Telfairia occidentalis vs Buah Merah

West African cucurbit whose leaves and seeds are used as nutritive food and medicine for anemia and blood conditions.

Papuan endemic fruit with exceptional carotenoid content; used in traditional Papuan medicine and gaining attention as an antioxidant and anti-HIV food supplement.

iron, zinc, tannins, flavonoids, proteins

beta-carotene, alpha-tocopherol, oleic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants

Anemia treatment in West African medicine, Blood building food, Malaria management

Nutritive food, HIV support, Cancer support, Eye health

Iron-rich nutritive, Antioxidant, Antidiabetic effects

Antioxidant activity, Immunomodulation, Anti-inflammatory effects, Nutritional support

Leaves as food daily; seed oil supplement

Fruit extract: 1-3 tablespoons daily; fresh fruit as food

None significant as food

None known at food doses

None documented

High carotenoid intake may cause yellow skin