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Health benefits of Bandicoot Berry

The formal name for Bandicoot Berry is Leea indica. It is a tropical plant that is part of the Leeaceae Dumort family. In different parts of the world, the plant is important for its cultural, culinary, and medical uses. The plant is native to Indo-Malaya, Indochina, the Western Ghats of India, and Sri Lanka, all of South-East Asia, northern Australia, the Solomon Islands, New Hebrides, and Fiji. Plants in Malesia, New Guinea, Australia, and the southwestern Pacific islands were once thought to be this species, but now they are thought to be a different species called Leea nova-guineensis. Some common names for the plants are White Indigo Berry, Wild Olive Berry, Manjakani Belimbing, White Berry Bush, White Coffee, Manjakani Berry, Black Berry, Coffee Plum, Coffee Randia, Wild Coffee, Wild Olive, Hairy Indigo Berry, Indian Blackberry, Coffee Plum Bush, Jungle Olive, Randia Fruit, Manja Fruit, Coffee Plum, Coffee Bush, White Olive, Wild Coffee Plum, White Randia, Indian Wild Coffee, Jungle Coffee and Indian Wild Indigo Berry.

It is thought that the genus name “Leea” was named after James Lee, a Scottish gardener and nurseryman who lived in the 18th century. He was known for his work in gardening and the growing of plants. The word “indica” in the name of the species means “India,” which is a big place where Leea indica is often found. The word “indica” comes from the Latin word “indicus,” which means “of India” or “pertaining to India.” The plant is taken from the wild and used as food and medicine in the area. Local people in India and China grow it for medicinal reasons, as an ornamental plant, and as a green manure.

