Phalsa (Grewia asiatica L, family-Tiliaceae) is an underutilized fruit crop grown primarily in India and other tropical Southeast Asian nations. Traditional Indian medicine practitioners have long utilized the ripe fruits from this plant for treating diabetes, improving immunity, enhancing cardiovascular and hepatic functions, and treating arthritis.
Liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry analysis of phalsa has resulted in the identification of 50 phenolic compounds, most prominently quercetin-3-O-xyloside and luteolin glycosides.
Fruits
Grewia asiatica or phalsa is an annual plant belonging to the Tiliaceae family that originates in southern Asia from eastern Pakistan through India and Cambodia and other tropical areas. When fully mature, its small dark blue berries become dark black when ripe and sweet tasting; these can then be enjoyed raw, processed into juice or syrup, or used for baking and other culinary endeavors.
The phalsa fruit contains potassium, an essential mineral for proper digestion and muscle strengthening, as well as calcium, protein, iron, and carbohydrates – essential nutrients that promote good health in our bodies. PALSA fruit also boasts plenty of antioxidants that work to eliminate free radicals from our bodies – properties that make this one of the best remedies against digestive problems.
As it contains iron, spinach is also an effective treatment for anemia as it increases hemoglobin counts and oxygenates the blood more effectively. Furthermore, its rich vitamin C content ensures collagen formation for firmer and younger-looking skin and helps boost immunity thanks to the antioxidants present within it. Finally, its anti-inflammatory properties also make it a beneficial way to alleviate skin problems like psoriasis and dermatitis by reducing inflammation levels; furthermore, it offers anti-oxidant protection, which boosts immunity as an excellent source of antioxidants.
A 2009 study published in the Journal of Radiological Protection confirmed traditional Native American applications of Phalsa fruit and leaves as cancer treatments. This finding confirmed its radiation-protective solid qualities.
This purple-skinned fruit boasts antifungal and antibacterial properties. Both its fruit and roots contain active compounds to combat both fungus and bacteria; additionally, its leaves have antifungal properties, which make them effective treatments for fungal infections or scabies.
As harvest season is so short and trees don’t produce many berries, most are taken away by manufacturers to be processed into beverages and syrups. They may occasionally be sold on carts by roadside hawkers during peak times, but finding one may prove challenging without living near an actual Phalsa tree.
Leaves
Phalsa is an evergreen shrub or small tree growing to 4.5 meters, featuring long slender branches with narrow leaves that have thin stalks and an upright growth habit. It tolerates various soil conditions well and is drought-resistant. Flowering occurs in spring, while fruit harvest occurs throughout summer – which often resembles dark blue-colored berries that become almost black upon maturity. Furthermore, Phalsa leaves have heart-shaped shapes covered by dense hairs that are oblong to heart-shaped.
Phalasa is an exciting functional food with potential applications in innovative beverages and food preserves, however its potential is often underutilized due to low crop yield and the need to develop cold supply chains. To overcome this underutilization, cultivating varieties with bigger fruits, superior quality/flavor profiles, and resistance against diseases/insects may provide solutions.
Phalsa contains abundant amounts of essential nutrients and antioxidants that offer protection from free radicals that damage cells in our bodies, potentially leading to health issues. Therefore, it’s necessary to consume foods rich in antioxidants; one such source is phalsa fruit, which provides ample vitamin C and supports immunity. Furthermore, there are beneficial trace minerals present, such as iron and potassium, which all make for an incredible nutrition package!
The phalsa fruit can be enjoyed both raw and processed into juice form. Its sweet and juicy berries boast an acidic bite reminiscent of grapes. Available throughout most markets in New Delhi during summertime, traders sell these treats enthusiastically with wicker baskets on bikes or corner streets, shouting for business!
The phalsa fruit is highly nourishing, providing an abundance of iron needed to regulate red cell count and battle fatigue. Furthermore, its protein and fiber content, as well as phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids, all play essential roles in fighting oxidative stress and cholesterol levels. Furthermore, this fruit’s vitamin A and C content makes it vital in maintaining immunity systems and warding off infections.
Flowers
The Phalsa (falsa in India) plant produces small berries that ripen on trees, growing as either a shrub or small tree up to about 15 feet high, and can thrive in various soil conditions and climates. Drought resistant and drought tolerant, it boasts long, slender branches that droop from its trunk – bearing orange-yellow flowers in dense clusters at leaf axils; its fruit has thin and soft skin turning from green through purplish-red to dark purple/near black, while its flesh inside offers pleasant acidic notes that taste like grapes!
Phalsa boasts an exceptional nutritional profile, packed with an abundance of vitamins and trace minerals that meet energy requirements. Furthermore, this exotic Indian berry also contains large amounts of water as well as simple sugars to supply the necessary energy source.
Phalsa can help combat iron deficiency and anemia through its high iron content and provides essential vitamin A, which aids vision by protecting against dry eyes and chapped lips, while its astringent and stomachic properties make it suitable for relieving digestive conditions such as diarrhea.
Phalsa also contains phenolic compounds with medicinal uses, including antioxidant and anticancerous effects, anti-inflammatory, anticancerous, and radioprotective actions, plus flavonol quercetin-3-O-6″-malonyl glucoside from its leaves exhibited immunostimulatory activity in macrophages while suppressing lipopolysaccharide-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase activity (Azuma et al. 2008).
Phalsa is packed with essential dietary fiber and polyphenols for good health, such as threonine, which is required for heart muscle development and strengthening, and vitamin C, which strengthens immunity systems against infections. It contains significant amounts of all these components.
To gain an in-depth knowledge of the phenolic composition of phalsa, we conducted a high-resolution accurate mass LC-MS characterization with very exact mass resolution. Our data were then compared with earlier chromatographic and spectroscopic methods to identify secondary metabolites of this herbaceous plant; results suggested it may contain many potentially therapeutic bioactive compounds, including isoquinoline alkaloids and flavonoids.
Seeds
Phalsa seeds (Grewia Asiatica) are round and blackish brown in hue, making them easy to germinate and remaining viable for over two years.
Phalsa plants are drought tolerant, meaning that they can flourish even under conditions of limited water availability where few other crops would. Palsa is an excellent option for arid regions as planting requires minimal care due to not needing regular pruning or staking – making for a perfect shade tree for both animals and humans alike!
PALSA provides many health benefits when eaten ripe: cooling properties, anti-inflammatory traits, iron-rich content, and more. It helps fight anemia, dizziness, and fatigue, among other ailments; its abundant potassium, phosphorous, and antioxidant content serve to strengthen immunity while its high amounts of threonine and methionine ensure heart functions stay intact to avoid cardiovascular ailments like atherosclerosis, arrhythmia, or heart attacks.
The fiber content of the plant is high; Santhal tribes utilize its roots for treating rheumatism, while its stem bark helps refine sugar. Furthermore, its mucilaginous extract can be helpful in relieving stomach discomfort, while its roots serve as a sedative.
Phalsa berries are sweet, juicy, and thirst-quenching, perfect for snacking or creating refreshing sherbet. Infusing these treats with tea creates an extra soothing drink option.
Phalsa, commonly known as summer fruit, is harvested in both southern and northern regions from March through April (in the south) and May-June, respectively. Due to its perishable nature and uneven ripening process, supply is limited; harvest yield per plant per season may also be low; yet, its beneficial qualities make this fruit an invaluable soil enricher and reclamation crop, offering organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium while increasing pH value and bulk density levels of soils.