Short Note
The African star apple (Alasa), scientifically referred to as Chrysophyllum albidum, is a Nigerian and Ghanaian native fruit. It’s a unique fruit proven to offer a variety of health benefits.
In Ghana, the African star apple is called Alasa, Alasma mba, or Adasa mma.
The fruit has medical advantages, according to a study conducted by Dr. Christopher Larbi and his research team at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), College of Science.
According to the study by Dr. Christopher Larbi and his team, the fruit can be sweet or sour depending on its size and intensity of color. Except for the seeds, it is edible.
Additionally, the African Star apple is high in vitamins, particularly vitamin C, and low in fat.
Health Benefits
1. Controls Diabetes
According to a study, African Star Apple “alasa” is necessary for blood sugar regulation.
The barks, leaves, and roots of African star apple plant can all be utilized to make herbal remedies for blood sugar regulation.
2. Great Antioxidizing Effects
Exocarp of African star apple “Alasa” tree fruit extract was studied for its free radical scavenging and phytochemical activity.
Saponins, tannins, triterpenoids, alkaloids, volatile oil, steroids, resins, and balsam are all found in this fruit, according to their research. As a result, it can be used to treat oxidative stress illnesses in which free radicals are present because it can serve as a natural antioxidant booster.
African star apple’s antioxidant capabilities allow it to scavenge for free radicals in the body hence preventing lipid peroxidation and cancer.
3. Improves Cardiovascular Health
The African Star Apple “alasa”, according to a 2020 study, includes glycoside. Thanks to this chemical, the fruit is an effective treatment for congestive heart failure.
The fruit’s high potassium content makes it an excellent treatment for heart disease and stroke.
4. Immune Booster
African Star Apple “alasa” is filled with Vitamin C which is great for your health because of its ability to strengthen your immune system.
Vitamin A, vitamin B1, and vitamin B2 are also abundant in the African Star Apple “alasa”.
5. Ideal for Pregnant Women
During pregnancy some women enjoy eating the African Star Apple, thanks to its acidic flavor which help these pregnant women to resist the urge to vomit.
According to studies, the African Star Apple “alasa” can help with constipation, sore throat, and gastrointestinal issues that women face while pregnant.
6. Antibacterial Properties
Antibacterial properties are also found in African Star Apple “alasa”, according to a study.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium tetani, Bacillus subtilis, and Candida albicans were all suppressed by root extracts of the African Star Apple (“alasa”) plant, according to the study.
7. Assists in Weight Loss
Thanks to its fiber content, African Star Apple may also fill you up quickly and reduce your hunger urge.
The low-calorie content of African star apple is well known. A single serving of African star apple has about 67 calories. This can contribute towards your walk to weight loss.
8. Utilized in Herbal Medicinal Practice
Yellow fever and malaria are treated with the bark of the African Star Apple “alasa” plant.
Leaves of the plant can be used to treat skin eruptions, stomach aches, and diarrhea effectively.
Vaginal and dermatological infections can be treated using ointments made from the cotyledons of African star apple seeds. In western Nigeria, this technique is used.
Side Effects
Desist from eating too much African Star Apple “alasa”:
- It can cause stomach chills.
NB: People suffering from heart diseases should consult their doctor before use.
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