Facts About Santol Fruit

The Santol fruit, scientifically known as Sandoricum koetjape, is an exotic fruit that is native to the Malayan Peninsula and Indochina. It is now commonly farmed in warm tropical nations such as Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, tropical Africa, Mexico, and tropical Central and South America.

The fruit is spherical and approximately the size of an apple. It has a delicious sweet-and-sour white pulp inside, similar to that of mangosteen, but the skin is thicker and more velvety; this is where the name “wild mangosteen” comes from. In Indonesia, you may hear it referred to as kecapi, Sentul, or wild mangosteen.

Meanwhile, there are two varieties of santol fruit, referred to as the yellow and red versions, respectively. The color of the fruit generated by the red variety is comparable to that of a peach that has reached its full maturity.

The fruit that comes from the yellow variety is significantly lighter, with a color between yellow and greenish. The more prevalent variant is the red one. When they reach maturity, the fruits will fall from the tree.

Varieties of Santol Fruit

Instead of being classified as cultivars, the many types of Santol are classified as distinct botanical species. There are primarily two different types of Santol available: the yellow variety (also known as S. Indicum or S. Nervosum) and the red variety (formerly S. koetjape).

Yellow Santol Fruit

The yellow form of santol fruit has leaflets that are around 6 inches (15 cm) long and turn yellow as they age. The flowers in panicles grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) long and have a pinkish-yellow color.

The skin of the fruit is quite thin, and the pulp that surrounds the seeds is often rather delicious. The thickness of the pulp ranges from 0.6 to 1.25 centimeters. It’s possible that the fruit won’t fall when it’s ready. Today, only the Yellow can be seen roaming freely in Malaysian forests.

Red Santol Fruit

The leaflets of the red form of santol fruit are around 30 centimeters in length, have a velvety underside, and become red as they age. Flowers are greenish or ivory, and they are arranged in panicles that may reach a length of up to 30 centimeters.

Fruits have a thick rind, usually reaching up to 1.25 centimeters; there is less flesh surrounding the seeds, and they have a sour flavor. When it’s ready, the fruit falls off the tree.

Health Benefits of Santol Fruit

Prevent Cancer

As was mentioned previously, santol fruit has a significant quantity of antioxidants, which have a role in inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells. In one study, rats with mammary tumors were fed extracts from entire santol fruits on a daily basis.

After a period of time, the number of tumors, as well as their size, significantly decreased. In more recent research, researchers were successful in isolating a novel ring-A Secotriterpene as well as koetjapic acid. Both of these drugs displayed cytotoxic action toward cancer cells in test subjects.

Effective Against Termites

The quality of the extract from the bark of the santol tree, which may be used to ward off termites, is comparable to that of commercial treatments. However, the killing impact does not come quickly, and we must use the extract on a regular basis for a few days in order to see results.

Because it is a natural pesticide, it is safe for the environment, is organic, does not produce any offensive odors, and does not contain any potentially harmful chemicals.

Dental Hygiene

The quality of our oral health affects every facet of our lives, yet we frequently take it for granted. The condition of the rest of your body may be judged by the state of your mouth. When you chew a whole santol fruit, you activate the salivary gland, which causes it to create more saliva.

This limits the growth of germs in the oral cavity, which in turn reduces the likelihood that you will suffer from tooth decay. Because they are also an excellent source of calcium and phosphorus, they help to keep your teeth in good condition.

Maintaining a Healthy Weight

The fibers in Santol fruits may be broken down into two categories: soluble and insoluble. We can feel fuller for longer when we eat foods that are high in fiber because fiber helps us feel fuller for longer.

The amount of food that we feel the need to consume decreases, and at the same time, our overall health improves as a direct result of all of the vital components that are contained in it.

Obesity is connected to a wide range of adverse health effects, including cardiomyopathy, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, hormone issues, and sleep disturbances, amongst others.

Mosquito Repellent

In the Philippines, an analysis was conducted to determine the best method for turning santol stalks into mosquito coils. Santol mosquito coils were successfully created as a result of the investigation.

