It’s another season to enjoy the sweet and fleshy fruit called African star apple. At this time of the year, one would hardly walk 5–10 km without seeing the fruit being display by traders especially in the western part of Africa. With a bipolar appearance due to its different species, or state of ripeness, the fruit can either be sweet or very sour.
Spherical in shape with about 3cm in diameter, African star apple is usually 5-celled and contains an edible, sweet fruit-pulp. The skin or peel is orange to golden yellow when ripe and the pulp within the peel may be orange, pinkish, or light yellow. Within the pulp are at least five seeds, which are not usually eaten.
It is more heartwarming to know that African star apple, scientifically known as Chrysophyllum albidum may help in managing diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels. Investigation by Samuel Obasi and colleagues at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, suggested a potential role for the fruit in managing diabetes, as the study published in the Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders found that diabetic rats fed with Chrysophyllum albidum fruit pulp powder experienced significant reductions in blood glucose levels and improvements in antioxidant enzyme activities.
A common fruit in Nigeria, the African star apple is known with different names by the different tribes. The Yorubas called it ‘Agbalumo’, known as Udara’ by the Igbos, while the Efiks call it ‘ Udari’, and the Hausas know it as ‘agamas’.
The fleshy pulp is usually eaten as snack and it has been found to have high contents of potassium, calcium and vitamin C, The small but mighty fruit is packed with antioxidants, vitamin D, fibre and more particularly low glylemic properties.
According to WebMD medical journal, A 100 grams of fresh African star apple pulp contains protein, carbohydrates, potassium, calcium, zinc, beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A), and iron.
Several studies have also highlighted the numerous health benefits of Chrysophyllum albidum such as aiding in weight management, alternative therapy for diarrhea, high presence of antioxidant may help fight cancer, it has been said to enhance brain cognitive function and more importantly, it is very effective in the management of diabetes.
Health Benefits of African Star Apple (Chrysophyllum albidum)
Supports Weight Management
The African star apple may aid in weight management by helping to regulate weight gain. Damilola Adeyemi, Chijioke Umeh, and others in their study at the University of Lagos found that methanol extracts from Chrysophyllum albidum leaves exhibited significant weight gain inhibitory activity in high-fat diet-induced obese rats. Their findings, published in the Bulletin of the National Research Centre, indicate that the plant extract helped regulate weight by reducing cholesterol levels. without adverse effects on liver, kidney, or heart functions.
Serves as natural diarrhea remedy
Chrysophyllum albidum has been traditionally used to treat diarrhea, and researc. .h supports its effectiveness. A study by Ibrahim Lawal and colleagues at Ahmadu Bello University in the Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry found that methanol leaf extracts of Chrysophyllum albidum significantly reduced diarrhea in animal models. The study attributed this effect to the presence of flavonoids, tannins, and saponins, which have known antidiarrheal properties.
May help reduce cancer risk
Although not certain, the high antioxidant content of Agbalumo may help reduce the risk of cancer. A 2011 study by Olufunke Adebanjo in the African Journal of Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicines found that Chrysophyllum albidum is rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress, a factor associated to cancer development. The study suggests that the fruit’s polyphenols and flavonoids may contribute to reducing cancer risk by neutralizing free radicals.
High content of antioxidant
The fruit and leaves of Africanwe a star apple provide significant antioxidant benefits. Chinwe Okonkwo, Adebayo Ogunleye, and others in their study at the University of Ibadan found that extracts from Chrysophyllum albidum fruit and leaves exhibited significant antioxidant activity. Published in the Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, their study demonstrated that the plant’s high flavonoid and phenolic content helps in reducing oxidative stress and preventing cellular damage.
Improves cognitive function
Consuming Chrysophyllum albidum may enhance cognitive function and memory. A 2020 study Amaka Nwachukwu in the Journal of Neuropharmacology found that dietary supplementation containing Chrysophyllum albidum extract enhanced memory function and prevented cognitive deficits in mice. The study attributed this effect to the fruit’s high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which protect neural tissues from oxidative damage
With the numerous evidences supporting these benefits, it is safe to say that the African star apple is beneficial to all not just persons with diabetes. African star apple is more than just a seasonal fruit; it is a nature’s gift to Mankind.
