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Home , Diospyros kaki, Persimmon

International Journal of Health Sciences and Research Vol.10; Issue: 3; March 2020 Website: www.ijhsr.org Review Article ISSN: 2249-9571

Persimmon ( kaki): of the Orient: A Review

Jyoti Pachisia

Consultant Dietician, Genesis Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India

ABSTRACT

Fruits and vegetables are important component of human diet and play important role in maintain the human health. The health promoting potentials associated with their consumption are mainly due to presence of bioactive components and these are distinct bioactive molecules widely acknowledged for their beneficial roles in human physiology. Number of gained popularity as wholesome food entities but still many horizons demand researchers’ attention. Amongst, () is one of these nutritious bestowed with strong antioxidant activity. The bioactive components present in it especially and are helpful in quenching free radicals, decreasing cardiovascular risk factors (blood pressure & cholesterol) and reducing the risk of diabetes mellitus along with effectiveness against cancer insurgence. These bioactive components plays an important role in reducing arterial stiffness and prevent oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) thus resulting in the prevention of atherosclerotic plaque formation. Many phytochemicals also possess anti-mutagenic effects and regulate and trigger the immune system thus resulting in the normal functioning of metabolism. The antioxidant potential of persimmon can be exploited to cure various maladies including degenerative disorders, cancer, and improving the skin tone. Persimmon is high in A and a moderate source of ascorbic acid, calcium and potassium.

Keywords: persimmon, carotenoids, antioxidants, phytochemicals, health, cancer, diet

INTRODUCTION produced globally in 2014 with 73.27% Diospyros kaki L commonly called share of alone in 2014. In India, as persimmon or Japanese persimmon is a persimmon was introduced by European native to China, and settlers around twentieth century and is (Persimmon is traditionally used for grown in the states like Himachal Pradesh, medicinal purposes), however now it is Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarkhand and Tamil grown in many East Asian countries and Nadu. The in Indian markets is limited Southern . The persimmon for a number of reasons mostly because of (Diospyros kaki), locally called Japani phal low demand and paucity of supply. The is the most important temperature deciduous relative awareness of persimmon in India . Ancient references to the persimmon as means that the country still lacks “food for the gods” have led to its organization and technology for broad classification in the genus Diospyros of the cultivation (since they are grown in Ebony family (Dios means God, pyros orchards). The most common variety means grain or food). The English word available here is “Hachiya”. [3][11] persimmon is derived from the Algonquian are harvested in the language of the eastern United States season. Proper handling at meaning “dry fruit”. According to Food and harvesting is essential to achieve good Agriculture Organization Statistics (FAO- quality persimmons and to determine STAT) department of , 5.191 marketability and profit. The recommended million tons of Diospyros kaki was procedure to follow when harvesting

International Journal of Health Sciences and Research (www.ijhsr.org) 129 Vol.10; Issue: 3; March 2020 Jyoti Pachisia. Persimmon (Diospyros kaki): apple of the orient: a review

