synsepalum dulcificum

Synsepalum dulcificum is an evergreen shrub native to West Africa and commonly known as "miracle fruit." The plant produces small red berries that contain a glycoprotein called miraculin. When the fleshy part of the fruit is consumed, miraculin binds to taste buds on the tongue and temporarily modifies taste perception—causing sour or acidic foods eaten afterward to taste sweet. This effect can last from 30 minutes up to two hours. Miraculin acts by binding to human sweet taste receptors (T1R2/T1R3) and activating them in acidic environments. Miracle fruit has been traditionally used for its unique flavor-modifying properties and in folk medicine for conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Scientific studies have shown potential antidiabetic, antihyperuricaemic (uric acid-lowering), antioxidant, anticonvulsant, cholesterol-lowering, hepatoprotective (liver-protecting), and anticancer activities in extracts of various parts of the plant[1][2][3][4]. The primary active ingredient is miraculin; other phytochemicals include flavonoids (epicatechin, quercetin), phenolic acids (gallic acid), anthocyanins (delphinidin glucoside), triterpenoids, lignins (+-syringaresinol), alkaloids (N-cis-caffeoyltyramine), phytosterols and amino acids[2][3]. Miracle fruit is not itself sweet but enables a noncaloric sweetness experience when combined with acidic foods[5].

Other names

miracle fruitmiracle berrymiraculous berrysweet berryàgbáyuntaamiasaaledidi