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School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia

Pokok Belimbing Besi

  • Scientific name:

    Averrhoa carambola

  • Other names:

    Sweet starfruit

Averrhoa carambola, also known as sweet starfruit, is a tropical plant popular in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia. In addition to its culinary uses, it also has various medicinal benefits that have been practised in traditional medicine. Below are some of the medicinal uses of the belimbing besi tree.

Medicinal Uses of Belimbing Besi:

  1. Lowers High Blood Pressure
  • A traditional remedy involves boiling fresh starfruit and drinking the water (usually after breakfast) to help reduce high blood pressure.
  1. Regulates Blood Sugar
  • Extracts from the leaves contain flavonoids (such as apigenin-6-c-fucopyranoside) that act like insulin. They help absorb blood glucose and support glycogen synthesis, potentially benefiting those with diabetes.
  1. Supports Heart Health
  • The fruit’s flavonoids, especially carambola flavone, may help prevent heart disease by reducing LDL cholesterol oxidation.
  1. Boosts Immunity and Reduces Inflammation
  • Rich in vitamin C and polyphenols, starfruit acts as a natural antioxidant, helping to fight free radicals and lower inflammation—boosting the immune system and lowering disease risk.
  1. Lowers Cholesterol
  • The insoluble fiber in starfruit reduces the body’s absorption of LDL (bad) cholesterol in the digestive system, which can help lower overall cholesterol levels.
  1. Aids Digestion
  • The fiber content in starfruit promotes regular bowel movement, helps with constipation, and reduces bloating. It also has antibacterial properties that may protect the gut from infections.
  1. Treats Skin Problems
  • Starfruit juice is traditionally applied to the skin to help with acne, scars, and pigmentation. Its astringent and antioxidant qualities help cleanse the skin and reduce inflammation.
  1. Reduces Cancer Risk
  • Some studies suggest that starfruit extract may lower the risk of liver cancer by enhancing antioxidant activity and inhibiting carcinogenesis (cancer formation).

Notes: Consult with a healthcare professional before using it for any therapeutic purposes