persimmons is to clip fruits from with flesh is dark in colour due to higher levels small secateurs, and to leave the calyx and a of β-cryptoxanthin and total carotenoids. short stem attached to fruits. It is possible to In both types of varieties, snap fruits from trees, but this requires skill astringency decreases with maturation, and increases its susceptibility to injury and resulting in about 70-90% decline in the subsequent decays. Generally, two to three total polyphenolic components like . picks are required depending on the Antioxidant activities of astringent and seasonal conditions. October month is persimmon are higher as compared to non- the right time for harvest when the fruit is astringent varieties. Astringent (A) type soft but not completely ripe. A fully grown fruits remain rich in soluble tree yields around 150-200kg fruit annually, even after they reach the but yield varies with the cultivar and the full-mature stage, whereas non-astringent cultural practices adopted. [11] (NA) type fruits lose these compounds Classification of persimmon according to before full maturation. In both categories, astringency and there are in which fruit astringency An important feature of the some is influenced by pollination (pollination important persimmon cultivars is the high variant) and cultivars whose fruits are not soluble tannin content responsible for affected by pollination (pollination constant) astringency. Astringency is the sensation and so they are classified accordingly. [1][8] that results when tannins bind salivary proteins and cause them to precipitate or Nutritional profile aggregate, which a rough Persimmon is enriched with many “sandpapery” or dry sensation in the mouth. nutritious and bioactive components According to the level of astringency upon including proteins, , , harvest, persimmon cultivars can be vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin D, classified into general categories: astringent ascorbic acid (AA), , polyphenols, and non-astringent persimmons (also called flavonols, flavonoids and carotenoids. Some sweet persimmons). The astringency among components like phenolics, antioxidants, different varieties of persimmon mainly sterols, and flavonoids have a beneficial depends on the concentration of water- effect on human health owing to their ability soluble tannins that are present in large to prevent or control various ailments. tannin cells in fruit flesh and peel and the These bioactive components play an level decreases as the fruit matures. Mopan important role in reducing arterial stiffness (Diospyros kaki L.cv.Mopan) is the main and prevent oxidation of low-density cultivar of astringent persimmon produced lipoproteins (LDL) thus resulting in the in Northern China especially around prevention of atherosclerotic plaque Beijing. Hachiya is another variety of formation. Many phytochemicals also persimmon that cannot be consumed until possess anti-mutagenic effects and regulate being fully ripened because of its and trigger the immune system thus astringency. During the course of , resulting in the normal functioning of the soluble tannins polymerize into insoluble metabolism. They also serve as ones resulting in reduced astringency. Non- chemopreventive, anti-cancer, anti- astringent varieties include Izu, Fuyu (flat), inflammatory and immunomodulatory Maekawa Jiro, and Fuyu Hana (pomelo). agents Elemental present in These are sweet in taste and must be eaten persimmon fruit include potassium, sodium, before full maturation; otherwise they , calcium and many others. Not just the become too soft to eat. In non-astringent fruit, the leaves, calyx and other parts have types of persimmon, water soluble tannins importance in health. [3] completely disappear at maturity. Their Persimmon fruit contains 79% water, 0.7% pectin, 0.4% , and crude

International Journal of Health Sciences and Research (www.ijhsr.org) 130 Vol.10; Issue: 3; March 2020 Jyoti Pachisia. Persimmon (Diospyros kaki): apple of the orient: a review

fibre. It is rich in Vitamin A compared to also contains various bioactive components, apple (5 RAE). content varies nutrients like Vitamin A, B, C, E and K as depending upon the variety. Some varieties well as minerals that are valuable for the are rich as Satsuma mandarin and proper physiology of human health. [5][7] strawberry in their vitamin C contents. It

Table 1: Nutritional value of persimmon fruit (Diospyros kaki, raw) per 100g (3.5oz) [7] Nutrient Units Persimmons (Japanese, dried) Persimmons (Japanese, raw) Water G 23.01 80.32 Energy Kcal 274 70 Energy kJ 1146 293 Protein G 1.38 0.58 Total lipid () G 0.59 0.19 Ash G 1.59 0.33 G 73.43 18.59 Total dietary fibre G 14.5 3.6 Calcium, Ca Mg 25 8 Iron, Fe Mg 0.74 0.15 , P Mg 81 17 Potassium, K Mg 802 161 Sodium, Na Mg 2 1 Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid Mg 0.0 7.5 Riboflavin Mg 0.029 0.020 Niacin Mg 0.180 0.100 Vitamin A, RAE mcg_RAE 38 81 Carotene, beta Mcg 374 253 Cryptoxanthin, beta Mcg 156 1447 Vitamin A, IU IU 767 1627

The fruit pulp is rich in nutrients Persimmons are delicious and exotic such as Vitamin C (70mg/100g), Vitamin A fruits that do more than serving as a sweet (65mg/100g), Calcium (9mg/100g) and iron and tasty treat; they have a wealth of health (0.2mg/100g). In the edible part (pulp) of benefits packed inside them, including their the persimmon, the major phenolic acids are ability to improve eye health, reduce signs ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, and gallic of aging, prevent various types of cancer, acid, and the antioxidant activity of these improve digestion, boost immune system, phenolic acids is affected by their chemical lower cholesterol, increases metabolism, structures (number of hydroxyl groups strengthens bones, boost cognitive function, attached). Carotenoids are the major lower blood pressure, and skincare. pigment present in persimmon. They Furthermore, they help the body to heal contribute to both colour and nutritional faster, aid in weight loss, reduce value. contents rapidly increase inflammation, and increase blood as green mature fruit changes to soft mature circulation throughout the body. [2][4] persimmon, except for and lycopene Persimmon is a fruit potent for that decrease during fruit maturation. obesity and diabetes. is Among them β-cryptoxanthin content is the the major component isolated from highest (50%), followed by lycopene (10%), persimmon peel and has been demonstrated β-carotene (10%), (5%) and to play a role in obesity and diabetes. lutein (5%). They are all excellent source of Administration of proanthocyanidin from lipid-soluble antioxidants (especially lutein, the peel of persimmon decreases the zeaxanthin and astaxanthin) having the elevation of lipid peroxidation, suppresses ability to scavenge free radicals in a lipid- generation of reactive oxygen species, soluble environment and thus preventing the decreases serum , glycosylated oxidation of lipids. [13][14] haemoglobin (HbA1c), serum urea nitrogen, urinary protein, and renal advanced Role of Persimmon in the treatment of glycation end-products under diabetic different diseases: conditions. It also provides an overall

