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. 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
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
Q. How do I eat a Custard apple?
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.
Q. Can Custard apple seeds be eaten?
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.
Q. Can Custard apple be kept in fridge?
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.
Q. Can you eat the skin of a Custard apple?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Although eating the skin of Custard apple is not bad, most people avoid it because of its bitter taste.
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.
Author Details
BAMS
MBA, MD Pharmacology
M.Pharm, B.Pharm
Last updated 29 Aug 2022 | 04:38 PM (IST)
Introduction
Benefits
Precautions
Recommended dosage
How to use
FAQs
References