Nutrition Facts of Coconut water

Coconut water is actually the juice present inside the interior cavity or endosperm of young, tender coconut. Its water is one of the nature’s most refreshing drinks, consumed worldwide for its nutritious and health benefiting properties.

The water is actually obtained by opening a tender, green, healthy, and undamaged coconut. Inside, it's clear liquid is sweet, and sterile and composed of unique chemicals such as sugars, vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, enzymes, amino acids, cytokine, and phyto-hormones. In general, young and slightly immature coconuts gathered from the coconut tree after they reach about 5-7 months of age for the purpose of reaping its drink.

Botanically, coconut plant belongs to the Arecaceae family of palm trees, and has the scientific name: Cocos nucifera.

Each coconut may contain about 200 to 1000 ml of water depending upon cultivar type and size. Any nuts younger than five months of age tend to be bitter in taste and devoid of nutrients. In contrast, mature coconuts contain less water, and their endosperm thickens quickly into white edible meat (kernel). Coconut milk obtained from the meat, therefore, should not be confused with coconut water.

Coconut palm flourishes well under the costal tropical environments. A coconut tree may yield several hundreds of tender nuts each season. Different species of coconut palms are grown all over the tropics. Naturally, their taste and flavor of water show variations according to saline content in the soil, distance from seashore, climate, etc.

Health benefits of coconut water

• Coconut water is a very refreshing drink to beat tropical summer thirst. Its liquid is packed with simple sugars, electrolytes, and minerals to replenish dehydration conditions inside the human body.
• Research studies suggest that cytokinins (e.g., kinetin and trans-zeatin) in coconut water found to have significant anti-ageing, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-thrombotic (anti-clot formation) effects.
• Coconut water has been generally offered to patients with diarrhea in many tropic regions to replace the fluid loss from the gastrointestinal tract and to reduce the need for hospitalisation. The osmolarity of tender coconut water is slightly greater than that of WHO recommended ORS (Oral Rehydration Therapy) solution. Presence of other biological constituents like amino acids, enzymes, minerals, and fatty acids may account for this higher osmolarity. Nonetheless, unlike WHO-ORS, its water is very low in sodium and chlorides, but rich in sugars and amino acids. This well-balanced fluid composition, along with much-needed calories, would be an ideal drink instead of any other kind of soft drink beverages available in the markets to correct dehydration conditions.
• Coconut water is composed of many naturally occurring bioactive enzymes such as acid phosphatase, catalase, dehydrogenase, diastase, peroxidase, RNA-polymerases etc. In effect, these enzymes help in the digestion and metabolism.
• Despite being very light in consistency, its water proportionately has better composition of minerals like calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, and zinc than some of the fruit juices like oranges. (Compare the mineral composition of oranges).
• Its liquid is also a very good source of B-complex vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, pyridoxine, and folates. These vitamins are essential in the sense that the human body requires them from external sources to replenish.
• Coconut water carries a very good amount of electrolyte potassium. 100 ml of water has 250 mg of potassium and 105 mg of sodium. Together, these electrolytes help replenish electrolyte deficiency in the body due to diarrhea (loose stools).
• Further, fresh coconut water has a small amount of vitamin-C (Ascorbic acid); It provides about 2.4 mg or 4% of RDA. Vitamin C is a water-soluble ant-oxidant.
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• Selection and storage

• Tender coconuts ready to use.

  Fresh tender coconuts can be readily available in the markets in tropical regions year-round. However, they require importation into the semitropical and cold regions. Nowadays, ready to use tender coconuts imported from Thailand and Malaysia can be easily available in the USA, European Union, and Canada.
  In the stores, coconut water also sold in packets, and bottles as well. However, its overall nutritional profile may not be same and up to the mark in terms of vitamins and enzyme levels, since some kind of additives and preservative need to be added in it in order to enhance shelf life.
  At home, raw tender coconuts can be kept at room temperature for about 5-10 days. Once opened, its liquid soon turns sour and off-flavored due to intense enzymatic activity. Instead, store it inside the refrigerator if not used immediately.

Preparation and serving tips

Refreshing coconut drink.	Iced coconut juice with tender coconut meat topping. Photo courtesy: Andrew currie.

