Bioactive potential of karonda (Carissa carandas L.)

Carissa carandas L. (F. Apocynaceae) is an underutilized fruit commonly known as Karonda ‘Christ's thorn'. It is a very hardy and drought tolerant plant and thrives well throughout the tropical and subtropical climates. However, heavy rainfall and waterlogged conditions are not suitable. Karonda, an ethno-medicinally important fruit has been used as a supplementary dietary source of nutrition and play a vital role in improving our health. The plant bearing minor fruit has been traditionally used in the treatment of scabies, intestinal worms, diarrhoea, intermittent fever and reputed for its aphrodisiac, aperitive, antipyretic, antiscorbutic and astringent properties. Being a rich source of iron, it is sometimes used in treatment of anaemia. Therefore, it is worthwhile to review its therapeutic properties and also its potential application in the nutraceutical field due to its wide nutritional and pharmacological activities.