evergreen shrub that can grow up to 15 meters tall. The Elephant Apple, scientifically known
as Dillenia indica, was given that name by Johann Jacob Dillenius, a German biologist and
academician at Oxford.
Fig 1.1-1.9: Different parts of elephant apple fruit.
Elephant apple, a non-climatic fruit with circular, greenish-yellow fruit resembling an elephant toe, is the main food source for wild elephants. This is the basis for the name “elephant apple.” It is known by various names globally, including dillenia, chalta, karambel, simpur air, sempu, simpoh, and katmon in English, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Burma, Cambodia, and Portugal.
Ripe fruits are used in pickles, while unripe ones are consumed fresh. Indian cuisine uses fruit pulp in curries, jams, jellies, and chutneys with coconut and spices. Elephant apple, an Ayurvedic herb, have been used for centuries for treating indigestion, fatigue, and unease. They offer health benefits like antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-diabetic properties. The fruit’s fleshy sepals are loaded with flavonoids, betulin, betulinic acid, malic acid, vitamin C, and malic acid. However, their high moisture content and seasonal availability limit their use.
Dillenia indica fruits have a Moisture content of 82.3%, with 0.8% Protein, 0.2% fat, 0.8% Minerals, 2.5% Fiber, 13.4% Carbohydrates, and 0.016% Calcium and 0.026% Phosphorus. Dillenia indica fruit contains 34% phenolics and polysaccharide, while seeds are rich in fixed oil, colorant, sterols, glycosides, saponins, proteins, amino acids, sugars, and tannins. Elephant apple fruit, rich in volatile flavorings like butanoic acid, methyl hexanoate, and ethyl-3- hydroxy hexanoate, is used to treat various ailments, including diarrhea, dysentery, tumors, asthma, wounds, heart disease, and hepatitis.
| Calories | Kcal |
| Protein | 8% |
| Fat | 2-2.5% |
| Carbohydrate | 13.4% |
| Fiber | 2.1-2.5% |
| Ash | 3.54% |
| Calcium | 16mg |
| Phosphorous | 26mg |
| Ascorbic acid | 4mg |
Table 1: Nutritive content of elephant apple
The health advantages of elephant apples are numerous, regardless of whether they are eaten raw or cooked, they are as follows:
Blood Pressure is reduced: Elephant apple is one of the best options if one becomes tired of eating bananas to keep the vital signs within the normal range due to their high presence of metallic elements. With these unique delicacies, maintaining a high vital sign will be simpler.
Healthy for the eyes: Elephant apples are a good source of vitamin A, which is believed to be an essential nutrient for maintaining eye health. According to ophthalmologists, a diet high in vitamin A can treat most eye conditions that can cause blindness. This fruit is said to help us take good care of our eyes if we regularly eat it.
Resist’s infection: Elephant apples are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is essential for maintaining a robust immune system. If one is prone to infections, colds, and the flu, one should consider eating this fruit often. It can prevent the mentioned health problems.
Delays Aging: When it comes to helping people look younger than their actual age, vitamin C can be a fantastic supplement. This is so because collagen synthesis depends on vitamin C. It is a kind of protein that aids in boosting skin elasticity. Additionally, an antioxidant, vitamin C works to protect skin by scavenging free radicals. Thus, regular consumption of elephant apples, which are high in vitamin C, can produce positive outcomes in this regard.
A constant level of energy: The elephant apple is a great source of vitamin B, providing energy, promoting overall health, and supporting healthy brain and nerve cells.
Enhances RCB count: Iron is present in significant amounts in elephant apples. As a result, it is suggested that those who experience anemia owing to a lack of saliva routinely consume this fruit. Its regular consumption might assist in cleansing the bloodstream of toxins and pollutants.
Treat stomach-related issues: Elephant Apple, a natural product containing tannins, is beneficial for treating stomach issues like constipation and abdominal pain and is also used for infectious disease prevention. Elephant Apple, an organic vitamin, is believed to protect kidneys and liver from infection, and was once considered the best herbal remedy for curing renal issues in ancient India.
Enhances mood: Elephant apples contain phytonutrients like tannins, saponins, and sterols that reduce anxiety and depression by modulating neurotransmitters, enhancing mood, memory, and reducing symptoms, and boosting vitality.
Treats various respiratory issues: Elephant apples’ antibacterial and antioxidant properties can alleviate respiratory conditions like sore throat, cough, and cold by releasing phlegm and opening nasal and lung passageways. To treat sore throat, pharyngitis, and swollen tonsils, drink warm water with a little sugar mixed into elephant apple juice.
Enhances taste and bad breath: Ayurveda suggests that elephant apples purify the mouth, enhance taste, and reduce foul breath due to their antibacterial effect, potentially eliminating oral cavity microorganisms.
Acts as a heart tonic: Ayurveda uses sweet and sour flavors and elephant apples as heart tonics, enhancing heart performance, reducing inflammatory responses, and purging blood vessels, aiding in preventing heart disorders like cardiovascular disease and hyperlipidemia.
The fruit, rich in potassium, vitamin B complex, and other nutrients, is beneficial in Ayurvedic medicine for treating various illnesses, especially aiding diabetics in managing high blood sugar levels.
Ancient medicine uses medicinal plant species like elephant apple for treating various ailments, with Ayurvedic medicine focusing on plants with therapeutic qualities.
Medicinal uses of elephant apple:
- Elephant apples are used extensively in medicine. The plant’s leaves and bark are laxatives.
- This fruit’s juice is consumed as a chilled beverage to relax the nervous system.
- Dillenia indica is regarded as an anti-rheumatic, biliary supplement in Ayurveda.
- Elephant apple juice is used to cure fever and cough by combining it with sugar and water.
- Elephant apples aid in body temperature regulation and the elimination of stomach pollutants.
- This fruit’s decoction is frequently used as a potent remedy for bodily aches.
- Elephant apple juice is thought to be an effective preventative for many heart conditions.