To prepare, using a long sickle, cut open its outer layer (exocarp) either at the top or bottom end and cut open the inner hard shell to expose cavity hoding coconut water. Some sort of expertise and caution are required to avoid injuries. Its water is then sipped using a straw. Otherwise, the whole nut is tilted upside down to transfer its water into wide mouthed bottle or bowl.

• Enjoy the coconut drink without any additions.
• Iced coconut water can be a refreshing drink.
• Fresh water can be made special drink adding lemon slices, mint leaves, orange zest, etc.
• Its gel-like meat (kernel) inside the young tender coconuts is very sweet and delicious.

Safety profile

Coconut water is universally appealing drink. There are no known reactions of any sort notified so far drinkig it. It is not only cherished in healthy but considered safe in pregnancy, infants as well as in diseased conditions. (Medical disclaimer).

Note:

The discussion in this page is solely dedicated to water (liquid) or solution of tender coconuts, and not about coconut milk, meat, coconut oil or any products of coconut tree.

Star fruit (carambola)

Star fruit, also known as carambola, is a star shaped tropical fruit with sweet and sour flavor. Carambola is native to Malayan peninsula and cultivated in many parts of Southeast Asia, Pacific islands and China for its fruits. Although abundant and plentiful, carambola is yet to gain popularity, especially in the western world.

Scientific name: Averrhoa carambola. The genus averrhoa includes two well-known sorrel (Oxalidaceae) families of fruiting trees, carambola and bilimbi (tree cucumber).

The fruit is recognized as belimbing manis in many South East Asian regions and kamrakh in India.

Star fruit is a small, bushy evergreen tree that grows very well under hot, humid, tropical conditions. The plant bears small lilac colored, bell-shaped flowers in clusters which subsequently develop into oblong shaped fruits with characteristic five angled edges (sides or ribs) that appear like a starfish in cross sections. Both sweet and sour varieties begin to yield under cultivable orchards, and ready for harvesting when the plants reach about 3-4 years old.

Carambola fruit features light-green to yellow with attractive smooth waxy surface and weighs about 70-130g. Inside, its crispy, juicy pulp can either be mildly sweet or extremely sour depending upon the cultivar type and amount of oxalic acid concentration. In some seed types, 2-5 tiny edible seeds found at the center of each angled cavitiy.

Health benefits of star fruit

• Star fruit is one of very low calorie exotic fruits. 100 g fruit just provides 31 calories, which is much lower than for any other popular tropical fruits. Nonetheless, it has an impressive list of essential nutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins required for well-being.
• The fruit along with its waxy peel provides a good amount of dietary fiber. Fiber helps prevent absorption of dietary LDL cholesterol in the gut. The dietary fibers also help protect the mucous membrane of the colon from exposure to toxic substances by binding to cancer-causing chemicals in the colon.
• Star fruit contains good quantities of vitamin-C. Vitamin C is a powerful natural antioxidant. 100 g of fresh fruit provides 34.7 mg or 57% of daily-required levels of vitamin C. In general, consumption of fruits rich in vitamin C helps the human body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the body.
• Star fruit is rich in antioxidant phyto-nutrient polyphenolic flavonoids. Some of the important flavonoids present are quercetin, epicatechin, and gallic acid. Total polyphenol contents (Folin assay) in this fruit is 143 mg/100 g. Altogether, these compounds help protect from deleterious effects of oxygen derived free radicals by warding them off the body.
• In addition, it is a good source of B-complex vitamins such as folates, riboflavin, and pyridoxine (vitamin B-6). Together, these vitamins help as co-factors for enzymes in metabolism as well as in various synthetic functions inside the body.
• It also carry small amount of minerals and electrolytes like potassium, phosphorus, and zinc and iron. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure; thus, it counters bad influences of sodium.

Medicinal uses

• Star fruit and its juice is often recommended in many folk medicine in Brazil as a diuretic (to increase urine output), expectorant, and to suppress cough. (Medical disclaimer).

Selection and Storage

Fresh star fruits can be available twice in a season. In Florida, for example, Arkin cultivars are available from December to March. In general, fruits just short of ripening stage are picked up for shipment and storage; since the ripe fruits tend to bruise easily, especially their thin ribbed edges.

While buying, choose uniform, large, attractive looking, yellow-orange fruits. Avoid green, small size fruits since they tend to be extremely acidic, and unappetizing. Avoid those with cuts, bruise, shriveled or spots.

