{"id":170923,"date":"2023-02-22T14:04:25","date_gmt":"2023-02-22T14:04:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/?p=170923"},"modified":"2026-04-23T12:13:10","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T12:13:10","slug":"ayurveda-uses-benefits-and-side-effects-of-bilimbi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pharmeasy.in\/blog\/ayurveda-uses-benefits-and-side-effects-of-bilimbi\/","title":{"rendered":"Bilimbi: Uses, Benefits and Side Effects By Dr. Rajeev Singh"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n<\/head>

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Table of Contents<\/p>\nToggle<\/span>

Introduction<\/a><\/li>
Nutritional Value of Bilimbi<\/a><\/li>
Properties of Bilimbi<\/a><\/li>
Potential Uses of Bilimbi for Overall Health<\/a><\/li>
How to Use Bilimbi?<\/a><\/li>
Side Effects of Bilimbi<\/a><\/li>
Precautions to Take with Bilimbi<\/a><\/li>
Interactions with Other Drugs<\/a><\/li>
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/a><\/li>
References<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n \n <\/span>\n $\"Join$ \n <\/a>\n
<\/span>Introduction<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nHave you ever noticed a bright green flower-shaped segmented fruit growing on the trees? The fruit is called Bilimbi in English. The scientific name of bilimbi is Averrhoa bilimbi,<\/em> which belongs to the Oxalidaceae <\/em>family. It is known as blimblim in French, mimbro in Spanish, belimbing asam in Malay and kaling pring in Thai. Bililmbi fruits are often eaten raw, used to make wine, vinegar and pickles and substitute for tamarind in dishes and also be used as a flavouring agent. In Thailand, Malaya and Singapore, bilimbi is very common. It is frequently grown in gardens across the plains of India and thrives in all the country\u2019s warmest regions. Bilimbi or Averrhoa bilimbi, is a folk remedy for many ailments1<\/a>,2<\/a><\/sup>. Let us have a look at some of them.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Did you know?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Averrhoa bilimbi extract showed potential in preventing indicators of hypertension. source: PMC<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Flavonoids, saponins, polyphenols, essential oils, and anthraquinone were identified in Averrhoa bilimbi extract. source: PMC<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Averrhoa bilimbi extract contains bioactive compounds that act as antioxidants and inhibit oxidative stress. source: PMC<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Bilimbi fruit is rich in potassium, with 296 mg per 100 grams. source: nutritionvalue.org<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
Bilimbi has a high water content, making it hydrating and refreshing. source: nutritionvalue.org<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Nutritional Value of Bilimbi<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nBilimbi may contain bioactive compounds like amino acids, citric acid, cyanidin\u20133\u2013O\u2013h\u2013D\u2013glucoside, phenolics and sugars 2<\/a><\/sup>. Additionally, 100 gm ripened fruit of bilimbi may contain the following nutritional components:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Protein<\/strong>: 0.9 g<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Carbohydrates<\/strong>: 9.75 g<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Fibres<\/strong>: 0.96 g<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Energy<\/strong>: 135.02 KJ<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Lipids<\/strong>: 0.27 g<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Oxalic acid<\/strong>: 8.45-10.8 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)<\/a><\/strong>: 60.95 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Vitamin B1 (thiamine)<\/a><\/strong>: 0.02 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)<\/a><\/strong>: 0.04 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Vitamin B3 (niacin)<\/a><\/strong>: 0.302 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Vitamin A<\/a><\/strong>: 105 UI<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Sodium<\/strong>: 2.1 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Potassium<\/strong>: 103.03 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Calcium<\/strong>: 2.03 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Phosphorus<\/strong>: 15.4 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Magnesium<\/strong>: 3.45 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Iron<\/strong>: 0.74 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Copper<\/strong>: 0.79 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Zinc<\/strong>: 0.22 mg<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Manganese<\/strong>: 0.02 mg<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
*unit is per 100g unless otherwise stated<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Properties of Bilimbi<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nSeveral studies have shown that bilimbi may have the following properties 3<\/a><\/sup>:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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It may fight against microbes.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
It may be an antioxidant.^{\u00a0<\/sup>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n}
It may improve liver health.^{\u00a0<\/sup>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n}
It may help to heal wounds.^{\u00a0<\/sup>\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n}
It may lower blood sugar levels.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
It may lower cholesterol.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
It may improve heart health.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Potential Uses of Bilimbi for Overall Health<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Some of the potential uses of bilimbi are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Potential Uses of Bilimbi for Liver Health\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
$\"liver\"$ <\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
Bilimbi may help to improve liver health. The results of a study by Nagmoti et al. in 2010 suggested a significant increase in the activity of liver enzymes (SGOT, SGPT, ALP) and serum bilirubin levels. Increased levels of these enzymes may cause various liver diseases 6<\/a><\/sup>. However, further studies are required to check if bilimbi can protect the liver. Therefore, you must consult your doctor<\/a><\/strong> if you have any symptoms of liver disease.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Potential Uses of Bilimbi for Cancer\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
$\"cancer\"$ <\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
Leaf extracts of bilimbi may have anticancer properties against breast cancer. Bioactive compounds like terpenoids, flavonoids, tannins and saponins may kill cancer-causing cells (apoptosis and programmed cell death) and inhibit the growth of cancer-causing cells (proliferation)7<\/a><\/sup>.^{<\/sup>However, further studies are required to check if bilimbi may help in the case of breast cancer. Cancer is a dangerous disease therefore, you must consult your doctor if you suspect any symptoms of cancer instead of self-medicating.\u00a0<\/p>}
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