Bandicoot berry Facts

Name Bandicoot Berry
Scientific Name Leea indica
Native India, Sri Lanka, throughout South-East Asia, to northern Australia, Solomon Islands, New Hebrides and Fiji
Common Names White Indigo Berry, Indian Blackberry, White Coffee, Manjakani Belimbing, White Berry Bush, Wild Coffee, Coffee Plum, Coffee Randia, Jungle Coffee, Wild Olive, Hairy Indigo Berry, Black Berry, Coffee Plum Bush, Randia Fruit, Wild Indigo Berry, Manjakani Berry, Coffee Plum, Coffee Bush, White Olive, Wild Coffee Plum, White Randia, Indian Olive, Coffee Berry, Indian Wild Coffee, Jungle Coffee Plum, Manja Fruit, Wild Olive Berry, Hairy Coffee Plum, Jungle Olive
Name in Other Languages Arabic: Tut Bandikoot (توت بانديكوت), Tūt al-bāndīkūt (توت البانديكوت), lia hindia (ليا هندية)
Assamese: Ahina (আহিনা), Kukura-thengia
Bengali: Bandikoot Beri (ব্যান্ডিকুট বেরি), Byāṇḍikuṭa Bēri (ব্যাণ্ডিকুট বেরি), kukur-jhiwa, Kurkur, Kukur jiwa, Achila gach, Arengi
Borneo: Inyoi, Mali-mali, Sangeh
Central Khmer: Bayokdang  (បាយក្ដាំង)
Chinese: Shǔ Hú Jiāngguǒ (鼠狐浆果), Dàihuān méi (袋獾莓), Yìndù huǒtǒng shù (印度火筒树), Huǒtǒng shù (火筒树), Cāo yè huǒtǒng shù (糙叶火筒树), Mǎ gǔjié (马骨节) , Yan tuo
Czech: Bandikut Bobule
Danish: Bandicoot Bær
Dutch: Bandicoot Bes
English: Bandicoot-berry, common tree-vine
Filipino: Berry ng Bandicoot
Finnish: Bandikuuttimarja, Bandicoot Marja, Punaleea
French: Baie Bandicoot
German: Bandicoot Beere
Greek: Vantikoút Moúro (Βαντικούτ Μούρο) , Froúto tou Bandikoút (Φρούτο του Μπαντικούτ), Moúro tou Bandikoút (Μούρο του Μπαντικούτ)
Hebrew: Tut Bandikoot (תות בנדיקוט), P’ri ha-bandikoot (פרי הבנדיקוט)
Hindi: Bandikoot Berry (बैंडिकूट बेरी), Kikur jihwa, Kukurjihva, kukurjihwa, kukurjiwah
Hungarian: Bandikut Bogyó
Icelandic: Bandikoot Ber
Indonesian: Buah Bandikut, jolok-jolok, Li tuwa, Kayu tuwa
Italian: Bacca Bandicoot
Japanese: Bandikūto Berī (バンディクートベリー)
Kannada: Gadhapatri, Nedili, Andilu, Karote, Andilu (ಅಂಡಿಲು), Tannunuka (ತಣ್ಣುಣುಕ), Gadapatri (ಗದಾಪತ್ರಿ)
Korean: Bandikuteu Beri (반디쿠트 베리), Bandikuteu beri (반디쿠트 베리), Bandiket beri (반디컷 베리), Bandiket yeolmae (반디컷 열매)
Malay: Buah Bandicoot, Memali
Malayalam: Njazhuk (ഞഴുക്), Nakku, Chorianthali, Erattayani, Kudanjazhuku, Maniperandi, Manipiranta, Maniporandi, Njakku, Njallu, Njazhuku, Nyeru
Malaysia: Mali-mali, Merbati padang, Jolok-jolok
Manipuri: Koknal, ꯀꯣꯛꯅꯥꯜ
Marathi: Karkani
Mizo: Kawlkar
Nepali: Kukur Jibre
Norwegian: Bandicoot Bær
Oria: Kaladchana
Papau New Guinea: Paikoro, Dadoro, Warawa
Persian: Miveh-e bandicoot (میوه بندیکوت)
Philippines: Mali, amamali
Polish: Jagoda Bandicoot
Portuguese: Bagas de Bandicoot, Bagacoot Berry
Romanian: Bob Bandicoot
Russian: Yagoda Bandikuta (Ягода Бандикута), Bob bandikuta (Боб бандикута)
Sanskrit: Chatri, Jeera vali
Sinhalese: Gurulla (ගුරුල්ල)
Spanish: Baya Bandicoot
Sri Lanka: Burulla, Gurulla
Swahili: Mchuzi wa Bandicoot
Swedish: Bandicoot Bär, Asiatisk leea
Tamil: Paṇḍikkūṭ Paḻam (பண்டிக்கூட் பழம்), Pēṇṭikkūṭ paḻam (பேண்டிக்கூட் பழம்), Polavakkoṭi (பொலவக்கொடி), Nalaya, Ottannalam, Neykki, Ottanali, Polavakkodi
Telugu: Ankadosa
Thai: Lūk phanthư̂ bændikhuṭ (ลูกพันธุ์แบนดิคูท),  Katangbai (กะตังใบ), Bangbaai ton, Na tor kor, bangbaai ton
Turkish: Bandikut Meyvesi, Bandiku Yemi
Ukrainian: Yahoda bandykuta (Ягода бандикута)
Urdu: Bandikoot Beeri (بینڈیکوٹ بیری)
Vietnamese: Quả Bandicoot, Cur roosi den
Plant Growth Habit Erect deciduous shrub or small tree
Growing Climates Undisturbed to slightly disturbed (open sites) in mixed dipterocarp, swamp, sub-montane forests, on alluvial sites and near or along rivers and streams, degraded semi-evergreen and evergreen forests and also in the plains
Soil Does best in soil that is rich and drains well. A good growing medium can be made from a mix of garden soil, compost, and organic waste
Plant Size Grows from 2 – 10 meters tall, occasionally to 16 meters, with stems around 19cm in diameter
Root Young Bandicoot Berry plants grow a taproot, which is a single, thick root that goes straight down into the ground. The taproot keeps the plant steady and can reach deeper to get water and food
Stem Stem can have both herbaceous (soft and not woody) and woody traits. The stem is made up of pieces called nodes, which are where leaves, branches, and flowers are connected, and spaces between nodes called internodes
Bark Bark on young roots is smoother and lighter in color, with shades of green or light brown. As the plant gets older, the bark can get rougher and darker
Leaf Large, palmately compound leaves with multiple leaflets attached to a central stem, giving it a distinctive appearance. The leaves can vary in color from green to reddish-purple, depending on factors like light exposure and maturity
Flowering season Starts from May till June to July
Flower Flowers are greenish-white, sepals 2 to 3 by 3 to 4 millimeters, smooth to pubescent
Fruit Shape & Size Small spherical berry, dark purple to black, 5 to 10 millimeters in diameter, and 6-seeded
Fruit Color Initially green and ripen to a deep red or black color
Seed Small and round, and they have a hard shell called the seed coat
Flavor/Aroma Delightful blend of sweet and earthy notes
Taste Unique blend of sweetness and earthiness
Plant Parts Used Roots, leaves, berries, bark
Propagation By seeds, semi-hardwood cuttings, suckers
Lifespan Around 5 to 10 years
Season From August till September to October
Major Nutrition
  • Vitamins
  • Minerals
  • Antioxidant
  • Flavonoids
  • Phenolic Compounds
  • Dietary Fiber
  • Carotenoids
Available Forms
  • Decoctions and Infusions
  • Poultices
  • Topical Ointments
  • Tinctures
  • Capsules or Tablets
  • Herbal Baths
  • Compresses
  • Oil Infusions
  • Steam Inhalations
  • Syrups
  • Mouthwashes
  • Dried Herb Capsules
  • Herbal Tisanes
Varieties
  • Leea indica ‘Rubra’ or ‘Red Leea’
  • Leea indica ‘Green Leea’
  • Leea indica ‘Variegata’
  • Leea indica ‘Compacta’
  • Leea indica ‘Alba’
  • Leea indica ‘Golden’
  • Leea indica ‘Purple Prince’
  • Leea indica ‘Silver Frost’
  • Leea indica ‘Tricolor’
  • Leea indica ‘Miniature’
  • Leea indica ‘Golden Vein’
  • Leea indica ‘Lemon Twist’
Health benefits
  • Antioxidant Properties
  • Anti-Inflammatory Effects
  • Wound Healing
  • Gastrointestinal Health
  • Immune System Support
  • Antimicrobial Activity
  • Diabetes Management
  • Anti-Cancer Potential
  • Analgesic (Pain-Relieving) Effects
  • Skin Health
  • Respiratory Health
  • Hypertension Management
  • Antimicrobial Properties
  • Liver Health
  • Cardiovascular Support
  • Uterine Health
  • Bone Health
  • Hormonal Balance
  • Eye Health

