Turkey Berry: Uses, Benefits and Side effects?

Introduction: 

There’s an old saying, “the jasmine grown in your backyard will not smell as good as the one you buy from the market”. This is how I felt while researching Turkey berries. Turkey berries are found on a spiny, flowering shrub which produces clusters of pea-sized, yellow-green berries. Turkey berry is commonly known as Brihati marathi marang in Sanskrit, Bhankatiya and bhurat in Hindi and chunndakkai and Sundakkai in Tamil. Further, they are also called pokak, pea eggplant and devil’s fig. The scientific name of the turkey berry is Solanum torvum and it belongs to the family Solanaceae. It is a wild relative of eggplant and is commonly found in Asia, tropical Africa and South America.¹ There are many health benefits of turkey berries; let us know more about these in this article. 

Nutritional Value of Turkey berry: 

Turkey’s berry is highly nutritious due to their various nutritional components. They are a good source of proteins, carbohydrates, fats and minerals like potassium, sodium, iron, magnesium and copper. The phytochemicals in turkey berries include phenols, alkaloids, antioxidants, sterols and triterpenes.³ 

Table 1: Nutritional value of Turkey berry³ 

Properties of Turkey berry: 

Turkey berries may have numerous properties and some of them are mentioned below: 

• It may reduce pain.⁴ 
• It may reduce inflammation.⁴ 
• It may boost immunity.⁵ 
• It may lower blood glucose levels.⁶ 
• It may have antioxidant properties.⁶ 
• It may have anticancer properties.⁷ 

Potential Uses of Turkey berry for Overall Health: 

Turkey berries may have different potential uses and some of the health benefits of Turkey berry is: 

Potential uses of Turkey berry on pain and inflammation 

Literature studies have found many natural substances that may help reduce pain and inflammation; one such discovery is turkey berries. A study by Ndebia et al. in 2006 stated that turkey berry consumption helped reduce inflammation and pain. This effect is attributed due to the inhibition of prostaglandins (natural substances which can cause chronic pain and inflammation). This indicates that turkey berry has the potential to manage pain and inflammation and may be used to treat conditions like arthritis. However, to support these claims, more studies are needed. Additionally, it is advised to consult a doctor for proper treatment of pain and inflammation and not rely on turkey seeds alone.⁴ 

Potential uses of Turkey berry on immunity  

The immune system helps in protecting the body against viruses, bacteria and fungi. George et al. conducted a review in 2011 which stated that consumption of turkey berries might increase white blood cells and neutrophils. Neutrophils effectively defend against pus-forming bacteria and are the first to fight against infection. Turkey berries also contain Vitamin C, which helps convert iron into a more readily absorbable form. This indicates that turkey berries may enhance immunity and help fight against infections. However, we need more studies to confirm these effects. Additionally, it is advised to consult your doctor for the proper treatment of diseases and not consider turkey berries as an alternative to modern medicine.⁵ 

Potential uses of Turkey berry for managing blood glucose 

Fruits and vegetables are packed with bioactive compounds, which may help manage blood glucose levels. These bioactive compounds may help in controlling blood glucose levels. Gandhi et al. 2011 conducted a study that showed that turkey berries might help reduce blood glucose levels in diabetic rats. This might be due to the phenols. These phenols act as antioxidants and may lead to insulin sensitivity and secretion. This indicates that turkey berry has the potential to lower blood glucose and thus may help in managing diabetes. However, to claim these results in humans, more studies are needed. If you have any complaints of diabetes, it is advised to consult your doctor and avoid self-medication.⁶ 

Potential uses of Turkey berry for managing cancer 

Cancer is a dangerous and fast-spreading disease with uncontrolled multiplication of cells. The abnormal cells divide rapidly and affect the other cells and organs. Balachandran et al. 2015 conducted a study on turkey berries and explained that turkey berries may inhibit the multiplication of cells and may reduce the progression of cancer. The methyl caffeate in the turkey berries may hinder the cancer cells and induce apoptosis. However, further studies are required to check the valuable properties of turkey berries on Humans. If you have any cancer symptoms or signs, consult your doctor and do not self-medicate.⁷  

Potential uses of Turkey berry on blood pressure 

High blood pressure may lead to conditions like stroke and cardiac diseases. Mohan et al. 2009 conducted a study in rats to assess the effect of turkey berries on blood pressure. The results of this study showed that turkey berries have the potential to reduce blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels. This indicates that turkey berries may positively impact blood pressure. However, we need more studies to claim these results in humans. Further, it is advised to consult your doctor for proper management of any blood pressure abnormality. Kindly do not consider turkey berries as a substitute for modern medicine.⁸ 

Other potential uses of Turkey berry: 

• Traditionally, turkey berries have been used for managing wounds, fever and tooth decay.⁴  
• It may help manage viral infections like herpes simplex infections.⁹ 
• It may help in stimulating bowel movements and help in managing constipation.³ 
• It may help remove excess fluids and salt from the body through urine.³ 

Though studies show the benefits of Turkey berries in different conditions, these are insufficient, still, more studies are needed to establish the true extent of the use of Turkey berries on human health.  

