Manilkara zapota(Sapotaceae) - Sapota

Manilkara zapota (Sapodilla)

1. Scientific name and Basic Taxonomic classification

Species: Manilkara zapota

Family: Sapotaceae

Genus: Manilkara

Related Herbs from the same family:

Madhuca longifolia (Mahua, Madhuka): A highly significant tree in India, its flowers are nutritive and used to make a fermented drink, while its seeds yield a fatty oil used topically. In Ayurveda, the flowers are considered a cooling, nutritive tonic and an aphrodisiac.

Vitellaria paradoxa (Shea Tree): Native to Africa, the nuts from this tree are used to produce shea butter, a renowned emollient and skin-protective fat used extensively in cosmetics and traditional medicine for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Argania spinosa (Argan Tree): Native to Morocco, its kernels are used to produce argan oil, a valuable oil used both culinarily for its antioxidant properties and topically for skin and hair health.

The Sapotaceae family is a family of flowering plants, including many trees that produce edible fruits and valuable latex. Several members are also sources of hard timber and potent medicinal compounds.

2. Common names

Scientific Name: Manilkara zapota | English: Sapodilla, Sapota, Chikoo, Naseberry | Sanskrit: Gopee, Chiriku, Saptaparni (Note: Classical Sanskrit references are debated and may refer to other trees) | Hindi: Chikoo, Sapota | Tamil: Chappotta, Simaiyiluppai | Telugu: Sima Ippacettu | Kannada: Chikku, Sapota | Malayalam: Chappotta, Simappal | Marathi: Chikoo | Bengali: Sabeda, Sofeda | Sinhala: Sapodilla | Spanish: Chicozapote, Níspero | French: Sapotillier |

3. Medicinal Uses:Nutritive Tonic, Demulcent (soothes membranes), Antidiarrheal, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Expectorant, Diuretic (mild).

Medicinal Parts:The ripe fruit is the primary part consumed. The seeds, bark, and leaves are also used in traditional medicine systems.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Tannins (especially in unripe fruit and bark): Astringent polyphenols. Their primary action is Antidiarrheal and Antimicrobial, as they precipitate proteins, tightening the intestinal mucosa and reducing secretions.

Dietary Fiber (Soluble and Insoluble): Supports digestive health. The soluble fiber, particularly pectin in the ripe fruit, adds bulk to stool and can have a regulating effect, while the astringent tannins in the unripe fruit counteract diarrhea.

Triterpenoids and Saponins: Bioactive compounds found in the seeds and bark. Their actions are Anti-inflammatory and Antimicrobial.

Vitamins (A, C) and Minerals (Potassium, Copper, Iron): Supports its role as a Nutritive Tonic and Antioxidant. Vitamin A and C are crucial for immunity and skin health.

Natural Sugars (Fructose, Sucrose): Provide quick energy, contributing to its Nutritive and cooling properties.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Atisara (Diarrhea) & Graham (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

Formulation: Unripe or semi-ripe fruit, or a decoction of the bark.

Preparation & Use: The unripe fruit, which is highly astringent, is boiled or sun-dried and powdered. This powder is consumed with water or buttermilk to control diarrhea. A decoction of the bark is also used similarly.

Reasoning: The high concentration of tannins acts as an astringent, binding the stools and reducing intestinal inflammation and fluid secretion.

Daurbalya (Weakness) & Kshaya (Consumption/Wasting)

Formulation: Ripe fruit.

Preparation & Use: The ripe, sweet fruit is consumed daily as a dessert or snack to combat general debility, fatigue, and to aid in weight gain.

Reasoning: Its high caloric value from natural sugars, along with vitamins and minerals, makes it an excellent food for energy and building body mass (Brimhana).

Kasa (Cough) & Swasa (Asthma)

Formulation: Decoction of the leaves.

Preparation & Use: A handful of leaves are boiled in water, and the decoction is consumed to relieve cough and asthma symptoms. The ripe fruit's demulcent property also helps soothe a dry, irritated throat.

Reasoning: The leaves have expectorant properties, helping to clear phlegm from the respiratory tract. The ripe fruit pulp soothes the mucous membranes.

Mutrakrichra (Dysuria) & Daha (Burning Sensation)

Formulation: Ripe fruit.

Preparation & Use: Consuming the ripe fruit is believed to help cool the body and reduce burning sensations during urination, thanks to its cooling (Sheeta) potency and high water content.

Reasoning: Its demulcent and cooling nature helps pacify Pitta dosha, which is often aggravated in conditions involving burning sensations.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

Sapodilla is primarily consumed as a fresh fruit when fully ripe. It is also used in milkshakes, jams, and desserts.

Anti-Diarrheal Bark Decoction

Purpose: To control acute diarrhea.

Preparation & Use:

• Take a small piece of the bark (approx. 5-10 grams).

• Boil in two cups of water until it reduces to one cup.

• Strain and drink 1-2 tablespoons of this decoction 2-3 times a day.

• Caution: Use only under guidance, as improper dosing can cause constipation.

Strength-Building Chikoo Milkshake (Brimhana Ksheera)

Purpose: A nutritive tonic for weakness, convalescence, or for children.

Preparation & Use:

• Scoop out the pulp of 2 ripe sapodillas.

• Blend with one cup of milk (or plant-based milk), a few dates, and a pinch of cardamom until smooth.

• Drink as a nourishing beverage.

Cough Relief Leaf Tea

Purpose: To act as an expectorant for congestive cough.

Preparation & Use:

• Take 8-10 fresh sapodilla leaves.

• Wash and boil them in 1.5 cups of water for 10 minutes.

• Strain and drink the tea warm, optionally with a teaspoon of honey.

Simple Ripe Fruit

Purpose: The best way to enjoy its demulcent and nutritive benefits.

Preparation & Use:

• Wait until the fruit is soft to the touch (ripe).

• Cut it in half, scoop out the pulp, and discard the seeds.

• Enjoy the sweet, caramel-flavored pulp as a healthy dessert.

7. Disclaimer:The ripe fruit of Manilkara zapota is generally very safe and nutritious. However, the unripe fruit is extremely astringent due to high tannin content and can cause severe mouth irritation and constipation. The seeds are indigestible and should not be consumed. The bark decoction is potent and should only be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner, as overuse can lead to constipation. Due to its high sugar content, individuals with diabetes should consume the ripe fruit in moderation. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni

• The Useful Plants of India

• Ethnobotany of India Series

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Diospyros kaki (Persimmon, Japani Phal)* Species: Diospyros kaki | Family: Ebenaceae | Genus: Diospyros* Similarities: Both are sweet, pulpy fruits that are highly astringent when unripe due to tannins. The unripe persimmon is also used traditionally for diarrhea, much like the unripe sapodilla. The ripe fruits of both are nutritive and demulcent.

2. Pyrus communis (Pear, Nashpati)* Species: Pyrus communis | Family: Rosaceae | Genus: Pyrus* Similarities: Both fruits have a granular texture and are considered cooling and demulcent in traditional medicine. Pears are often used to soothe a dry cough and relieve constipation, sharing the demulcent property of ripe sapodilla, though they have opposite effects on the bowel.

3. Quercus infectoria (Oak Gall, Majuphal)* Species: Quercus infectoria | Family: Fagaceae | Genus: Quercus* Similarities: While not a fruit, Oak Galls are one of the most potent astringents in herbal medicine due to an extremely high tannin content. It shares the profound antidiarrheal and astringent action with the bark and unripe fruit of the Sapodilla plant, highlighting the power of tannins.

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