Plant Description

Bandicoot Berry is an upright, deciduous bush or small tree with stems that are about 19 cm in diameter. It usually grows from 2 to 10 meters tall, but can sometimes grow to 16 meters. The plant grows in calm to slightly disturbed (open) sites, in mixed dipterocarp, swamp, and sub-montane forests, on alluvial sites and near or along rivers and streams, in degraded semi-evergreen and evergreen forests, and also in the plains. The plant does best in soil that is rich and drains well. A good growing medium can be made from a mix of garden soil, compost, and organic waste. Leaves can be added to meals like curries, stir-fries, and chutneys to make them more flavorful and tangy. Some stories say that crushed Leea indica leaves could be used as a natural insect repellent to keep bugs away.

Appropriate growing environment for Bandicoot Berry

The Bandicoot Berry is a plant that thrives in warm and tropical climates. To provide it with an appropriate growing environment, consider the following conditions:

Roots

Most young Bandicoot Berry plants grow a taproot, which is a single, thick root that goes straight down into the ground. The taproot keeps the plant steady and can reach deeper to get water and food. From the taproot, roots grow out in different directions horizontally. These roots spread out in the dirt so the plant can take in water and nutrients from a wider area. As Bandicoot Berry plants get older, they often grow a fibrous root system made up of many thin roots that spread out near the surface of the dirt. The fine roots of these plants are good at getting water and nutrients from the top layers of dirt. The plant’s root system holds it firmly in the dirt and keeps it from being uprooted by wind or other things in the environment.

Stem

Depending on its age and growing stage, a stem can have both herbaceous (soft and not woody) and woody traits. The stem is made up of pieces called nodes, which are where leaves, branches, and flowers are connected, and spaces between nodes called internodes. The stem can be straight, and as it grows, it often sends out branches. It could have a single stem or more than one stem coming from the base. The surface of the stem can be smooth when the plant is young but rougher and more wrinkled as it gets older. The stem can be green or reddish-brown, but it is usually greener when it is young. The stem gives shape and support to the leaves, flowers, and fruits, making sure they get enough light and can do their jobs.

Bark

Bark is an important layer on the outside of a plant that covers and protects the roots and branches. As the plant grows, the bark can change in color and feel. Usually, the bark on young roots is smoother and lighter in color, with shades of green or light brown. As the plant gets older, the bark can get rougher and darker. It can also look more wrinkled. The bark has several layers: the epidermis, the cork layer, and the phloem. The bark acts as a shield to protect the inner organs from damage, pathogens, and stress from the outside.

Leaves

Compound leaves have more than one leaflet connected to a stem in the middle called the rachis. The leaflets are spread out from a center point on the rachis in a pattern that looks like a hand. There are several leaflets in each leaf. The amount of leaflets can vary, but they are usually set up in a way that makes them look the same on both sides of the rachis. Most of the time, the leaves are ovate or lanceolate, which means they are long and narrow at the end. The edges of the leaves can be smooth or have a few small teeth, which add to the texture of the plant as a whole.

