REVIEW ON NUTRITIONAL VALUE AND THERAPEUTIC BENEFITS OF KIWI FRUIT

Dr. Swaroopa H. M., B. C. Ranjitha*, Bharath Raj C. B., Sanjay M. D. and Sagar H. S.

ABSTRACT

A kiwi fruit commonly known as „Green kiwi‟ traced under the family Actinidiaceae having Actinidia genus and
species deliciosa. Kiwi fruits are the superior as compared with other commonly consumed fruit for their nutrient
density, health benefits and consumer‟s appeal. It is crammed with wide variety of nutrients such as vitamins,
minerals and phytoconstituents. A range of phytochemicals are found in kiwi which include the triterpenoids,
proteins, carbohydrates and, phenolic compounds such as flavonoids, polyphenol. These constituents render the
wide variety of pharmacological activities. Immense amount of vitamin C pointed for a promising treatment of
catastrophic disease involving cancer and heart diseases. Other activity includes Antioxidant agent, Antiinflammatory
agent, Gastro intestinal laxative agent, Antibacterial agent, Anticancer agent, Dermatological agent,
Antidiabetic agent. This review provides a brief knowledge about botanical aspects, chemical constituents and
recent biological or pharmacological activities of kiwi fruit.

Keywords: kiwi fruit, Nutritional composition, pharmacological benefits.