Averrhoa carambola (Karanbôl) : medicinal properties in alcoholic extraction

Averrhoa carambola (Karanbôl) — family Oxalidacées.

This database documents alcoholic (ethanol) extractions of active substances. Our monograph currently lists 21 indications in alcoholic extraction for this species. The monograph draws on 78 scientific references recorded for the species.

Therapeutic indications in alcoholic extraction:

Note: scientific reference excerpts are kept in their original language (most often English), without translation, to respect the source text of publications.

1. Type II diabetes mellitus : Plant part used: Sheet. Documented pharmacological profile: Metformine-like.
   According to Shanoof MM (2017): Finally the invivo antidiabetic activity of Ethanolic extract of AC leaf was tested by using Streptozotocin induced diabetic rat. At the end of the study (14th day) the ethanolic extract of AC leaf (200mg/kg p.o & 400 mg/kg p.o) treated diabetic groups showed statistically significant decrease in blood glucose similar to the standard drug glibenclamide (2mg/kg), which indicated block the alfa amyalase activity & antagonize the Streptozotocin action.The present study suggested that the isolation of active constituents from ethanolic extract of AC leaf & characterize the compounds by using preliminary phytochemical studies. According to Abeysekera RA (2015): We report two unique clinical presentation patterns of star fruit nephrotoxicity following consumption of the fruit as a remedy for diabetes mellitus-the first, in a patient with normal renal function & the second case which we believe is the first reported case of chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to prolonged and excessive consumption of star fruits.
2. Coagulation, thrombosis : Plant part used: Fruit.
   According to Daud N (2013): The present study found that ethanolic extract of the leaves & fruits of AB showed very significant anticoagulant effect on rats (P < 0.01). A plant with an anticoagulant effect would be beneficial to counteract these problems.
3. Cancer : Plant part used: Sheet. Mentioned synergistic association: Doxorubicine.
   According to BEAS-Gûzman OF (2025): This study aimed to assess the effects of ethanolic extract from AC leaves on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive subtype lacking specific therapy. Conclusions: These results suggest that the ethanolic extract of AC leaves contains metabolites with anti-cancer activity against TNBC cells, supporting further research into their bioactive compounds & therapeutic potential. According to Ayesh S SM (2013): carambola have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, antitumor and anti-ulcer activities.

Further indications (including other extraction modes where applicable), dosages, precautions for use and full scientific references are available in the complete monograph.

Photo credit : Photo by Dinesh Valke without modification (CC BY-SA 2.0). License : CC BY-SA 2.0.