruit may help in reducing bleeding in patients with haemorrhages. Dried star fruit might help bring down fevers.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
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Star fruit can be used in the following ways:
You should always consult your Ayurvedic physician before consuming star fruit in large quantities or for therapeutic benefits. They will be the best person to prescribe you the correct form and dosage as per your health condition.
You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.
Did you know starfruit has a use in production of alcohol? It can be fermented and used as raw material to make alcohol. It can be done with the help of yeast like Saccharomyces cerevisiae by producing ethanol and carbon dioxide.
Dr. Smita barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.
Star fruit contains essential bioactive components oxalic acid and caramboxin, which are harmful to patients suffering from kidney diseases. Excessive consumption of star fruit can result in vomiting, hiccups (involuntary contractions of the diaphragm), mental confusion and death. It is recommended that individuals with kidney stones, kidney failure or undergoing management of dialysis should not consume star fruit. Excess consumption of star fruit could result in neurotoxicity leading to fits.3,6
Star fruit is generally considered to be safe if it is taken in the moderate amounts. However, general precautions have to be followed while consuming star fruit. Excessive intake of star fruit might cause acute kidney damage, especially if taken on an empty stomach or in dehydration. Therefore, it is not advised for elderly patients or individuals on an empty stomach to have star fruit.3 If any health-related issue appears, consult your Ayurvedic physician.
Depending on how ripe they are, starfruits have different flavours. Unripe fruit tends to be firmer and tarter, making it suited for savoury meals. It is best for desserts and other sweet meals as it ripens since it gets sweeter and juicier.
Dr. Anuja Bodhare, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Consumption of star fruit in any form with medications undergoing cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism may lead to an increase in their effective dosage within the body.7 Since star fruits have several documented nutritional and therapeutic advantages, but they are harmful to people with kidney issues due to the presence of bioactive compounds in the fruit. Individuals undergoing kidney treatment should avoid the consumption of star fruit.1,3,5 Kindly, consult a qualified doctor and ask them if it is safe for you to eat star fruit. Please do not self-medicate or discontinue any ongoing treatment. Your doctor is the only one authorised to make changes to your treatment if and when necessary. The choice of treatment or adjustments to it are at the discretion of your doctor basis your consultation with them.
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Owing to its high nutritional value1 and its ability to increase haemoglobin level3, it may help with the growth and development of the baby. However, due to the lack of sufficient safety data and the property of star fruit causing nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity3,6, it is advised to consult your Ayurvedic physician before consuming it during pregnancy.
Star fruit contains many nutritional components that might help with your health. It might help to regulate blood pressure and blood glucose level, may improve metabolism and digestion, might enhance immunity and might help with inflammation.1,6 However, there is a need for more studies to be sure and regard its use for health related issues.
Yes. A few studies have shown that star fruit contains a high amount of insoluble fibres, which allow slow absorption of carbohydrates. This might help with blood glucose levels in persons with diabetes.1 However, there is insufficient data. Therefore, there is a need for more studies on this subject.
Star fruit can be eaten as a whole fruit, ripe or unripe. The unripe fruit is eaten as a snack with rock salt, while the ripe fruit can consume as jams, jellies and juices. The extract of the leaf of star fruit might be prescribed by your Ayurvedic physician as an anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial agent.1 However, more studies are required for its use.
No. Individuals suffering from kidney diseases are not advised to consume star fruits. Eating star fruit in such conditions can lead to acute kidney damage, seizures and even death.3 Kindly consult your physician for using star fruit. Do not self-medicate or discontinue an ongoing treatment on your own.
Star fruit is usually safe to consume unless the person is suffering from kidney diseases or on medication metabolised by cytochrome P450.3,7 However, there is a need for more studies on this subject as the available data is insufficient. Therefore, you should consult a doctor before using star fruit.
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Last updated: Sep 21, 2023
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