Munakka (Vitis vinifera) or raisins, is a fruit commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine. The fruit is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a beneficial dietary supplement. Munakka has been traditionally used to treat a variety of health conditions, including constipation, anemia, respiratory disorders, and hypertension.
Studies have shown that munakka has various health benefits, including its ability to improve digestion, regulate blood sugar levels, and lower blood pressure. Munakka has also been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which may make it effective in treating infections.
In a study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology, researchers found that munakka extract improved the antioxidant status and decreased oxidative stress in rats with diabetes (Sharma et al., 2015). Another study found that munakka extract had antihypertensive effects, reducing blood pressure in hypertensive rats (Shalaby et al., 2019).
Munakka has also been found to have anticancer properties. A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that munakka extract inhibited the growth of cancer cells in vitro (Lu et al., 2014).
In Ayurvedic medicine, munakka is often used as a remedy for constipation. A study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine found that munakka had laxative effects and could improve bowel movements in patients with constipation (Mundada et al., 2012).
Overall, munakka is a versatile fruit with numerous health benefits. Its rich nutritional content and medicinal properties make it a valuable addition to the diet and an important component of Ayurvedic medicine.
References:
Lu, J., Zhang, K., Nam, S., Anderson, R. A., Jove, R., Wen, W. (2014). Novel angiogenesis inhibitory activity in cinnamon extract blocks VEGFR2 kinase and downstream signaling. Carcinogenesis, 35(2), 433-443. doi: 10.1093/carcin/bgt477
Mundada, A. S., Talele, G. S., Bankar, M. A., & Patil, K. R. (2012). A clinical evaluation of the laxative properties of Munakka (Vitis vinifera). Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 3(3), 145–148. doi: 10.4103/0975-9476.100173
Shalaby, M. A., Khalifa, H. A., Elwakeel, H. A., & Youssof, A. M. (2019). Antihypertensive effect of grape (Vitis vinifera L.) pomace extract in hypertensive rats: A key role of polyphenols and amino acids. Journal of Food Biochemistry, 43(7), e12972. doi: 10.1111/jfbc.12972
Sharma, P., Kumar, P., & Sharma, S. (2015). Anti-diabetic potential of Indian raisins (Vitis vinifera L.) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Journal of Food Science and Technology, 52(9), 5840–5845. doi: 10.1007/s13197-014-1644-6