Ripe fruits tend to perish early; however, they stay well in cold storages when kept at appropriate temperatures. At home, unripe light green fruits may be kept at room temperature until they turn rich orange-yellow color. Ripe fruits may keep well for 2-3 days at room temperature, but required to be stored inside the refrigerator for extended shelf life.

Preparation and Serving tips

Star fruits are generally used as a garnish in salads, sorbets, drinks, as well as to impart tart flavor in dishes.

Given their high oxalic acid content and extreme tartness, they used quite less frequently in food the industry.

To prepare, wash them thoroughly in cold water, dry mop using absorbent cloth. Trim off the ends and dry edges of the ribbed angles. Cut the fruit crossway into thin sections, which resemble like a starfish. Pick out any seeds located near its center.

Here are some serving tips:

• Only sweet variety carambola can be eaten fresh, or mixed with other fruits in salads. Fresh fruit can also be juiced and used in cocktails with other complementing tropical fruit juices.
• Sour type fruits are favored in cooking as they impart unique tart flavor to poultry, meat, and seafood dishes.
• Cut sections of fresh fruit added in stews, curries, and stir-fries with chicken, and fish and shrimp.
• The fruit can be used to make sauce, pickle, chutney, tarts, and jam.

Safety profile

Star fruit is one of the plant sources that contain highest concentration of oxalic acid; 100 g of fresh fruit contains 50,000-95,800 ppm of oxalic acid. Oxalic acid has been considered as anti-nutrient compound as it interferes with absorption and metabolism of several natural minerals such as calcium, magnesium, etc. It also predisposes to a condition known as oxaluria, a condition which may leads to the formation of oxalate kidney stones. In some people with impaired kidney function, its consumption would result in renal failure and may cause death. People with known kidney disease should therefore, advice to avoid eating star fruit.

Further, Star fruit, like grapefruit, has been found to interact adversely with many drugs. Some of the compounds in carambola irreversibly inhibit cytochrome P450 3A4 isoenzymes (3A4) in the intestines and liver. This resulting increase in drug levels leads to adverse effects and/or toxicity. It is therefore, strongly advised to consult your healthcare practitioner before eating star fruit or its products if taking any kind of pharmaceutical drugs.

Spadeleaf - Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica)

Centella asiatica, commonly known as centella and gotu kola, is a small, herbaceous, frost-tender perennial plant of the family Mackinlayaceae or subfamily Mackinlayoideae of family Apiaceae, and is native to wetlands in Asia. 

Gotu Kola Benefits

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Gotu Kola is a rejuvenative nervine recommended for nervous disorders, epilepsy, senility and premature aging. As a brain tonic, it is said to aid intelligence and memory. It strengthens the adrenal glands and cleanses the blood to treat skin impurities. It is said to combat stress and depression, increase libido and improve reflexes. It has also been indicated for chronic venous insufficiency, minor burns, scars, scleroderma, skin ulcers, varicose veins, wound healing, rheumatism, blood diseases, congestive heart failure, urinary tract infections, venereal diseases, hepatitis and high blood pressure.

Gotu Kola is a rejuvenative nervine recommended for nervous disorders, including epilepsy, senility and premature aging. As a brain tonic, it is said to aid intelligence and memory. It strengthens the adrenal glands while cleansing the blood to treat skin impurities. It is said to combat stress and depression, energize flagging mental powers, increase libido, ward off a nervous breakdown and improve reflexes. It energizes the central nervous system and rebuilds energy reserves.In India, Gotu kola is regarded as perhaps the most spiritual of all herbs. Growing in some areas of the Himalayas, gotu kola is used by yogis to improve meditation. It is said to develop the crown chakra, the energy center at the top of the head and to balance the right and left hemispheres of the brain, which the leaf is said to resemble. It is regarded as one of the most important rejuvenative herbs in Ayurvedic Medicine. Sri Lankans noticed that elephants, renowned for their longevity, munched on the leaves of the plant. Thus the leaves became known as a promoter of long life. It is said to fortify the immune system, both cleansing and feeding it and to strengthen the adrenals. It has been used as a pure blood tonic and for skin health. It has also been used to promote restful sleep. Gotu kola is often confused with kola nut. Due to this confusion, some people assume the rejuvenating properties of gotu kola are due to the stimulating effects of caffeine contained in kola nut. In fact, gotu kola is not related to kola nut and contains no caffeine.

