Health Benefits
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Saturday, June 14
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest
    Health Benefits
    • Home
    • Dental Health
    • Mental Health
    • Weight Loss
    • Health Wiki
    • Nutrition
    • Healthy Recipe
    Health Benefits
    Home»Vegetables»Health benefits of Balsam Apple – Momordica balsamina
    Vegetables

    Health benefits of Balsam Apple – Momordica balsamina

    By SylviaOctober 13, 2020Updated:October 13, 2020No Comments11 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email

    Balsam apple or balsamina scientifically known as Momordica balsamina is a tendril-bearing annual vine belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae. The plant is native to the tropical regions of South Africa, introduced and invasive in Asia, Arabia, India, Australia, and Central America. The balsam apple was introduced into Europe by 1568 and was used medicinally to treat wounds. In 1810, Thomas Jefferson planted this vine in his flower borders at Monticello along with larkspur, poppies, and nutmeg. Balsam apple, Bitter apple, Southern balsampear, African cucumber, balsam pear, balsamina, common balsam apple, bitter melon and cundeamor are some of the well-known common names of the plant.

    The genus name Momordica could perhaps refer to the sculptured seeds or the uneven appearance of the fruits, which look as if they had been bitten; the Latin mordeo means to bite. However, Jackson (1990) doubts this explanation. The specific epithet balsamina means ‘like balsam/balm’, from the Latin balsamum, and refers to one of the medicinal uses of this plant. Some people indicated that the outer rind and the seeds of the fruit are poisonous; however the Tsonga people found in the northern region of southern Africa eat the leaves of the plant along with the fruit which bears its name. The leaves and green fruit are cooked and eaten as spinach, sometimes with groundnuts, or simply mixed with porridge. The young leaves contain vitamin C. The raw ripe fruits are also eaten.

    Balsam Apple Facts

    Balsam apple Quick Facts
    Name: Balsam apple
    Scientific Name: Momordica balsamina
    Origin South Africa and tropical Africa, tropical Asia, Arabia, India and Australia
    Colors Green when young ripening to bright orange or red
    Shapes Spindle shaped, dark green with 9 or 10 regular or irregular rows of cream or yellowish short blunt spines
    Taste Bitter
    Health benefits Prevents heart disease,Supports for healthy skin,Boosts immune system, Improves vision, Protects digestive system, Strengthens bones, Helps to lose weight, Promotes hair growth
    Name Balsam apple
    Scientific Name Momordica balsamina
    Native South Africa and tropical Africa, tropical Asia, Arabia, India and Australia
    Common Names Balsam apple, Bitter apple, Southern balsampear, African cucumber, balsam pear, balsamina, common balsam apple, bitter melon, cundeamor
    Name in Other Languages Afrikaans: Laloentjie
    Angami: Kariela
    Arabic: Maedudat bilasmia (معضوضة بلسمية)
    Chinese:  Jiao ku gua
    Cuba: Cundeamor
    English: Balsam apple, Bitter apple, Southern balsampear, African cucumber, balsam pear, balsamina, common balsam apple, bitter melon, cundeamor
    French: Concombre balsamite, Courgette africaine, Pomme de merveille, Margose à pomme de merveille, Momordique à feuilles de vigne, momordique commune,
    German: Balsamapfel, Gemeiner Balsamapfel, Gemeiner Balsamkuerbis, Wunderapfel
    Hausa: Garafuni
    Hebrew:  Le’usit metappeset, לְעוּסִית מְטַפֶּסֶת
    Hindi: Bad kareliya (बाड़ करेलिया), Bara-karela (बड़ा करेला), Jangli-karela (जंगली करेला), Kankero, Mokha (मोखा)
    Indonesian: Peria Kecil
    Italian: Pomo meraviglia, pomo balsam, pomo di merviglia
    Kannada: Huchhu thonde balli  (ಹುಚ್ಚುತೊಂಡೆ (ಬಳ್ಳಿ), Kaarchi balli (ಕಾರ್ಚಿ (ಬಳ್ಳಿ), Cheelaita (ಚೀಲೈತ)
    Malay: Peria, Peria kechil, Periok
    Malayalam: Kāṭṭupāval (കാട്ടുപാവൽ), Undapaval, Kaippanpaval
    Marathi: Karla
    Mozambique: Cacana
    Nepali: Karelaa, Barela (बरेला)
    Nigeria: Garafuni
    Pakistan: Jangli karela,  keerelo-jangro
    Polish: Przepękla pospolita
    Portuguese: Balsâmina-de-purga, balsamina pequena
    Russian: Momordika bal’zamicheskaya (Момордика бальзамическая)
    Saudi Arabia: Mokah
    South Africa: Intshungu, intshungwana yehlathi, mohodu, nkaka
    Spanish: Balsamina
    Swedish: Balsamgurka
    Tamil: Parpakal
    Urdu: Jangli karela
    USA: Southern balsampear, wonder-apple
    Plant Growth Habit Trailing or climbing, monoecious, annual or short-lived perennial tendril-bearing herb
    Growing Climates Coastal bush land on sand, in woodland, wooded grassland and riverine fringes, on river banks, in dry river beds, disturbed areas, hammocks, roadsides, fencerows, grassland, savannah, forest margins
    Soil White, yellow, red and grey sandy soils, also in loam, clay, alluvial, gravelly and calcareous soils. It requires a soil rich in organic matter if optimum yields are to be achieve
    Plant Size Up to 5 metres long
    Stem Prostrate or scandent, to 2·7 m, finely, rather sparsely crispate-pubescent, especially at nodes
    Leaf Broadly ovate, reniform or orbicular in outline, cordate, usually somewhat pubescent, 10–90 mm. long and 12–120 mm. broad
    Flowering season August and November in Pakistan
    May to September in the USA
    June to July in Australia
    Flower Solitary, male and female flowers on the same plant (monoecious). Male flowers are prominently bracteate (subtended by a leaflet), bract ± ovate, to 18 mm long. Female flowers are inconspicuously bracteate, corolla rather smaller than males.
    Fruit Shape & Size Spindle shaped, dark green with 9 or 10 regular or irregular rows of cream or yellowish short blunt spines
    Fruit Color Green when young ripening to bright orange or red
    Flesh Color Red pulp
    Seed Ovate in outline, rather compressed, up to 11 mm long, light brown, surface sculptured
    Taste Bitter
    Plant Parts Used Leaves, fruits, seeds, and bark
    Season October to May
    Health Benefits
    • Prevents heart disease
    • Supports for healthy skin
    • Boosts immune system
    • Improves vision
    • Protects digestive system
    • Strengthens bones
    • Helps to lose weight
    • Promotes hair growth
    Precautions
    • The ripe fruits cause vomiting and diarrhoea, and can be poisonous.
    • Ripe fruits may have caused the death of dogs and pigs.

