We all eat fruits, which are the primary source of protein, minerals and vitamins. Berries are some of the best fruits which we can eat daily. The Khiri fruit, which is ovoid, comes under berries and is the least used fruit. Popularly this Khirni fruit is called Rayan and the scientific name is Manilkara hexandra (Roxb) belongs to the family Sapotaceae. The Khirni fruit tree is naturally found in the tropical wilderness of India in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh andhra Pradesh and Orissa. Khirni fruits have economic importance and have been a significant source of livelihood for the Indian tribal population. Fresh Khirni fruit is sweet and acidic with one or more seeds. Khirni fruit in Hindi is called Khirani and in English is called Obtuse leaved mimusops. 1,2 This blog presents the Khirni fruit’s health benefits, nutritional value, potential uses and many more.
Khirni fruit nutritional facts may include the following:
Nutrients | Value/100g |
Protein | 0.48 % |
Sugar | 17.80 % |
Phosphorus | 17.00 mg |
Calcium | 83mg |
Iron | 0.92 mg |
Vitamin C | 28.33 mg |
Vitamin A | 675 IU |
Table 1: Nutritional value of Khirni fruit.2
Furthermore, other phytonutrients like flavonoids, catechin, phenolic compounds like quercetin, gallic acid, quercetin, kaempferol and vanillic acid, fatty acid esters like triterpene alcohols may be present in it.1,3
Khirni Rayan fruit may have the following properties:
The potential Khirni fruit benefits are:
Khirni fruit is a significant source of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, sugar, calcium, iron, phosphorus and vitamins like vitamins A, B and C are also present. It may also have digestive and stomachic properties. Stomach discomforts such as dyspepsia, indigestion, burning sensations, bloating, gas and flatulence may affect day-to-day life. Regularly adding Khirni fruit to your diet may enhance digestion and help release flatulence (a burning sensation from the stomach). It may help clear out the colon and may reduce digestive distress.1,3 However, more clinical studies are needed to establish the effects of Khirni fruit on digestive problems. If you experience persistent digestion problems, consult a specialist for proper treatment. Do not self-medicate.
Enteric disease or typhoid fever, is caused by certain multi-drug-resistant bacteria such as Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus. In lab studies, Mahida et al., 2007 found that Khirni fruit plant extract may have antibacterial activity against typhoid-causing bacteria.3 These studies are conducted in laboratories; therefore, more clinical proof is needed to support the antibacterial effect of Khirni fruit against typhoid. Take prescribed medicine to recover from such infections. Do not self-medicate.
Khirni Rayan fruit may have blood sugar-lowering properties. In animal studies, Nimbekar et al., 2013 found that the Khirni fruit extract may decrease blood glucose levels. In addition, it was found that Khirni fruit may significantly regulate blood sugar levels in type-2 diabetes. Therefore, this study may indicate that Khirni fruit may be employed in managing type-2 diabetes.3,4 More human research is needed to suggest the true scope of the Khirni fruit for diabetes. Diabetes is a serious health condition. It requires proper diagnosis and treatment. Do not self-medicate.
A literature study by Amandeep et al., 2021 suggests that Khirni fruit extract may have antibacterial activity and soothing skin effects (emollient). Skin infections such as facial acne and black spots may be caused due to certain bacteria (acne vulgaris). The paste prepared from unripe Khirni Rayan fruit pulp may apply to the affected areas. The regular application of Khirni fruit pulp may reduce skin inflammation.1,3,4 We need more research to develop Khirni fruit uses for skin infections. Suppose you have problems related to the skin; consult your doctor and do not self-medicate.
Khirni fruit and bark may contain a mixture of phytonutrients such as polysaccharides, saponins, sterols and tannins. These bioactive compounds may act as anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. It might help purify the blood and its anti-inflammatory properties might help reduce swellings and redness during injuries.3 However, this information is insufficient; therefore, more human interventions are needed to suggest the uses of Khirni fruit for swelling and inflammation. If you feel pain or swelling, take medical consultation and do not self-medicate.
Though studies show the potential uses of Khirni fruit in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a necessity for further studies to develop the scope of the benefits of Khirni fruit on human health.
You may use Khirni fruit as follows:
You should consult a qualified doctor before having Khirni fruit in large quantities. They will guide you with its form and dosage per your health condition. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing modern medical treatment with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation of Khirni fruit without consulting an ayurvedic physician.
No significant studies recorded the side effects of Khirni fruit in humans. However, Khirni fruit berries are astringent in taste as it contains a high amount of acid.1 You must consult a doctor to get the proper treatment if you encounter any side effects after eating Khirni fruit.
Eating Khirni fruit in smaller quantities might be safe. However, eating in more significant amounts is not recommended. Follow the below precautions:
Less information is available regarding the interactions of Khirni fruit with other drugs. More human interventions are required to study herb-drug interactions. Therefore, avoid eating Khirni fruit with any medicine and if any complications arise, consult with doctors. Do not self-medicate.
How does Khirni fruit taste?
Khirni fruit berries are astringent. The berries are edible, sweet, milky and acidic.2
What are the other names of the Khirni fruit?
Other names of Khirni fruit are Rayan, Khirani and Obtuse leaved mimusops.1
What are the vitamins present in Khirni fruit?
The vitamins of Khirni fruit may include vitamin C and vitamin A.2
What are the uses of Khirni fruit for diabetes?
Khirni Rayan fruit may have blood sugar-lowering properties. In animal studies, the Khirni fruit extract may regulate blood sugar levels in type-2 diabetes.4 More human research is needed to suggest the actual effects of Khirni fruit on diabetes. Do not self-medicate.
How is Khirni fruit used?
Khirni fruit berries may be eaten fresh as table fruit or converted into dehydrated fruit.1
What are the beneficial properties of the Khirni fruit?
Khirni fruit may have properties such as anti-ulcer, antioxidant, digestive, skin soothing, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antipyretic, blood sugar-lowering, antimicrobial and analgesic.1–4If you have any above-mentioned issues consult your doctor and do not self-medicate.