STAR GOOSEBERRY A MINOR FRUIT OF RURAL TROPICS

 

Star gooseberry a minor fruit, botanically known as Phyllanthus acidus, of family Phyllanthaceae is a fruit-bearing tree commonly found in rural areas of Southern and Eastern States of India. It is known by different names in different Indian languages like Aranelli Tamil, Harfarauri Hindi and Gihori Manipuri. Other names include Otaheite gooseberry, Malay gooseberry, Tahitian gooseberry, country gooseberry, star gooseberry, Stanberry, arbari, West Indian gooseberry, Grosella, or simply gooseberry tree. Despite its name, the plant does not resemble the gooseberry, except for the acidity of its fruits. This tropical or subtropical species is found throughout Asia and also in the Caribbean region, Central and South America. In Puerto Rico is called Grosella. While its origin is uncertain, the species may have originated in Madagascar. It was found in other parts of South Asia early; according to Eduardo Quisumbing, it was brought to the Philippines in prehistoric times.

CULTIVATION

The star gooseberry prefers moist soil. It can be cultivated in a variety of ways—budding, cutting and air-layering—in addition to the usual seed growth. The tree is cultivated for its ornamental value, but also for food and medicinal purposes. While it produces some fruit throughout the year, it is mainly harvested in January except in South India, where it bears crops in April– May and again in August–September. As the fruit does not soften when ripe, it is harvested when the fruit begins to drop. The plant thrives in warm, humid climates and can be grown in pots or gardens. The plant is also appreciated for its attractive foliage and unique fruits, making it a good ornamental addition to gardens.

THE TREE

 Is an intermediary between a shrub and tree, reaching 2 to 9 m high. The tree is dense and has a bushy crown is composed of thickest, tough main branches, at the end of which are clusters of deciduous, greenish, 15-to-30- cm long branch lets. The branch lets bear alternate leaves that are ovate or lanceolate in form, with short petioles and pointed ends. The leaves are 2–7.5 cm long and thin are green and smooth on the upper side and blue-green on the underside.

LEAVES

Are compound, 35-45 cm long, crowded at end of the branches, leaflets 6-8 cm long and 3-5 cm wide alternately arranged along the rachis, ovate to obliquely ovate, acute base round or wedge shaped.

FLOWERS

 The flowers can be male, female or hermaphrodite. They are small and pinkish and appear in clusters in 5-to-12.5-cm long panicles. Flowers are formed at leafless parts of the main branches, at the upper part of the tree. The fruits are numerous; oblate, with 6 to 8 ribs, and densely clustered. They are pale yellow or white, waxy, crisp and juicy, and very sour. 4 to 6 seeds are contained in a stone at the center of each fruit.

FRUITS

 The tree yield small edible yellow sour berries in groups. Fruit is pendulous, in clusters upon branches, round and flattened at poles with ribs2 cm across, contain a small seed stone inside. A tree usually flowers twice in a year to yield fruits. Fruits and flowers are observed simultaneously many times. The fruit is chiefly suited for pickle making and jam. It is tasted as an acid fruit with salt. It contains 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeicacid, adenosine, kaempferol and hypo Gallic acid. USES The fruits are used in various dishes, including chutneys and pickles, and can be eaten fresh. They are also known for their health benefits, with Ayurveda recommending daily consump tion for boosting immunity and metabolism.

CULINARY

 Various parts of the plant are used for food. In Bangladesh, India and Indonesia, the cooked leaves are eaten. While the fruit is eaten fresh, and is sometimes used as flavouring for other dishes in Indonesia, it is generally regarded as too tart to eat by itself in its natural form and is processed further. It is candied in sugar or pickled in salt, used in chutney, relish or preserves. In the Philippines, it is used to make vinegar as well as eaten raw, soaked in salt or vinegar-salt solution and sold along the roadside. It is candied as well, usually stored in jars with syrup. They make these into a syrup in Malaysia. Liberally sugared, it is also used to make fruit juice. In Thailand it is used as an ingredient to make Som tam, to make pickled, boil in syrup -Ma-Yom Chuam.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

The plant has also medicinal importance. The peppered leaves are used to make a poultice to treat sciatica, lumbago and rheumatism but have been observed to cause low blood pressure when combined with nitrates, while the seeds are used as a cathartic and the root, if prepared with care, as a purgative. The syrup is used to medicate the stomach, and in India the fruit is eaten as a blood-enhancer for the liver; a lehyam, nellikai lekiyam, for which the salient ingredient is gooseberry fruit, is offered to children to boost their immunity. TIMBER The tree wood is strong and durable when properly treated, the tree is not large and is rarely harvested for wood. If harvested, it is used for small objects such as utensils. In India, the root bark is sometimes used as a tanning agent.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Consuming star gooseberry can enhance your well-being in several ways. Here are some of the key benefits of this nutritious fruit.

RICH IN ANTIOXIDANTS

Star gooseberries are abundant in antioxidants, including vitamin C and various phytonutrients. Such compounds help combat oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals. This lessens the risk of chronic diseases and slows the ageing process.

SUPPORTS DIGESTIVE HEALTH

 The high fibre content in star gooseberries aids digestion by improving regular bowel movements and preventing constipation. Additionally, the fruit has natural acids can stimulate gastric secretions, enhancing nutrient absorption and overall digestive efficiency.

ENHANCES SKIN HEALTH

 Regular consumption of star gooseberries can support collagen production for healthier, more youthful-looking skin. These berries contain vitamin C, which plays a vital role in this process and helps maintain skin elasticity and firmness. Additionally, it helps protect the skin from damage caused by environmental factors.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES

Compounds found in star gooseberries exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce inflammation. This major benefit helps to manage conditions like arthritis.

POTENTIAL ANTI-DIABETIC EFFECTS

Some research suggests that star gooseberries may have anti-diabetic properties. The fruit contains bioactive compounds that can influence glucose metabolism and thus, potentially help in blood sugar regulation.

BOOSTS IMMUNITY

The vitamin C content in star gooseberries strengthens the immune system by improving the production of white blood cells, the body’s primary defence against infections.

BONE STRENGTHENING

 Star gooseberries contain minerals like calcium and phosphorus, which are important for bone health. Regular consumption of fruit may help lower the risk of osteoporosis and support bone density.

LIVER TONIC

Star gooseberries have been used in traditional medicine as a liver tonic to purify the blood and support liver function. This highlights the fruit’s role in the detoxification processes within the body.

RESPIRATORY

Traditional remedies have utilized star gooseberries to help treat respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis. The fruit’s expectorant properties can help clear mucus from the airways and improve breathing.

DISCLAIMER: 

The views expressed in the Article above are DR. B L PUTTOO views and kashmiribhatta.in is not in any way responsible for the opinions expressed in the above article. The article belongs to its respective owner or owners and this site does not claim any right over it. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing."

Courtesy: DR. B L PUTTOO and  Spade A Spade-June 2025