    Plant Description

    Balsam apple is a trailing or climbing, monoecious, annual or short-lived perennial tendril-bearing herb that normally grows up to 5 meters long. The plant is found growing in coastal bush land on sand, in woodland, wooded grassland and riverine fringes, on river banks, in dry river beds, disturbed areas, hammocks, roadsides, fencerows, grassland, savannah and forest margins. The plant is found growing in white, yellow, red and grey sandy soils, also in loam, clay, alluvial, gravelly and calcareous soils. It requires a soil rich in organic matter if optimum yields are to be achieve. The plant has soft stems and tendrils that climb up shrubs, boundary fields and fences. Stems are prostrate or scandent, to 2·7 m, finely, rather sparsely crispate-pubescent, especially at nodes. It is velvet-hairy to becoming hairless.

    Leaves

    Leaf-blade are broadly ovate, reniform or orbicular in outline, cordate, usually somewhat pubescent, 10–90 mm. long and 12–120 mm. broad, palmately 3–5-lobed to about the middle or below, with the lobes broadly ovate- or elliptic-rhombic in outline, narrowed below, sharply sinuate-dentate or dentate-lobulate and the apices and marginal teeth apiculate. Petiole is pubescent and 4–60 mm. long. Leaves are waxy, lower surface is paler than upper surface.

    Flower

    Flowers are solitary, male and female flowers on the same plant (monoecious). Male flowers are prominently bracteate (subtended by a leaflet), bract ± ovate, to 18 mm long, pallid, green-veined, calyx green to purplish-black, corolla white to yellow, apricot or orange, green-veined, with grey, brownish or black spots near the bases of the three inner petals, 10-20 mm long, anthers orange. Female flowers are inconspicuously bracteate, corolla rather smaller than males. Flowering normally takes place in between August and November in Pakistan, May to September in the USA and June to July in Australia.

    Fruit

    Fertile flowers are followed by spindle shaped, dark green with 9 or 10 regular or irregular rows of cream or yellowish short blunt spines, ripening to bright orange or red, 25-60 mm long; opening automatically more or less irregularly into three valves that curl back (also opens when the tip is touched). Seeds are ovate in outline, rather compressed, up to 11 mm long, light brown, surface sculptured. The fruit is eaten by birds, ants, probably by some mammals (though not recorded) and also by humans.