Gotu Kola can relieve high blood pressure and helps the body defend against various toxins. It is used to treat rheumatism, blood diseases, congestive heart failure, urinary tract infections, venereal diseases, hepatitis and high blood pressure. It is a mild diuretic that can help shrink swollen membranes and aid in the elimination of excess fluids. It hastens the healing of wounds.

Gotu kola has a positive effect on the circulatory system. It improves the flow of blood while strengthening the veins and capillaries. It has been used successfully to treat phlebitis, leg cramps, and abnormal tingling of the extremities. It soothes and minimizes varicose veins and helps to minimize scarring.

It reduces scarring when applied during inflammatory period of the wound. It was found effective when applied on patients with third degree burns, when the treatment commenced immediately after the accident. Daily local application to the affected area along with intramuscular injections, limited the shrinking of the skin as it healed. It is known to prevent infection and inhibit scar formation. It is also useful in repairing skin and connective tissues and smoothing out cellulite.

The primary active constituent is triterpenoid compounds. Saponins (also called triterpenoids) known as asiaticoside, madecassoside, and madasiatic acid are the primary active constituents. These saponins beneficially affect collagen (the material that makes up connective tissue), for example, inhibiting its production in hyperactive scar tissue.

Due mostly to the actions of asiaticoside and madecassoside that it contains, gotu kola may prevent, delay and treat a condition known as chronic venous insufficiency. This occurs when valves in the veins that carry blood back to the heart are weak or damaged and blood collects in the veins of the legs. This collection of blood can lead to varicose veins, spider veins, or sores on the legs. More serious results can include blood clots in the legs. Asiaticoside and madecassoside may help keep veins and other blood vessels from leaking. Because it strengthens the walls of blood vessels, gotu kola may also be effective for slowing retinopathy, the gradual break down of the retina in the eyes. It may also help to relieve hemorrhoids. These same effects are thought to strengthen the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, making gotu kola potentially useful for treating ulcers.

Gotu kola has long been used in topical, oral, and injected forms to treat leprosy. In addition to its ability to heal the sores associated with leprosy, gotu kola may also have anti-bacterial properties. Evidence from studies shows that asiaticoside may damage the cell walls of the bacteria that cause leprosy. The weakened bacteria are easier for the body's immune system to eliminate.

Modern Studies

According to modern studies, gotu kola does offer support for healthy memory function. A study conducted in 1992 by K. Nalini at Kasturba Medical College showed an impressive improvement in memory in rats which were treated with the extract (orally) daily for 14 days before the experiment. The retention of learned behavior in the rats treated with gotu kola was 3 to 60 times better than that in control animals. Preliminary results in one clinical trial with mentally retarded children was shown to increase scores on intelligence tests (Bagchi, 1989). This does not mean gotu kola will improve intelligence for all special or normal children.

According to pharmacological studies, one outcome of gotu kola's complex actions is a balanced effect on cells and tissues participating in the process of healing, particularly connective tissues. One of its constituents, asiaticoside, works to stimulate skin repair and strengthen skin, hair, nails and connective tissue (Kartnig, 1988).

Pomegranate or Delum the medicinal fruit.

Ayurveda is fast becoming a household name with all those interested inalternative medicine, and works on the basis that the mind and body affect each other, and together can overcome disease

The pomegranate Punica granatum L. belongs to the family Punicaceae. It is cultivated in home gardens in Sri Lanka specially as a medicinal plant and as a fruit tree. The fruit is between a lemon and a grape fruit in size. It ranges from about 5-12cm in diameter and is round in shape.

There is no other fruit crop that has high medicinal value compared to that in pomegranate.

The pomegranate fruit is well known for its exquisite beauty, flavor, color, and health benefits for centuries. Pomegranates are royalty among fruits. They are symbolic of prosperity and abundance in virtually every civilization.

The name "pomegranate" derives from the French term “pomme granate” meaning 'seeded apple.

Water-laden pulp

The seeds of the Pomegranate fruit vary from 200-1,400 and they are deep red in color. Each seed has a surrounding water-laden pulp. The pomegranate tree grows to about 5-8 meters tall. It is cultivated commercially across the Indian sub-continent, Iran, Caucuses and Mediterranean regions. In Sri Lanka, the fruit is known as Delum in Sinhala and Mathulai in Tamil. Sri Lankans cultivate it in their home gardens as a medicinal plant or a fruit tree.

