Custard apple
Custard Apple
Custard apple is a fruit which is popularly known as Sharifah. All the parts of this plant are useful in managing a variety of diseases. It is rich in fiber, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants that help boost immunity.
Custard apple helps manage constipation as it promotes bowel movements due to its laxative property whereas the bark of this fruit's tree helps manage diarrhea. Custard apple leaves also help manage diabetes due to the presence of antioxidants that might help enhance insulin production. Custard apple leaves also helps manage high blood pressure due to the presence of potassium and magnesium that promote the dilation of blood vessels that improves blood flow.
Custard apple leaves are also beneficial for the skin due to the presence of vitamin A and vitamin C that have antioxidant property. It might help prevent wrinkles, acne and maintain a healthy glowing skin. It is also considered to be good for hair problems such as lice infections. Application of Custard seed paste to the scalp helps control dandruff.
Avoid excessive consumption of Custard apple fruit as it may lead to weight gain due to its high sugar content. It is advisable to not ingest the seeds of Custard apple as they are toxic in nature[2][3][9][11-13].
Custard apple helps manage constipation as it promotes bowel movements due to its laxative property whereas the bark of this fruit's tree helps manage diarrhea. Custard apple leaves also help manage diabetes due to the presence of antioxidants that might help enhance insulin production. Custard apple leaves also helps manage high blood pressure due to the presence of potassium and magnesium that promote the dilation of blood vessels that improves blood flow.
Custard apple leaves are also beneficial for the skin due to the presence of vitamin A and vitamin C that have antioxidant property. It might help prevent wrinkles, acne and maintain a healthy glowing skin. It is also considered to be good for hair problems such as lice infections. Application of Custard seed paste to the scalp helps control dandruff.
Avoid excessive consumption of Custard apple fruit as it may lead to weight gain due to its high sugar content. It is advisable to not ingest the seeds of Custard apple as they are toxic in nature[2][3][9][11-13].
What are the synonyms of Custard apple?
Annona squamosa, Gangaatr, Krishanphal, Jaaniphal, Aatupy, Sharifah, Sitaphal, Gaatr, Krishbeej, Jaankiphal, Sitapholo, Aato, Katal, At, Ath, Anuram, Anuri, Anusa, Sitaphalam, Sithappazaham, Atta, Gandagaramu, Ata, Saripha, Aatichakki, Attichakka, Sirpa, Sithapazham, Sugar apple, Kaj[1].
What is the source of Custard apple?
Plant Based
Benefits of Custard apple
1. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is known as Atisar in Ayurveda. It is due to improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). All these factors are responsible for aggravating Vata. This aggravated Vata brings fluid in the intestine from various tissues from the body and mixes with the stool. This leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhea. Eating Custard apple control the frequency of motion due to its Kashaya (astringent) and Sita (cold) properties. It helps retain water in intestine and control diarrhea.
Tips:
a. Take dried Custard apple pulp.
b. Crush it and make homemade powder.
c. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of this powder with water twice a day to get rid of diarrhea.
2. Fatigue
Fatigue is a common problem that is associated with a feeling of weariness, tiredness or lack of energy. According to Ayurveda, fatigue is caused by an imbalance of all the three doshas especially Vata. Imbalance in Vata causes poor circulation of energy leading to fatigue. Custard apple is a good source of energy. It helps to fight exhaustion as well as weakness. This is due to its Balya (tonic) property.
Tips:
a. Take the dried pulp of Custard apple.
b. Crush it and make powder.
c. Take 1/4-½ teaspoon of this powder with water twice a day.
3. Joints Pain
According to Ayurveda, the bones and joints are considered a site of Vata in the body. An imbalance in the Vata dosha causes joint pain. Regular use of Custard apple prevents joint pain because it has Vata balancing property. Custard apple is also rich in protein, calcium and phosphorus which helps in building strong bones and thus reduce joint pain.
Tips:
a. Take the dried pulp of Custard apple.
b. Crush it and make powder.
c. Take 1/4-½ teaspoon of this powder with water twice a day.
Diarrhea is known as Atisar in Ayurveda. It is due to improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). All these factors are responsible for aggravating Vata. This aggravated Vata brings fluid in the intestine from various tissues from the body and mixes with the stool. This leads to loose, watery motions or diarrhea. Eating Custard apple control the frequency of motion due to its Kashaya (astringent) and Sita (cold) properties. It helps retain water in intestine and control diarrhea.