How to Use Turkey berry? 

This fruit can be used in the following ways: 

• Turkey berries can be consumed raw directly. Sometimes, the juice is extracted from the raw berries and is destroyed. 
• Turkey berries are also cooked and consumed. 
• Turkey berries are boiled and the puree is added to other food items like soups.³ 

You must consult the doctor before taking any higher quantities of herbal supplements or turkey berries. Only discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation by consulting a qualified doctor.  

Side Effects of Turkey berries: 

Following are the side effects related to the consumption of Turkey berries: 

• Mabel et al. conducted a study in 2015 that stated that consuming turkey berries in excess can result in gastrointestinal problems like constipation.³ 
• Consumption of turkey berries in excess may result in nutrient toxicity due to the high content of iron, potassium and calcium.³ 

However, if you experience any reactions to turkey berries, it is advised to stop the intake and contact a doctor or your Ayurvedic physician for proper guidance.  

Precautions to take with Turkey berries: 

Eating Turkey berries in moderate amounts is okay. However, general precautions must be followed: 

• It is advised to wash turkey berries thoroughly under tap water; this will help in removing germs and any soil-borne microbes. 
• There is limited data on the safety of turkey berries in particular groups like children, pregnant and lactating women and the elderly. It is necessary to take caution if you belong to this group and are planning to add turkey berries to your dietary regimen. 

Interactions with Other Drugs: 

There are limited studies on the interactions of turkey berries with other medicines or food. However, the following are some potential interactions of turkey berries that are not proven, but they may likely happen: 

• Turkey berries may interact with antidiabetic medications and may cause your blood glucose levels to drop too low. It is best to avoid taking your blood glucose-lowering medicines along with turkey berries. 
• There may be an interaction between your blood pressure-lowering medicines and turkey berries; this interaction can result in hypotension (low blood pressure). Kindly avoid co-administration of your medication along with turkey berries. 

You must always seek the advice of your Ayurvedic doctor about the possible interaction of turkey berries with other drugs.^5,6 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

References: 

1. Schoch CL, Ciufo S, Domrachev M, Hotton CL, Kannan S, Khovanskaya R, Leipe D, Mcveigh R, O’Neill K, Robbertse B, Sharma S. NCBI Taxonomy: a comprehensive update on curation, resources and tools. Database. 2020 Jan 1;2020. available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Taxonomy/Browser/wwwtax.cgi?id=119830 

2. Yang X, Cheng YF, Deng C, Ma Y, Wang ZW, Chen XH, Xue LB. Comparative transcriptome analysis of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) and turkey berry (Solanum torvum Sw.): phylogenomics and disease resistance analysis. BMC genomics. 2014 Dec;15(1):1-3. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4070557/ 

3. Ogah M. Nutritional Value of Turkey Berry (Doctoral dissertation, University of Cape Coast). Available at: https://ir.ucc.edu.gh/xmlui/handle/123456789/3175 

4. Ndebia EJ, Kamgang R, Nkeh-ChungagAnye BN. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of aqueous extract from leaves of Solanum torvum (Solanaceae). African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines. 2007;4(2):240-4. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2816439/ 

5. Koffuor GA, Amoateng P andey TA. Immunomodulatory and erythropoietic effects of aqueous extract of the fruits of Solanum torvum Swartz (Solanaceae). Pharmacognosy Research. 2011 Apr;3(2):130. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3129022/ 

6. Gandhi GR, Ignacimuthu S, Paulraj MG. Solanum torvum Swartz. fruit containing phenolic compounds shows antidiabetic and antioxidant effects in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Food and Chemical Toxicology. 2011 Nov 1;49(11):2725-33. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21855597/ 

7. Balachandran C, Emi N, Arun Y, Yamamoto Y, Ahilan B, Sangeetha B, Duraipandiyan V, Inaguma Y, Okamoto A, Ignacimuthu S, Al-Dhabi NA. In vitro anticancer activity of methyl caffeate isolated from Solanum torvum Swartz. fruit. Chemico-biological interactions. 2015 Dec 5;242:81-90.available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26415618/ 

8. Mohan M, Jaiswal BS, Kasture S. Effect of Solanum torvum on blood pressure and metabolic alterations in fructose hypertensive rats. Journal of ethnopharmacology. 2009 Oct 29;126(1):86-9. available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19683046/ 

9. Arthan D, Svasti J, Kittakoop P, Pittayakhachonwut D, Tanticharoen M, Thebtaranonth Y. Antiviral isoflavonoid sulfate and steroidal glycosides from the fruits of Solanum torvum. Phytochemistry. 2002 Feb 1;59(4):459-63. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11830167/