The fresh fruits of pomegranate are generally eaten raw. In countries such as Sri Lanka, the pomegranate juice is a very popular beverage. The extracted juice may be concentrated and frozen for future use.

Pomegranate juice is a good source of vitamins C and B. The pomegranate fruit is rich in beneficial antioxidants, like polyphenols, tannins and anthocyanins. The antioxidant level in pomegranate juice is higher than in other fruit juices, or green tea. Recent research has shown that pomegranates can help fight osteoarthritis, as regular consumption of the juice slows down the deterioration of the cartilage. The juice of the fruit also has antiviral and antibacterial effects against dental plaque. Consumption of pomegranate juice has proven to help immensely in cases of prostate cancer or prostatic hyperplasia, diabetes or lymphoma. The Pomegranate has polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that aids in extending the life span and slows the process of ageing.

It increases blood flow to the heart, and is extremely beneficial for people with ischemic heart disease as it contains vitamins and enzymes known for keeping low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad" cholesterol from oxidizing and causing atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. The organic pomegranate seeds act a lot like aspirin, keeping blood platelets from sticking together and forming dangerous blood clots.

Pomegranate can be used to produce different value added products such as jam, cordials, ice-cream, flavored tea, energy drinks and a host of skin care products. These value added products can be produced in by either cottage level or large scale level. In addition to that research and development activities in Sri Lanka should focus on identifying the maturity index for different types of pomegranate, storage methods, environmental and consumer friendly ripening methods, development of value added products with enhanced shelf life and preserve nutritional quality.

Health Benefits of Pomegranate

The pomegranate fruit is rich in beneficial antioxidants, like polyphenols, tannins and anthocyanins. The antioxidant level in pomegranate juice is higher than in other fruit juices, or green tea.

Recent research has shown that pomegranates can help fightosteoarthritis, as regular consumption of the juice slows down the deterioration of the cartilage
Pomegranate juice is also believed to increase blood flow to the heart, and is extremely beneficial for people with heart disease

It is also a good source of vitamins C and B, antioxidant polyphenols, pantothenic acid and potassium.
The juice of the fruit is an effective remedy to reduce heart disease risk factor, including LDL Oxidation, macrophage oxidative status, and foam cell formation

Juice of the pomegranate has been found effective in reducing heart disease risk factors, including LDL oxidation, macrophage oxidative status, and foam cell formation, all of which are steps in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease
The juice of the fruit also has antiviral and antibacterial effects against dental plaque
Consumption of pomegranate juice has proven to help immensely in cases of prostate cancer or prostatic hyperplasia, diabetes or lymphoma

Weralu (Elaeocarpus serratus)

Elaeocarpus serratus, also called Ceylon olive and Wild olive, is a species indigenous to Sri Lanka.

Locally known as Veralu (Sinhala) and Karai or Ulankarai (Tamil), this tropical fruit is found in the Indian Subcontinent, Indo-China and South East Asia. The Veralu tree is a medium size tree with leaves similar to avocado. In fact, many people mistake it for an avocado tree when they first see it, but they are not related. The Elaeocarpaceae family and its fruits are almost similar to the large green olives (the commonly known olive, Olea europaea , of the family Oleaceae).

The Ceylon olive trees are naturally grown in home gardens across the country. The tree usually measures from 8 to 15 metres in height and 5 to 10 metres in width. The plant is commonly grown in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. This sun loving tree grows on Loam soil and requires low maintenance. The delicate, lacy, white flowers usually attract a myriad of insect pollinators, notably flies, wasps and flower beetles.

The Ceylon olive become smooth, green oval shaped when ripe. It has a brown coloured seed inside the fruit. The seeds have been popularly used as beads to make religious jewellery in South Asia and South East Asia. The flesh outer portion of the fruit is edible. The fruits fall when ready and spoil rapidly if not gathered and used. The flesh texture is pasty and avocado-like, and has a slightly sour taste, which indicates that it is a good source of vitamin C.