International Journal of Health Sciences and Research (www.ijhsr.org) 131 Vol.10; Issue: 3; March 2020 Jyoti Pachisia. Persimmon (Diospyros kaki): apple of the orient: a review

protective effect against stress-related of cancer are due to carotenoid contents. inflammatory processes and diabetes. Persimmon was shown to be effective in the Persimmon is rendered a hypoglycaemic treatment of prostate and breast cancers, effect from its antioxidant effect from its oral carcinoma cells, human lymphoid antioxidant defence mechanisms. Tannins leukemia cells and precancerous colon derived from persimmon pulp have polyps in women. The bioactive compounds hydroxyl radical scavenging antioxidant in persimmon may also affect multidrug capacities. [6] resistant (MDR) inhibiting activity. It Persimmon fruits enhance the bile enhances the accumulation of cancer cells acid excretion through faeces. The excretion due to the reduced activity of efflux pumps. of bile acids is closely linked with reduced MDR inhibitors from persimmon may help concentration of lipids in liver and blood. to treat non-curable cancer because of the The mechanism of action remained centred modulating effects. [14] around up-regulation of expression of the Persimmon contains two sterol regulatory element-binding protein-2 ingredients- Lutein and Zeaxanthin that help gene, 7α-hydroxylase, and the low-density keep the vision in perfect condition and lipoprotein receptor. The effectiveness of prevent retina damage. Persimmon also dietary persimmon prevented the incidence contains Vitamin A, C and K, which are of stroke due to radical scavenging action highly antioxidant in nature and that are and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. [9,10] critical to eye protection, particularly from Persimmon is a fruit containing high retinal damage. Persimmon leaves shows levels of phenolics that could be used for beneficial effects on eye diseases in making . Administration of humans. It has protective effects on retinal provides a protection to degeneration induced by oxidative stress metabolic disorders induced by chronic and optic nerve damage. [7][13] alcoholic ingestion. Not only it decreases Diospyros kaki is used as a serum triglycerides, it also reduces total medicinal plant in Chinese traditional cholesterol and liver total cholesterol levels. medicine especially in cosmetics and It also provides protection against lipid dermatological applications. Traditionally peroxidation by increasing liver non- this plant is used to treat different skin esterified carnitine level. The extract from conditions including pimples, skin eruptions and fruit suppresses alcohol-induced and eczema. Extracts from Diospyros kaki hepatoxicity. [12] folium decreases number of skin pores’ size, Persimmon has been the focus of removes solidified sebum from the skin and attention for potential medicinal can facilitate removal of Demodex mites applications for prevention of cancer. (causative microbe for rosacea and Carotenoids are nature’s most widespread seborrheic dermatitis) from the skin. The pigments and have also received substantial crude extracts, its purified fractions and attention because of both their provitamin various phytonutrients obtained from and antioxidant roles. Carotenoids possess persimmon have a great potential for both antioxidant properties that have been dermatological and cosmetic application. [4] associated with cellular protection, regulation of cell growth, differentiation and CONCLUSION apoptosis. Not only carotenoid contents Persimmon (Diospyros kaki L) is responsible for the superficial appearance one of these nutritious fruits bestowed with (colour) and nutritional quality but they also strong antioxidant activity. It is a popular provide potential health benefits and disease and widespread fruit that is enriched with prevention by quenching singlet oxygen and many bioactive compounds, including scavenging free radicals. Chemopreventive polyphenols, terpenoids, steroids, effects of persimmon against various forms flavonoids, carotenoids, minerals and

International Journal of Health Sciences and Research (www.ijhsr.org) 132 Vol.10; Issue: 3; March 2020 Jyoti Pachisia. Persimmon (Diospyros kaki): apple of the orient: a review

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International Journal of Health Sciences and Research (www.ijhsr.org) 133 Vol.10; Issue: 3; March 2020