The leaves usually have a smooth top side, but the bottom side might be a little rough. The color of the leaves can change based on things like how much light they get, how old they are, and how healthy the plant is as a whole. They range from bright green to a purple-red color. The veins on the leaflets are easy to see. They branch out from the midrib (the center vein) and go toward the leaflets’ edges. In some countries, the leaves can be used in cooking and as medicine. In ornamental landscaping, the leaves’ unique shape and bright colors make gardens and other outdoor areas look better.

Flowers

Most flowers grow in panicles, which are groups of flowers that grow from the plant’s roots and branch out. The flowers are small and not very noticeable. They grow in groups called inflorescences. Each flower has many parts, and each part does something different. Sepals are the protective structures that cover and protect the growing flower bud. They are usually green or another color. Some flowers don’t have many leaves or any at all because they aren’t meant to be showy. The stalk and the anther make up a stamen, which is the male reproductive part of a flower. The pollen grains, which hold the male gametes of the plant, are made by the anthers. The stigma, style, and ovary make up the pistil, which is the female sexual part of a flower. The pollen goes on the stigma, and the style goes from the stigma to the egg. The ovary has ovules, which become seeds when they are fertilized. Flowers are usually fertilized by insects or the wind, and pollen moves from the anthers to the stigma of the pistil.

Fruit

Small and round, fruit is a berry. Berries are fruits that are soft on the outside and have one or more seeds inside. Most of the time, the berries are small and round, like tiny colorful orbs. As the berries ripen, their color changes from green to shades of red or black. This shows that they are ready to be eaten or to spread their seeds. The skin, or exocarp, is the outermost layer of a fruit. It protects the fruit and includes the pigments that give the fruit its color. The endocarp is the middle layer. It protects the seed or seeds by wrapping around them. Inside the endocarp are the seed or seeds, which can grow into new plants if they hatch. Many animals, like birds and mammals, like to eat the ripe nuts.

Seeds

Most seeds are small and round, and they have a hard shell called the seed coat. The seed coat is often bumpy or wrinkled, which protects the young plant inside. The embryo is the first stage of a plant’s growth. It is found inside the seed coat. The root (radicle), the shoot (plumule), and the cotyledons are all parts of the embryo. Even though Bandicoot Berry seeds are not usually eaten, they are very important to the plant’s ability to reproduce and make new plants. Seeds could also be used in horticulture, study, and restoring the environment.

Varieties of Bandicoot Berry

There are several varieties and cultivars of Bandicoot Berry that have been developed or identified based on differences in characteristics such as leaf color, size, and growth habits. Listed below are some of the popular varieties

Ethno-botanical uses of different parts of Bandicoot Berry

SN Plant Parts Region Ailments
1.  

 

 

 

 

 

Roots

Songkhla Province, Thailand Fever
2. Yasothon Province, Thailand Diarrhea
3. West Bengal, India Bone Facture
4. Karnataka, India Sudorific, Diarrhea, Dysentery, Colic
5. Kerela, India Diarrhea, Dysentery, Skin diseases, Hyperpiesia, Ulcer
6. Tamil Nadu, India Dysentery
7. Tamil Nadu, India Diarrhea
8. South Kalimantan, Indonesia Asthma
9. Tuber Andhra Pradesh, India Liver Enlargement
10. Root, stem Northern Thailand Diarrhea, Hemorrhoid, Gastric ulcer
11. Stem Bark Kerala, India Wounds
12.  

 

 

 Leaves

Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh Joint Pains
13. Kedah, Malaysia Diabetes
14. Jessore District, Bangladesh Joint Pain
15. Shimoga district, Karnataka, India Diarrhea and Dysentery in cattle
16. Car Nicobar island, Nicobar, India Cuts and wounds
17. West Nepal Spleen Problems
18. Leaves, flowers Tamil Nadu, India Rheumatism
19. Leaves and shoots Ulu Kuang village, Malaysia Wound treatment
20. Leaf Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh Joint Pain
21. Leaf and root   Diabetes, cardiac diseases, obstetric diseases, body pain
22. Root West Bengal, India Bone Fracture
23. Inflorescence, tuber Rajasthan, India                Chest pain in children (inflorescence extract), allergy (tuber paste)
24. Leaf Malaysia Diabetes
25. Leaf and shoot Malaysia Wound
26. Root Kerala, India Diarrhea, dysentery, hyperpiesia, ulcer, skin diseases
27. Root, Leaf Kerala, India Diarrhea, dysentery, ulcer
28. Root Tamil Nadu, India Dysentery

Bandicoot Berry Image Gallery

Health benefits of Bandicoot Berry

“Bandicoot Berry” or “Indian Laurel,” is a plant that has been utilized in traditional medicine systems in various parts of the world. While scientific research on its health benefits is limited, it has been attributed with several potential health benefits based on traditional uses and some preliminary studies. Here is a more detailed list of these potential health benefits:

1. Antioxidant Properties

Flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which are thought to have antioxidant qualities, are thought to be in the Bandicoot Berry. These antioxidants help get rid of dangerous free radicals in the body. This could lower the risk of oxidative stress and chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Bandicoot Berry has been used in traditional ways that show it has anti-inflammatory effects. There are bioactive compounds in the plant that may help lower inflammation by blocking pro-inflammatory enzymes and pathways. This could help treat conditions like arthritis and some skin conditions that cause inflammation.

