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Made from this plant – available in our shop
KECAPI
Basic Information:
Sandoricum koetjape, also known as santol, sentul, cotton fruit, or wild mangosteen, is a tropical fruit tree native to maritime Southeast Asia (Malesia). It is a large, evergreen tree, up to 50 m tall, with high buttressed roots. The bark is smooth, grayish brown, and often flaking or fissured. The leaves are alternate, simple, ovate to elliptic, 10-20 cm long and 5-10 cm wide, with a pointed apex and a rounded or cordate base. The flowers are small, pinkish yellow, yellowish green, or white-yellow, fragrant, about 1 by 1.3 cm, possessing five free petals. They are arranged in axillary branched inflorescences known as panicles (15 to 30 cm in length).
The fruit is a drupe, 5-10 cm in diameter, with a smooth, yellow or orange rind. The flesh is white, juicy, and sweet, with a slightly acidic taste. The seed is large, brown, and hard.
Santol is a popular fruit in Southeast Asia. It is eaten fresh, or used to make juice, jam, and jelly. The wood of the santol tree is used in construction and furniture making. The roots are used medicinally.
Nutrition, Traditional Use and Research
The statements below describe nutrition facts, traditional use and published research. They are not health claims for our products.
- Santol (kecapi, sentul; sotul in Batak) is a tropical fruit that is eaten fresh or used to make juice, jam and jelly. The wood of the tree is used in construction and furniture making, and the roots are traditionally used in folk practice.
- Santol is a source of vitamin C and vitamin A and contains potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and fiber. Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune system and to normal collagen formation for the normal function of the skin; vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal vision; potassium contributes to normal muscle function and the maintenance of normal blood pressure; calcium, phosphorus and magnesium contribute to the maintenance of normal bones; and fiber contributes to normal bowel function.
- Santol contains antioxidants such as quercetin, kaempferol and anthocyanins, which show antioxidant activity in laboratory tests. Laboratory studies have also examined triterpenoids from santol for anti-inflammatory properties. These are early findings, and no health effect in people can be concluded from them.
- In traditional folk practice, a preparation of santol leaves is used for diarrhea. This is a traditional use only and has not been confirmed by sufficient scientific evidence.
- More research is needed on the properties of santol. Santol may interact with certain medications and is not suitable for everyone; if you take medication or have a health condition, please talk to your doctor first.