Enormous promise of Carissa carandas L: An underutilized minor fruit crop with nutritional and therapeutic activities in rural development and livelihood security

Karonda (Carissa spp.), a lesser-known fruit crop, is extensively utilized by tribal communities in India for its medicinal properties in Ayurveda and Unani medicine. This fruit thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, showcasing its resilience and ability to withstand drought conditions. However, it is not well-suited for areas with heavy rainfall and waterlogged conditions. Karonda holds significant importance in ethno medicine as it serves as a valuable dietary supplement, contributing to the enhancement of our overall health. The plant that produces small fruits has long been employed in the remedy of scabies, intestinal worms, diarrhea, intermittent fever, and is renowned for its aphrodisiac, aperitive, antipyretic, antiscorbutic, and astringent qualities. Ascorbic acid, lupeol, -sitosterol, glucose, galactose, serine, glutamine, alanine, valine, phenylalanine, and glycine are among the numerous chemical components discovered in different components of this plant. This particular plant is commonly employed in the management of various ailments, such as biliousness and anemia. Additionally, it serves as a direct remedy for wounds (in the form of juice), a solution for skin issues, an aphrodisiac for women, an antiparasitic, antifungal, and antibacterial agent. Consequently, it is of great value to examine its therapeutic characteristics and explore its potential utilization in the nutraceutical domain, owing to its extensive nutritional and pharmacological properties. This essay examines the ethnobotanical significance of karonda fruit, leaves, root, and shoot, along with the research that substantiates the notion of their medicinal and therapeutic properties.