Kerala farmer discovers medical 'goldmine' in his backyard: Health benefits

For two years, U Madhavan Nair, a farmer from Attenganam Kalicharvattam in Kerala's Kasaragod district, routinely discarded the bright red fruits growing in his backyard, completely unaware that he was throwing away a small fortune. It was only after a few friends urged him to identify the mysterious plant that he took a photo, searched the internet, and discovered he was sitting on a goldmine of Mahkota Dewa, scientifically known as Phaleria macrocarpa.

Originally gifted as a sapling by a relative, the plant grew quietly in Madhavan Nair's yard in the Kodom Belur panchayat. Once he uncovered its identity, Nair sliced the fruits, dried them in the sun, and took them to a local herbal raw-materials dealer. To his astonishment, the dried fruit fetched a handsome price of ₹1000 per kg. Following this unexpected windfall, the enterprising farmer is now preparing to transition to large-scale commercial cultivation of this highly valued medicinal plant.

An Indonesian treasure in Kerala's highlands
Mahkota Dewa, which translates to 'God's crown', is native to Indonesia and is renowned for its extensive therapeutic properties in traditional medicine. The plant thrives in warm, humid climates, making Kerala's tropical conditions highly suitable for its growth. While the species remains relatively rare in the state's highland regions, its high market demand in herbal and traditional medicine markets presents an attractive opportunity for local farmers looking to diversify.

Cultivation and yield potential
For farmers interested in alternative agriculture, Mahkota Dewa offers promising returns with minimal maintenance. The plant typically begins bearing fruit within 12 to 18 months of planting. A mature three-year-old plant can yield up to 15 kg of fruit annually. To process it for the market, the ripe fruits are harvested, cut into thin slices, and thoroughly sun-dried before being sold to herbal pharmacies and traditional medicine manufacturers, where demand remains consistently high.

Health benefits of mahkota dewa
According to the National Institute of Health, the fruit has many health benefits. However, its raw parts, especially the seeds, are toxic. Therefore, it should be used carefully. Here are the health benefits of the fruit. Incorporate it into your diet only after discussing it with your health provider.
a) The dried slices of the fruit are brewed as tea and consumed to control blood sugar.
b) It can lower bad cholesterol.

c) It can stimulate better blood circulation.
d) It's a good source of antioxidants.
e) It can remove body toxins.
f) The fruit has flavonoids and saponins that ease skin issues and swelling.