3. Wound Healing

Bandicoot Berry has been used to heal cuts for a long time. Some studies show that its products might be able to kill germs and help wounds heal. Putting these extracts on cuts could help them heal faster and stop infections.

4. Gastrointestinal Health

Bandicoot Berry has been used to help with digestive problems in traditional treatment. It may have mild laxative effects that can help relieve constipation and improve the health of the digestive system as a whole.

5. Immune System Support

Compounds in the Bandicoot Berry might be able to change how the defense system works. By making the immune system work better, it could help the body fight off infections and stay healthy generally.

6. Antimicrobial Activity

Some tests show that Bandicoot Berry extracts kill bacteria and fungi. These qualities could help prevent infections and keep your mouth clean.

7. Diabetes Management

Bandicoot Berry has been looked at to see if it could help lower blood sugar. Compounds in the plant may make cells more sensitive to insulin and control how glucose is used, which could help people with diabetes or who are at risk.

8. Anti-Cancer Potential

Bandicoot Berry might be able to fight cancer, according to early studies. Some compounds in the plant may stop cancer cells from growing and multiplying, but more study is needed to find out if this is true.

9. Analgesic (Pain-Relieving) Effects

Bandicoot Berry has been used to treat pain for a long time. Its analgesic benefits may be caused in part by the fact that it reduces inflammation. This could make it useful for treating mild pain and discomfort.

10. Skin Health

Bandicoot Berry can be used on the face because it kills bacteria and reduces inflammation. It could help treat skin diseases, calm irritation, and improve the health of the skin as a whole.

11. Respiratory Health

Bandicoot Berry has been used traditionally to treat lung problems like coughs and colds. It might help with lung health because it might kill germs and reduce inflammation.

12. Hypertension Management

Researchers have looked into whether or not Bandicoot Berry could help lower blood pressure. Compounds in the plant may help blood arteries relax and improve blood flow.

13. Antimicrobial Properties

Bandicoot Berry may be able to kill germs and fungi by stopping them from growing. Its extracts may stop harmful microorganisms from growing, which makes it useful for preventing and treating infections, especially in the skin and digestive system.

14. Liver Health

Some bioactive parts of Bandicoot Berry may have hepato protective qualities that help keep the liver healthy and help the body get rid of toxins.

15. Cardiovascular Support

Bandicoot Berry products may be good for your heart, according to research. Compounds in the plant might help control blood pressure, improve the health of blood vessels, and improve the health of the heart as a whole.

16. Uterine Health

Bandicoot Berry has been used in some traditional ways to help keep the uterus healthy and fix unpredictable periods.

17. Bone Health

Bandicoot Berry has been used for a long time to help keep bones healthy. It has minerals in it, like calcium and phosphorus, which could help keep bones strong and avoid diseases like osteoporosis.

18. Hormonal Balance

Bandicoot Berry is thought to help control hormones, especially in women, in some traditional ways. It might help with irregular periods and the signs of menopause.

19. Eye Health

People think that the antioxidants in Bandicoot Berry help keep the eyes healthy, which could lower the risk of age-related eye diseases like macular degeneration.

Culinary uses of Bandicoot Berry

Bandicoot Berry has been utilized in certain culinary traditions for its unique flavors and properties. While its culinary use might not be as widespread as its medicinal applications, here are some potential culinary uses of Bandicoot Berry

Different Uses

Bandicoot Berry has a range of uses beyond just culinary and medicinal applications. Here are some different uses of Bandicoot Berry

Side effects of Bandicoot Berry

Bandicoot Berry has been used for various purposes in traditional medicine and culinary practices, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects or precautions associated with its use. Keep in mind that scientific research on these side effects might be limited, and individual reactions can vary. Here are some potential side effects and considerations:

References:

http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl/record/tro-34000941

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

http://www.stuartxchange.com/Mali.html

https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/2/1/2191

https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/14130

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

https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Leea+indica

https://uses.plantnet-project.org/en/Leea_indica_(PROSEA)

http://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Bandicoot%20Berry.html

https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=LEIN32

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