    Balsam apple Image Gallery
    Balsam-apple-plant Balsam-apple-plant
    Balsam-apple-Plant-growing-wild Balsam-apple-Plant-growing-wild
    Flower-of-balsam-apple Flower-of-balsam-apple
    Immature-fruits-of-Balsam-apple Immature-fruits-of-Balsam-apple
    Leaves-of-Balsam-apple Leaves-of-Balsam-apple
    Mature-fruits-of-Balsam-apple Mature-fruits-of-Balsam-apple
    Plant-Illustration-of-Balsam-apple Plant-Illustration-of-Balsam-apple
    Seeds-of-Balsam-apple Seeds-of-Balsam-apple
    Sketch-of-Balsam-apple Sketch-of-Balsam-apple

    Health benefits of Balsam apple

    Additionally, there are numerous surprising health benefits of balsam apple fruit which are listed below:

    1. Prevents heart disease

    Balsam apple fruit has no cholesterol and less fat that perhaps helps to protect the heart. Heart diseases commonly occur when the body has an excessive amount of fat including cholesterol and consequently, the fruit may prevent them.

    2. Supports for healthy skin

    As previously mentioned Balsam apple fruit is equipped with vitamin C and it supports for healthy skin. It gives you smooth and soft skin as well as protects it from pimples or acne. Since then, the fruit is appropriate for women who are likely to have a healthy skin.

    3. Boosts immune system

    Vitamin C is one of antioxidants that are common with its ability to boost immune system, where you can find it in balsam apple fruit. Immune system is significant thing and therefore the fruit is recommended for those who are having many activities. For the best result, it is better to combine the consuming of the fruit with other healthy foods.

    4. Improves vision

    Vision will improve by consuming balsam apple fruit because the fruit consists of vitamin A about 54 IU, or you can read in vitamin a benefits. Additionally, it also supported by other antioxidants that can prevent some conditions such as cataract and even for night blindness.

    5. Protects digestive system

    Fiber is a substance that is known to protect digestive system in the body. Balsam apple fruit has 2.40 gram dietary fiber which would be enough to take care of your digestive system from some conditions. When the digestive system is healthy then it promotes overall health, since many essential nutrients absorbed well in the body.

    6. Strengthens bones

    Balsam apple fruit helps to strengthen bones due to vitamin K, as well as other antioxidants. Bones will get stronger not only by sufficient amounts of calcium but also vitamin K, where most of people don’t concern about it. Additionally, that vitamin also protects bones from such condition like osteoporosis.

    7. Helps to lose weight

    The combining of less fat and lots of dietary fiber makes balsam apple fruit can help you to lose weight. Actually many fruits are recommended by the doctor as diet treatment, including for balsam apple fruit. The reason is because some fruits have more vitamins and less of cholesterol and fat which would be beneficial for the health of the body.

    8. Promotes hair growth

    Vitamin C found adequately in balsam apple fruit helps in promoting hair growth. The fruit probably prevents the hair from hair loss that it may lead to a healthy hair. As the hair is strong, your hair may thicken and also can increase the confidence.

    Traditional uses and benefits of Balsam Apple

    • It is commonly used as an anthelminthic, and in the treatment of fever, uterine bleeding, syphilis, rheumatism, hepatitis, skin disorders, and stomach and intestinal complaints.
    • It is used in the treatment and prevention of hypertension and diabetes mellitus.
    • Fruit pulp has been used as an antiviral agent for poultry and even to treat human AIDS in Nigeria.
    • Leaf and fruit extracts also show anti-plasmodial activity and are used against malaria in African traditional medicine.
    • Concoction made by infusing the fruit (minus the seed) in olive or almond oil, is used as an ointment for chapped hands, burns and hemorrhoids.
    • Whole plant is used to treat diabetes and dysentery in Mexico.
    • Plant is also modified to treat skin issues like Eczema, Vaginitis, hemorrhoids, itchy rashes, Leprosy and much more.
    • Leaves are also used to treat Malaria, stomach pain, cold, cough, fever and measles.
    • People suffering from vaginal discharge, Colic, Menstrual problems also seek the help of the Balsam Apple.
    • This fruit can also be used to induce abortions.
    • Aqueous leaf extract has also been used in reducing and relieving period pain in young girls.
    • Whole plant is used as sponge in treating skin disease such as scabies and as tranquilizer in the treatment of mental illness.
    • Pulverized plant is applied externally against malignant ulcers.
    • Leaves are used for liver deficiencies, blood cleanser/detoxifier, ulcers of the stomach and duodenum, hepatitis A and B, inflammations, marsh fever, urinary tract infections and bile disorders.
    • It is taken by mothers of newborn babies to boost the production of mother’s milk.
    • It was used in the Okavango delta and else-where for abortion, boils, burns, chapped hands and feet, external sores, frostbite, hemorrhoids, headache, and as a purgative.
    • In U.S.A. compounded with olive or almond oil it has been used for chapped hands and for piles.
    • Seed soaked in water and then inserted in the neck of the womb is a method of producing abortion practiced by the Mbula tribe of N Nigeria.
    • The fruits are used in Syria for healing wounds.

