Scientific Name: Grewia asiatica
Family: Malvaceae
Grewia asiatica, commonly known as Phalsa or Falsa.
It is a small to medium-sized deciduous shrub or small tree.
It typically grows up to 3-4 meters in height.
The leaves are simple, alternate, and serrated, with a dark green color.
The flowers are small, fragrant, and yellow in color, with five petals.
The fruit is a berry, which is small, round, and purplish-black when ripe. It has a sweet and tangy taste.
Chemical Constituents:
Phenolic compounds: Such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, and tannins.
Vitamins: Particularly vitamin C.
Minerals: Including calcium and phosphorus.
Carbohydrates: Mainly sugars
Properties:
Ayurvedic:
Rasa (Taste): Sweet (Madhura) and Astringent (Kashaya)
Guna (Quality): Guru (Heavy) and Snigdha (Oily)
Virya (Potency): Sheeta (Cooling)
Vipak (Post-digestive Effect): Madhura (Sweet)
Pharmacological Actions:
Antioxidant: Phalsa fruits are rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and protect cells from damage.
Antipyretic: It is traditionally used to reduce fever.
Antidiarrheal: The fruit is used to alleviate diarrhea and related gastrointestinal issues.
Cooling: Phalsa is considered cooling and is consumed to relieve heat-related conditions in hot weather.
Vitamin C Source: It is a good source of vitamin C, which supports the immune system and overall health.
Benefits:
1.Phalsa fruits are commonly consumed fresh or in the form of beverages, such as juices and sherbets, due to their refreshing and tangy taste.
2.In traditional medicine, Phalsa is used to treat conditions like diarrhea and fever.
3.The high vitamin C content makes it valuable for boosting immunity and promoting overall health.
4.The antioxidant properties of Phalsa make it beneficial for protecting the body against oxidative stress and free radicals.
5.Phalsa (Grewia asiatica) is a popular and nutritious fruit with a range of potential health benefits. It is commonly consumed in various parts of Asia and is valued for its taste and medicinal properties.