Health and medicinal benefits of persimmon fruit: A review

The anti-oxidant activity of persimmon fruit appears to be mainly due to its high-molecular-weight tannin content. Antioxidant activity is variety specific with some astringent varieties showing very high antioxidant activity, comparable to strawberry and blueberry. In vitro, and limited animal studies, have shown that condensed tannins in the fruit may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes and a wide range of cancers. Persimmon has an unusual property in that it appears to alter and reduce the rate of alcohol absorption and metabolism and thus ameliorate the symptoms of a hangover. The health and medicinal benefits of persimmon are considerable and should be further researched and promoted by persimmon industries around the world.

Proceedings of the tropical fruits in human nutrition and health conference 2008

Horticultural industries are Queensland’s second largest primary producer, with a total gross value of more than $1.9 billion in 2008. Queensland’s diverse geography and climate supports the production of more than 120 horticultural products. With a growing worldwide demand for quality, nutritious food Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries continues to focus its activities on accelerating growth within the sector. The conference, sponsored by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and DPI&F is the first of its kind to examine the latest knowledge on the health properties of tropical fruits. Organising committee member and DPI&F science leader Dr Roger Stanley said the conference would develop international networks to accelerate research in the area.