Bengal-currants

Carissa carandas

Carissa carandas, commonly known as Indian gooseberry or Makhan phal, originates from traditional medicine practices in India and other parts of Asia. Traditionally, it has not been extensively used for specific medicinal purposes. However, scientific research indicates potential health benefits. A 28-day sub-acute feeding trial with Carissa carandas fruit powder and methanol extracts showed significant increases in hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet counts without toxicological effects. Valtrate, an identified compound from the plant, demonstrated potential as a GGT inhibitor in vitro and through molecular docking studies; however, further clinical investigation is required to confirm these findings. Additionally, ursolic acid (UA) from Carissa carandas exhibited significant in vitro anticancer activity against A549 NSCLC cells with multi-targeted effects. Nanoparticles of CeO2 alleviated liver fibrosis by modulating TGF-β/Smads and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways in rats, suggesting potential therapeutic applications. No major safety issues or recorded drug interactions have been identified to date.

At a glance
Best evidence
D
Cautions

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • A 28-day sub-acute feeding trial with Carissa carandas fruit powder and methanol extracts showed significant increases in hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet counts without toxicological effects. D PMID
  • The study found that valtrate, an identified compound from Carissa carandas, showed potential as a GGT inhibitor in vitro and through molecular docking, though further clinical investigation is required. D PMID
  • UA from Carissa carandas showed significant in vitro anticancer activity against A549 NSCLC cells with multi-targeted effects. D PMID
  • CeO2NPs alleviated liver fibrosis by modulating TGF-β/Smads and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways in rats. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Bengal-currants?

Bengal-currants (Carissa carandas) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about Bengal-currants?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Bengal-currants; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: A 28-day sub-acute feeding trial with Carissa carandas fruit powder and methanol extracts showed significant increases in hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet counts without toxicological effects.

How strong is the evidence for Bengal-currants?

The strongest finding for Bengal-currants carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Bengal-currants safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Bengal-currants in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Bengal-currants interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Bengal-currants in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Bengal-currants?

Bengal-currants is also known as: Каранда, Prune de Damas.

Is Bengal-currants a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 Cerium oxide nanoparticles attenuate hepatic failure via blocking TGF-β/Smads and upregulating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways in liver fibrosis rat model. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Antioxidant activity and in-silico evaluation of natural compounds of Carissa carandas as potential inhibitors of Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase to enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy drugs against prostate cancer. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Ursolic acid from Carissa carandas L. as a multi-target agent against NSCLC: An Integrative in silico and in vitro study. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Carissa carandas L. and Its Methanol Extracts Promote Hematopoiesis and Thrombocytopoiesis: A Sub-Acute Toxicological Study in Experimental Rats. literature abstract metadata