Tips:
a. Take dried Custard apple pulp.
b. Crush it and make homemade powder.
c. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of this powder with water twice a day to get rid of diarrhea.
2. Fatigue
Fatigue is a common problem that is associated with a feeling of weariness, tiredness or lack of energy. According to Ayurveda, fatigue is caused by an imbalance of all the three doshas especially Vata. Imbalance in Vata causes poor circulation of energy leading to fatigue. Custard apple is a good source of energy. It helps to fight exhaustion as well as weakness. This is due to its Balya (tonic) property.
Tips:
a. Take the dried pulp of Custard apple.
b. Crush it and make powder.
c. Take 1/4-½ teaspoon of this powder with water twice a day.
3. Joints Pain
According to Ayurveda, the bones and joints are considered a site of Vata in the body. An imbalance in the Vata dosha causes joint pain. Regular use of Custard apple prevents joint pain because it has Vata balancing property. Custard apple is also rich in protein, calcium and phosphorus which helps in building strong bones and thus reduce joint pain.
Tips:
a. Take the dried pulp of Custard apple.
b. Crush it and make powder.
c. Take 1/4-½ teaspoon of this powder with water twice a day.
Precautions when using Custard apple
Advice from Experts
Important
Modern Science View
Avoid Custard apple seeds as they may be toxic[4].
Pregnancy
Important
Ayurvedic View
Custard apple seeds should be avoided during pregnancy as it has toxic effects.
Recommended Dosage of Custard apple
- Custard apple Powder - ¼ -1/2 teaspoons twice a day.
How to use Custard apple
1. Custard Apple
a. Take 1-2 ripe Custard apple or per your requirement.
b. Have them preferably (without the seeds) in the breakfast or in the afternoon.
2. Custard Apple Powder
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Custard apple powder.
b. Add to 1 glass milk or water.
c. Mix well.
d. Take it twice a day after taking meals.
3. Custard Apple cream
a. Take out the pulp (without the seeds) of 2-3 Custard apples.
b. Beat the pulp properly for 15-20 minutes.
c. Add saffron, cashew, honey and few drops of vanilla essence.
d. Refrigerate for few hours for better taste.
a. Take 1-2 ripe Custard apple or per your requirement.
b. Have them preferably (without the seeds) in the breakfast or in the afternoon.
2. Custard Apple Powder
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Custard apple powder.
b. Add to 1 glass milk or water.
c. Mix well.
d. Take it twice a day after taking meals.
3. Custard Apple cream
a. Take out the pulp (without the seeds) of 2-3 Custard apples.
b. Beat the pulp properly for 15-20 minutes.
c. Add saffron, cashew, honey and few drops of vanilla essence.
d. Refrigerate for few hours for better taste.
Benefits of Custard apple
FAQs about Custard apple benefits
1. Abscesses
Custard apple helps to manage abscesses or ulcers when applied on the affected area. According to Ayurveda, imbalance of the three doshas together causes abscesses. Applying dry Custard apple powder helps to pierce abscesses easily and also heals it quickly. This is due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Tips:
a. Take ½- 1 teaspoon Custard apple powder.
b. Mix with water and apply to the affected area.
c. Repeat this process next day to manage abscesses.
2. Hair loss
Custard apple helps to control hair loss when applied on the scalp. According to Ayurveda the reason behind hair fall is aggravated Vata dosha. Custard apple has the property of balancing Vata and and provides nutrition to the hair when applied on a regular basis.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 teaspoons of Custard apple powder.
b. Add rose water to it to form a paste.
c. Apply evenly on the hair and scalp.
d. Let it sit for 2-3 hours.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
f. Use this remedy 1-2 times a week for healthy and nourished hair.
Custard apple helps to manage abscesses or ulcers when applied on the affected area. According to Ayurveda, imbalance of the three doshas together causes abscesses. Applying dry Custard apple powder helps to pierce abscesses easily and also heals it quickly. This is due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Tips:
a. Take ½- 1 teaspoon Custard apple powder.
b. Mix with water and apply to the affected area.
c. Repeat this process next day to manage abscesses.
2. Hair loss
Custard apple helps to control hair loss when applied on the scalp. According to Ayurveda the reason behind hair fall is aggravated Vata dosha. Custard apple has the property of balancing Vata and and provides nutrition to the hair when applied on a regular basis.
