Kiwifruit (actinidia chinensis) Herbal Monograph

Traditional Use
Kiwifruit is unequaled, compared with other commonly consumed fruit, for their nutrient density, health benefits, and consumer appeal. (5)

Kiwifruit, as part of a healthy diet, may increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and decrease triglycerides, platelet aggregation, and elevated blood pressure. Consuming gold kiwifruit with iron-rich meals improves poor iron status, and green kiwifruit aids digestion and laxation. (5)

As a rich source of antioxidants, they may protect the body from endogenous oxidative damage. Kiwifruit may support immune function and reduce the incidence and severity of cold or flu-like illness in at-risk groups such as older adults and children. (5)

Active Constituents

Compared with other commonly consumed fruit, both green and gold kiwifruit are exceptionally high in vitamins C, E, K, folate, carotenoids, potassium, fiber, and phytochemicals acting in synergy to achieve multiple health benefits. (5)

Kiwifruit contains proteolytic enzymes (actinidin) and ascorbic acid. (2) Kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis) contains abundant protease, actinidin, and two possible components which were named A1 and A2. The presence of six proteases named KP1, KP2, KP3, KP4, KP5, and KP6 in kiwifruit have also been shown. (4)

Scientific Evidence

Protein digestion
In one study dietary actinidin from Kiwifruit increased gastric protein digestion and accelerated the gastric emptying for several dietary protein sources. (2)

Ulcer Healing
One study concluded that using kiwifruit is a simple, applicable and effective way for treatment of neuropathic diabetic foot ulcer. (3)

Immune function
The importance of nutrition on immune function is well recognized, with deficiencies in vitamins A, C, E, B6 and B12, folic acid, Zn, Cu, Fe, and Se being associated with impaired immune function and increased susceptibility to diseases. The evidence is growing that kiwifruit enhances immunity, with several small murine studies showing enhancement of innate and adaptive immune function. (6)

Powerful Antioxidant
Golden kiwifruit consumption strengthens resistance towards endogenous oxidative damage. Plasma vitamin C increased after supplementation as did resistance towards H₂O₂-induced DNA damage. Purine oxidation in lymphocyte DNA decreased significantly after one kiwifruit per day, pyrimidine oxidation decreased after two fruits per day. (7)

Conclusion
With the combined effects of digestive support, tissue healing, immune boosting and antioxidant, Kiwifruit has an important place in a healthy diet.

It also makes Kiwifruit useful during an intestinal cleansing and detox program to help the body clear build up from the digestive system and to protect the sensitive tissues of the gut during the process.

You can find Kiwifruit in the following products

• The Ultimate Herbal DETOX
• BodiTune DETOX ‘n SLIM protein drink mix
• Digezaid Digestive support

© Brett Elliott