Lansium domesticum, also known as langsat, buahluku or lanzones, is a species of tree in the Mahogany family and is native to Southeast Asia.
The fruit can be elliptical, oval, or round, measuring 2 to 7 centimetres (0.79 to 2.76 in) by 1.5 to 5 centimetres (0.59 to 1.97 in) in size. Fruits look much like small potatoes and are borne in clusters similar to grapes.
They can be quite sour when unripe, but are perfectly sweet when ripe with a taste similar to a bittersweet grapefruit. Langsat is traditionally used to treat a variety of diseases. The fruit is rich in Vitamin C and Thiamin.
It contains riboflavin which can counter migraine and niacin which reduced “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and increased the “good” cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. It contains the mineral nutrients calcium, iron and phosphorous.
The peel of the langsat is easily removed and the flesh is commonly eaten out-of-hand or served as dessert, and may be cooked in various ways.
An astringent bark decoction is taken as a treatment for dysentery and malaria it is also used to treat intestinal parasites and diarrhoea. Powdered seeds are used to reduce fever.
Leaves may be combined with the bark in preparing the decoction. The leaf juice is used as eye-drops to dispel inflammation.
The sturdy wood is also used for house posts, tool handles and furniture. The dried peels are burned to drive the mosquitoes away.
Langsat contain riboflavin and thiamine, vitamin B-2 and B-1 respectively. Riboflavin also supports body growth and red blood cell production. Additionally, riboflavin helps your body to release energy from carbohydrates.
Your body uses thiamine to break down sugars. Additionally, thiamine can help to treat several nerve and heart conditions.
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays a fundamental role in maintaining healthy skin, teeth, soft and skeletal tissue and mucous membranes.