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VICARP R & D INFORMATION SHEETS BALIMBING (Averrhoa carambola Linn.) a. Branch of plant with flowers; b. Top views of six and five-angled fruits; d. Fruit BALIMBING, Averrhoa carambola Linn., of the Oxalidaceae family is a native of tropical America and occurs in cultivated and semi-cultivated farms throughout the Philippines as well as in the other tropical countries. There are numerous local names given to refer to this particular species. It is called BALIMBIN in Tagalog; BALINGBING in Bicol and Cebu-Bisaya; DALIGAN in Ilocano; GALURAN, GARULAN or DALIHAN in Ibanag; GALAÑGAN in Panay-Bisaya; GARAHAN in Bisaya; MALIMBIN in Samar-Leyte Bisaya; SIRINATE in Tinggian and BALIMBING in Sulu, Bicol and Tagalog. Therapeutically, almost every part of balimbing can be administered to cure various types of ailments. The leaves in decoction are purposely good for the inflammation of the throat, the mouth and for ulcers. It is likewise given to arrest vomiting. When crushed, it is used as a poultice on the abdomen of women who are about to give birth and it alleviates rheumatic complaints. An infusion of the flower is used to remedy tonsillitis. When pounded, it is used to relieve sharp bowel pains. The use of roots is common among women delayed in their menstrual periods. The fruits are refreshing and are powerful in loosening bowels. It prevents diarrhea, fever and swelling of the skin. It stimulates the appetite and regulates the flow of saliva. It is used in washing clothes to remove spots and stains. This is a small tree which is around 6 meters high with compound smooth pinnate leaf made up of 5 to 11 pairs of ovate leaflets. The small, slightly bell-shaped flowers have purple petals with white margins. The stamens, which are purple at the base, occur in 2 whorls, the outer being made up of 5 short ones without anthers while the inner portion is composed of 5 normal stamens. The fleshy and juicy fruit varies from green to yellow and the seeds have outer coverings. Hermes G. Gutierrez National Research Council of the Philippines Bicutan, Tagig, Metro Manila October 1, 1980 VICARP R & D INFORMATION SHEETS The fruit of the plant has been examined and found to be rich source of oxalic acid, vitamins B and C, iron and potassium oxalate. Further analysis showed that the leaves accounted for the presence of alkaloid which are also found in the stem, and in the seeds were saponin, tannin, glucosides and formic acids. Balimbing is extensively used on account of its medicinal and economical nature, the preparation may differ, depending on how it will be administered. Malaysians use crushed leaves or shoots as a treatment for chicken pox; expulsion of ringworm; eases headache; and remedy for fever. In Tonkin, the flowers are asserted to expel parasite within the intestinal tract. The Chinese and the Annamites use it in the form of eyewash against infections. A decoction prepared from crush seeds stimulates menstrual flow and the secretion of milk, when taken in large doses. It bring about miscarriage. However, it is excellent in relieving asthma and a disease characterized by the yellowing of the skin and eyes by bile pigments. Hermes G. Gutierrez National Research Council of the Philippines Bicutan, Tagig, Metro Manila October 1, 1980