SAPODILLA (Achras sapota Linn)

Sapodilla belongs to the plant family Sapotacease.  It is a tree which grows in tropical countries and is cultivated for its edible fruit.  The bark of the tree is rough, dark grey and has a dense crown with many branches.  The leaves, 7.5-12.5 cm. long, are oblong and shortly acuminate.  The flowers are rust-pubescent outside.  The fruit is globose, or oval, fleshly, brown in color, sweet and adible.

Medicinal use

·         Restorative and invigorating, reduces fever and used for diarrhea.

·         Dysentery.

·         Liver problems and attacks of fever.

·         Promotes urine flow and dissolves bladder stones.

·         Stimulates appetite, acts as a mild laxative and used for anuria.

How to use

·         The bark of the tree is tonic or restorative and invigorating, reduces fever and is given for diarrhea.

·         The fruit is recommended for dysentery.

·         The fruit prevents biliousness or liver problems and attacks of fever.

·         The seeds are diuretic and their infusion is recommended for bladder stones.

·         The fruits stimulate the appetite, is a mild laxative, and is used in case of anuria or the inability to urinate.

Parts used

The Bark, fruit and seeds.

Dose

Normal

Caution

The seeds taken in large quantity are toxic.