The product is completely safe for both humans and other animals to use. The use of mosquito coils containing Santol is proven to be effective in warding off mosquitoes, hence lowering the risk of contracting mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria, dengue fever, and other conditions that are common in tropical regions.

Stomach Disorder

In spite of the fact that a stomachache is so prevalent and can be caused by an expansive variety of conditions, the majority of the time, it is harmless and goes away on its own. Nevertheless, in some circumstances, it may be a sign of a more serious condition.

Because it contains only natural ingredients, Santol is an effective herbal treatment for stomach aches, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and other issues that affect the gastrointestinal tract. Intestinal spasms can also be alleviated by drinking a brew made from the fruit’s roots.

Prevents Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are vascular systems located in the anal canal, and they play a role in the regulation of bowel movements. When these symptoms appear, which include swelling, inflammation, bleeding, and thrombosis, the condition is considered an illness.

Vitamin C, which is abundant in santol fruits, helps to keep the endothel in blood vessels healthy. The feces will have a more manageable consistency, thanks to the fibers. When the feces is soft as it should be, we do not need to exert any more effort to defecate.

It is well known that thrombosis hemorrhoids are caused by persistent straining during the act of defecating. Because of the rise in abdominal pressure that occurs during the process of defecating, the blood will be unable to flow normally throughout the lower abdomen, which will lead to the formation of thrombosis.

Puts Off the Process of Aging

A young and firm appearance can be achieved by increasing the synthesis of collagen in the skin. Vitamin C is known as an antioxidant in its own right, in conjunction with the carotenes and quercetin found in fruits.

Regular consumption aids in the treatment of small inflammations that cause wrinkles in our skin. Scurvy is prevented by vitamin C as well.

Immune System Booster

Santol fruits contain quercetin, an antioxidant that can assist in enhancing our immune system. Quercetin is a class of flavonoids that is abundant in nature and may be found in a wide variety of fruits and vegetables.

There is still a need for more study on the relationship between quercetin and cancer, despite the fact that it is thought to aid in the prevention and treatment of cancer.

The consumption of quercetin, including the kind that is found in santol fruits, is not harmful to human health, given that our bodies have a requirement for antioxidants. Our bodies require antioxidants in order to prevent harm to cells and to ensure that the cells continue to develop healthily. Our physical endurance is improved as a result of the high vitamin C content of these fruits.

Destroys Fungi

Sapogenin, a moderately poisonous alkaloid, may be found in the bark of the santol tree. In addition to being a natural steroid, sapogenin is an effective treatment for ringworm and other forms of superficial fungal infection.

The powder prepared from the bark is then applied to the area of the skin that is infected. You may also crush the santol leaves and apply the paste to areas of skin that are red and irritated.

Prevents Anemia

Anemia is a condition that ensues when there is a deficiency in healthy red blood cells. Santol fruits contain iron, which is a highly important mineral that is required for the production of red blood cells.

Additionally, vitamin C can be found in santol fruits. It’s well known that vitamin C makes iron absorption in the intestines far more efficient.

Reduces Levels of Bad Cholesterol (LDL)

Santol pectins, a kind of soluble fiber, may be found in santol fruit. Pectin, along with good cholesterol (HDL), will bond with bad cholesterol (LDL) in the intestines, preventing the fat from being absorbed into our circulatory system.

This happens because HDL cholesterol binds with LDL cholesterol. The existence of a high amount of LDL is associated with an increased risk of hypertension, stroke, and heart disease.

Diarrhea

To treat diarrhea and intestinal spasms, boil the roots, add them to water and vinegar, and drink the concoction daily until the diarrhea is under control.

Prevents Alzheimer’s disease

Recent studies have shown that Alzheimer’s disease can be prevented by consuming santol juice on a daily basis. This effect is attributed to the high levels of antioxidants that are found in this fruit. Antioxidants have been demonstrated to slow down the aging process in the brain.