Great for pickles

In Sri Lanka, these fruits are used as mustard pickles. The unripe fruits are first boiled, then squashed flat. The whole fruits are combined with diced shallots to make a mixture called country mustard. These pickles are also known as "Veralu Achcharu ." The Ceylon olives are a popular street food in Sri Lanka. Street vendors boil and press the unripe fruits and then sell them seasoned with salt and chilli powder. Softer and sweeter ripened fruits are eaten with sugar or jaggery, which makes for a pleasant snack. Some shops sell them pickled in salt, sugar and vinegar.

Packed with antioxidants

Research has revealed that the Veralu fruit is rich in minerals, vitamins, fibre and valuable antioxidants. Due to its nutritional content, Veralu has been used in traditional Sri Lankan medicine for centuries.

The Ceylon olives possess anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, anti-anxiety, analgesic, antidepressant and antihypertensive properties. Elaeocarpus serratus is used in rheumatism and as an antidote for poison.

The bark of the Ceylon olive tree is used to treat haemorrhages and gastric disorders. The paste of the leaves has been known to be a cure for ulcers. The fruits are used in the treatment of dysentery and diarrhoea. It is also used to treat abscess, fungal infection, joint swelling and Eczema.

A natural form of hair care

Sri Lankans have been using the fruit as a natural form of hair care for generations. The mashed Veralu leaves are applied on the hair before a bath to make hair smooth and glossy. It protects the natural moisture of the hair while making it bright and silky. Ceylon olives is a natural anti-dandruff agent and protects hair from lice and dirt. It helps to maintain healthy hair while repairing damaged hair. Many personal care manufactures are currently using extracts of Veralu to formulate anti-dandruff shampoos.

Numerous personal care and food companies have begun to promote value added products made out of Veralu . Globally, more and more people are switching to personal care products that are alcohol and SLES free that is made with natural ingredients. Sri Lanka can benefit from this increasing global trend by supplying high quality personal care products that are made from herbal ingredients such as Veralu.

Currently, Sri Lankan ayurveda herbal shampoo and conditioners made out of Veralu are sold in the local and international markets. However, the long term health benefits of such products need to be communicated to the local and international consumers.

International potential

Sri Lanka needs to cash in on the global trend of using products manufactured from natural ingredients.

The Veralu leaf extracts can be utilised to produce effective ointments to treat ulcers, Eczema and fungal infections of the skin. More research can also be conducted on the manufacture of anti-bacterial and anti-depressant medicines using Veralu as a key ingredient. The constipating effect of the fruit can be made to use by manufacturing capsules that are effective against diarrhoea.

Food made out of Veralu is also gaining popularity, especially in countries with high Sri Lankan population. Among the food made out of this ingredient, Veralu Achcharu is the most popular. Many Sri Lankan food processing companies are bottling Veralu pickle and sending it overseas. Ice cream made out of Veralu is also increasing in popularity particularly among the local youth. More innovative food products made out of this indigenous fruit will boost its consumption both locally and internationally.

The writer holds two Masters Degrees in Public Health from the University of Queensland in Australia. She has worked in the Australian, American and Sri Lankan healthcare systems.

Asparagus racemosus- Hathawariya

Name of the Medicinal Plant:- Asparagus recemosus.
Family - Asparagaceae
Other Names

• English - Wikl asparagus
• Tamil - Sangavari
• Sanskrit - Shathawari
• Sinhala - Hin-Hathawariya, Hathawariya

Synonyms - Shathamooli/ Madura/ Mahashitha/ Supathra/ Sukshma Pathra

Types - Maha Hathawariya/ Heen Hathawatiya

Morphology - Much branched shrub. 2m long when well grow. Root is a rhizome that contain scalis. Both end of rhizomes are thin. middle part of rhizome is thick. Roots are 10-15cm long, one shrub contain 20 - 30 roots. Leaves become spikes. acute apex, flowers are rasimose, solitary flowers.Flowers are pinkis white. Fruits are oval shape green color. seeds- contain 1 - 3 seeds in one fruit.
Chemical -

• Plant - Saponins.
• Flowers - quercetin / rution / hyperoside.
• Fruit - Glyoo sides, rutin
• Leaf - diosgenin

Hathawariya Leaves 

Parts of used - Roots/Leaves/Stems.

Prepared drugs - Shathawari grta/Shathawari modaka/Vishnu Oil/Prametha Oil/ Maha narayana Oil/Siddarthaka oil.

Hathawariya video