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 teaspoons of Custard apple powder.
b. Add rose water to it to form a paste.
c. Apply evenly on the hair and scalp.
d. Let it sit for 2-3 hours.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
f. Use this remedy 1-2 times a week for healthy and nourished hair.
Precautions when using Custard apple
Advice from Experts
Important
Modern Science View
Avoid using preparations having Custard apple seeds. Studies have reported cases of severe pain, redness and eye injury after external application of Custard apple seed powder[3].
Recommended Dosage of Custard apple
- Custard apple Powder - 1-2 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Custard apple
1. Custard Apple pulp scrub
a. Take ½ - 1 teaspoon of Custard apple pulp (without seeds).
b. Add honey to it.
c. Gently massage on the face and neck for 3-4 minutes.
d. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
e. Use this remedy 1-2 times a week to get rid of acne and blemishes.
2. Custard Apple powder hair pack
a. Take 1-2 teaspoons of Custard apple powder.
b. Add rose water to it to form a paste.
c. Apply evenly on the hair and scalp.
d. Let it sit for 2-3 hours.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
f. Use this remedy 1-2 times a week for healthy and nourished hair.
a. Take ½ - 1 teaspoon of Custard apple pulp (without seeds).
b. Add honey to it.
c. Gently massage on the face and neck for 3-4 minutes.
d. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
e. Use this remedy 1-2 times a week to get rid of acne and blemishes.
2. Custard Apple powder hair pack
a. Take 1-2 teaspoons of Custard apple powder.
b. Add rose water to it to form a paste.
c. Apply evenly on the hair and scalp.
d. Let it sit for 2-3 hours.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
f. Use this remedy 1-2 times a week for healthy and nourished hair.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
There are several ways of eating a Custard apple. One of the easiest way to eat Custard apple is as follows:
1. Pick a proper ripened fruit.
2. Cut it into two parts and eat as Custard by scooping with the help of a spoon.
1. Pick a proper ripened fruit.
2. Cut it into two parts and eat as Custard by scooping with the help of a spoon.
Modern Science View
Custard apple fruit is great, but the seeds are toxic in nature. Although not enough scientific evidence is available, accidental consumption might cause abortion.
Modern Science View
It is better to store raw Custard apple in room temperature. Once ripe, Custard apples can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Modern Science View
Although eating the skin of Custard apple is not bad, most people avoid it because of its bitter taste.
Modern Science View
The leaves, seeds and roots of Custard apple have antidiabetic and hypoglycemic effect. This is due to the presence of active chemical constituents in it[5].
Modern Science View
Yes, Custard apple has a number of health benefits. Custard apple has antibacterial, antioxidant, antitumor and anti-inflammatory property. It is also beneficial in individuals with hyperthyroidism and diabetes. Moreover, it has hepatoprotective property and may be useful in preventing ulcer formation, inhibiting the growth of worms in the intestines and in quick healing of wounds[2][3].
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Custard apple may be useful in managing acidity[2].
Modern Science View
Yes, Custard apple may be useful in managing thyroid. The leaf and seed extract of Custard apple contains a bioactive compound that reduces the concentration of T4 and T3 in the blood. It also enhances the utilization of thyroid hormone in the body[2][5][6].
Modern Science View
Yes, Custard apple may be good for stomach. Custard apple is rich in dietary fibre due to which it adds roughage to the contents of the intestines and enhance the digestion process. It also lowers the level of gastric acidity thereby preventing acidity as well as gastric ulcers[2][10][11].
Modern Science View
Yes, Custard apple may be useful for managing diabetes. The leaf and root extract of Custard apple have antihyperglycemic effect due to the presence of phenols and flavonoids. Custard apple leaves restores the activity of insulin producing cells thus enhancing insulin production. It also increases the utilization of glucose thereby reducing blood glucose levels[6-8].
Modern Science View
Yes, Custard apple may be useful in managing constipation. This is due to its mild laxative property. Custard apple is rich in dietary fibre due to which it adds roughage to the contents in the intestines. This helps in easy expulsion of stools[6][9][10].
Modern Science View
Custard apple seeds might induce miscarriage due to its toxic effects. So it is generally advisable to avoid Custard apple seeds in case of pregnancy[9].
Modern Science View
Consumption of Custard apple seeds has various side effects because of its irritant and toxic nature to the human cornea. It may also have a risk of secondary infections and these types of patients are managed with antibiotics[6].