    Culinary Uses

    • Leaves and young fruits are eaten cooked as a leafy vegetable in Cameroon, Sudan and southern Africa.
    • They are often mixed with groundnut meal or added to porridge.
    • Bright red fruit pulp is eaten in Namibia.
    • The leaves and immature fruits are used in sauces and soups.
    • It is cooked and used as a vegetable.

    Other Facts

    • Leaves and stems have been used to feed camels, goats and sheep but horses avoid it.
    • Leaf sap is apparently a useful metal cleaner and has been used as soap to wash hands and body.
    • In the past, the whole plant has been used as an ingredient in arrow poison with Strophanthus.
    • The leaves and stems serve as camel fodder.
    • The fruits are used as a soap substitute.

    References:

    https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=22398#null

    https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxon/taxonomydetail?id=24519

    https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/34677

    https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/a/apple045.html

    https://www.plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=MOBA

    https://www.prota4u.org/database/protav8.asp?g=pe&p=Momordica+balsamina+L.

    https://gd.eppo.int/taxon/MOMBA

    http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl/record/kew-2372858

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Momordica_balsamina

    https://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Balsam%20Pear.html

    http://pza.sanbi.org/momordica-balsamica

    77%
    77%
    Awesome
    • 7.7

    Comments

    comments

    B Vegetables
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleHow to Use Your Phone to Achieve Your Health Goals
    Next Article Little Known Ways Physical Activity Benefits Your Health

    Related Posts

    Health benefits of Bicolor Skullcap

    March 1, 2024

    Facts about Buckthorn bully

    February 13, 2024

    Health benefits of African dream bean

    January 23, 2024

    Comments are closed.

    Balsam apple Scientific Classification

    Scientific Name: Momordica balsamina

    Rank Scientific Name & (Common Name)
    Kingdom Plantae (Plants)
    Subkingdom Tracheobionta (Vascular plants)
    Infrakingdom Streptophyta  (land plants)
    Super Division Spermatophyta (Seed plants)
    Division Magnoliophyta (Flowering plants)
    Sub Division Spermatophytina  (spermatophytes, seed plants, phanérogames)
    Class Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
    Sub Class Dilleniidae
    Super Order Rosanae
    Order Violales
    Family Cucurbitaceae (Cucumber family)
    Genus Momordica L. (Momordica)
    Species Momordica balsamina L. (southern balsampear)
    Synonyms
    • Cucumis agrestis Mill.
    • Cucumis agrestis Mill. ex Cogn.
    • Momordica garipensis E.Mey.
    • Momordica garriepensis Arn.
    • Momordica huberii Todaro
    • Momordica involucrata E.Mey.
    • Momordica involucrata E.Meyer ex Sonder
    • Momordica schinzii Cogn.
    • Momordica schinzii Cogn. ex Schinz
    • Nevrosperma cuspidata Rafin.
    Categories
    • Beverages (78)
    • Dairy (28)
    • Dental Health (15)
    • Equipment (5)
    • Essential OIls (196)
    • Facts (2,872)
    • Foods (253)
    • Fruits (479)
    • Giveaway (1)
    • Grains and Cereals (32)
    • Health & Beauty (685)
    • Herbs and Spices (1,247)
    • Medicines (9)
    • Mental Health (19)
    • Nutritional value (27)
    • Nuts and seeds (69)
    • Oils (81)
    • Pets (4)
    • Poultry & Seafoods (67)
    • Pulses and Beans (16)
    • Reviews (25)
    • supplement (2)
    • Vegetables (302)
    • Weight Loss (22)

    What Is “Seed Cycling” and Can It Balance Hormones Naturally?

    What Are Gravity Blankets and What Are Their Benefits?

    How “Sighing Exercises” Can Calm Your Nervous System Instantly

    Why “Neurographic Art” Is the New Trend for Stress Relief

    What Are Postbiotics? Are They the Future of Gut Health?

    What Is Non-Toxic Cookware and Why Is It Gaining So Much Attention?

    ABOUT
    Home
    About us
    Contact us
    Privacy Policy
    Terms & conditions
    Disclaimer
    Direct Communication
    e-mail: [email protected]
    Gmail: [email protected]
    Useful
    Health Wiki
    Nutrition
    Houston Dentist
    Facebook Twitter Pinterest
    © 2025 www.healthbenefitstimes.com All rights reserved.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    ×

    Log In

    Forgot Password?

    Not registered yet? Create an Account