Star fruit is a distinctive tropical fruit that originated in Asia. Its cross-section resembles a star, it tastes sweet with a hint of sour, and it contains a lot of water. Flavor varies with skin color, from green to yellow.

Healthline notes that star fruit provides several nutrients and minerals, including:

• Fiber: 3 grams
• Protein: 1 gram
• Vitamin C: 52% of the RDA
• Vitamin B5: 4% of the RDA
• Folate: 3% of the RDA
• Copper: 6% of the RDA
• Sodium: 3% of the RDA
• Magnesium: 2% of the RDA

Star fruit also contains beneficial plant compounds such as quercetin, gallic acid, and epicatechin, which act as antioxidants with many advantages. These antioxidants may help lower fat and cholesterol accumulation in the liver. Animal studies suggest parts of the plant may reduce fatty liver risk and cholesterol, and researchers have identified anti-inflammatory properties in certain sugars.

Even so, cases of acute kidney injury have been reported in people with chronic kidney disease. The oxalate and caramboxin in star fruit can produce neurotoxic effects that impact both the brain and the kidneys.

As described in articles indexed by PMC, star fruit has a high oxalate content that, in some situations, can trigger a sharp decline in kidney function within hours. Caramboxin is also a concern. This neurotoxin can cross the blood–brain barrier. When people with kidney disease have impaired excretion, caramboxin is not cleared properly, which allows it to build up in the central nervous system. Symptoms of star fruit poisoning can include:

• Mild symptoms: Hiccups, vomiting, insomnia
• Moderate symptoms: Sudden numbness of the arms or legs, muscle weakness
• Severe symptoms: Reduced consciousness that can progress to coma, seizures, unstable vital signs
• In really severe cases, death can occur

If you have any kidney condition and are considering eating star fruit, speak with your doctor first.

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