Modern Science View
The topical application of Custard apple juice over the head helps to kill lice. Custard apple juice is a good source of carbohydrates and is considered as a good source of nutrition because of the presence of various vitamins[7][8].
Ayurvedic View
Custard apple juice is useful to manage health problems when it is used both externally and internally. When it is applied on the body it reduces inflammation and gives a cooling effect due to its Sita (cold) property. It also helps to fulfill the requirement of nutrition which is necessary for growth and development because of its Balya (tonic) nature.
Modern Science View
The juice of Custard apple which is a natural source of dietary fiber is considered to be good for weight loss as it is rich in phytochemicals (chemical produced by plants) and contains no calories[10].
Modern Science View
Dried powder of unripe Custard apple is used for managing the ulcers. It prevents the growth of lice in scalp when mixed with the leaf juice. Spray dried Custard apple powder can also be used to make juices, milkshakes and yoghurt etc[11].
Modern Science View
Custard apple leaves help in the regulation of sugar in the body due to the presence of fibers and antioxidants. The antioxidants present in Custard apple fights against the free radicals and prevents cell damage. This prevents aging of the skin. It also has an anti-inflammatory property which helps in wound healing. The topical application of crushed leaves is used in the management of ulcers and wounds. Leaf decoction is also taken in case of dysentery[12].
Ayurvedic View
Custard apple leaves reduce inflammation and help in quick healing when applied on the affected area. This is because of its Ropan (healing) and Sita (cool) properties.
Modern Science View
Custard apple seed has toxic effects on the skin and especially eyes. Studies state that application of Custard apple seed powder cause severe pain and redness in the skin. It might also cause extreme eye injury leading to blindness. So it generally advised to avoid the use of preparation of Custard apple seeds[3].
Modern Science View
Yes, Custard apple may be beneficial for the skin. Custard apple contains vitamin A and C, antioxidants and flavonoids. It may be useful in preventing wrinkles, acne and bruise, promoting skin elasticity and maintaining healthy glowing skin[10][11].
Modern Science View
Yes, Custard apple may be beneficial for hair. Custard apple may be useful to destroy lice in hair. It contains vitamin A which may be beneficial in maintaining healthy hair. Custard seed paste may be applied to the scalp to control dandruff[11-13].
References
- Balkrishnan A.Sitaphal(Sharifa).Ayurvedic Jadi Buti Rehsya. Danik Bhaskar.2017.
- Oo WM, Khine MM.Pharmacological Activities of Annona squamosa: Updated Review.International Journal of Pharmacy and Chemistry. 2017;3(6):86-93.
- Bhattacharya A, Chakraverty R.The pharmacological properties of Annona squamosa Linn: A Review.IJPE.2016;4(2):692-699.
- Nagaraja H, Kugar T ,Shivanna Y,et.al.Ocular toxicity by seeds of Annona squamosa (Custard apple).Indian J Ophthalmol. 2016 Aug; 64(8): 611–613.
- Oo WM , Khine MM.Pharmacological Activities of Annona squamosa: Updated Review .IJPC.2017; 3(6): 86-93.
- Nagaraja H, Kugar T, Shivanna Y, et al.Ocular toxicity by seeds of Annona squamosa(custard apple).Indian J Ophthalmol.2016;64(8):611-613.
- Nair R, Agarwal V.A Review on the Nutritional Quality and Medicinal Value of Custard Apple-An Under Utilised Crop of Madhya Pradesh, India.Int J Curr. Microbiol App Sci.2017;6(9):1126-1132.
- Aziz S, Sharma SC.Fruit & Vegetable Juice Therapy.Fruit juices.2001.
- Dutta AK.Review on the uses and good side of custard apple from the tribal area of Chattisgarh.World journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences.2017;6(2):1397-1403.
- Jayaprakasha GK, Patil BS.Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods :: Chemistry And Health Promoting Properties Of Fruits And Beverages Involved In Prevention Of CFoods: Diseases.EOLSS Publications.2015.
- Kaur R, Kaur K, Kaur P, et al. Sitaphal : unexplored therapeutic potential. Asian journal of research in chemistry and pharmaceutical sciences. 2015;3(4):129-141.
- Singh Y, Bhatnagar P, Thakur N. A review on insight of immense nutraceutical and medicinal potential of custard apple (Annona squamosa Linn.). International Journal of Chemical Studies 2019; 7(2): 1237-1245.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.