Caramboxin

Caramboxin (CBX) is a neurotoxin found in star fruit (Averrhoa carambola). It is particularly dangerous for individuals with certain types of kidney disease, as it can lead to adverse neurological effects such as intoxication, seizures, and even death after consuming star fruit. Caramboxin is a non-proteinogenic amino acid that stimulates glutamate receptors in neurons, and it is chemically similar to the amino acid phenylalanine. It acts as an agonist of both NMDA and AMPA glutamatergic ionotropic receptors, which can result in excitatory, convulsant, and neurodegenerative properties. The combination of caramboxin and oxalic acid found in starfruit may contribute to both neurotoxic and nephrotoxic effects. It is advised that even individuals with normal kidney function should avoid consuming large amounts of starfruit or its juice on an empty stomach[1][2][3][4][5][6].

Citations:

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caramboxin

[2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0041010120303925

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5357571/

[4] https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2023/03030/antiepileptic_therapy_in_a_patient_with_star_fruit.10.aspx

[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6977387/

[6] https://nutritionfacts.org/video/neurotoxicity-effects-of-star-fruit/

[7] https://www.ijmedrev.com/article_78198.html

[8] https://www.ijmedrev.com/article_78198_4aad5172f141bb4957c94468bd9c06c0.pdf

[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4421323/

[10] https://wikem.org/wiki/Starfruit_toxicity

[11] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022286014008965

[12] https://phys.org/news/2013-11-sweet-poison-star-fruit-neurotoxin.html

[13] https://nutritionfacts.org/blog/the-neurotoxin-in-star-fruit/

[14] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carambola

[15] https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/why-you-should-avoid-eating-starfruit

[16] https://www.scielo.br/j/jbn/a/Xmy8DPXsfpSX6GRQ6kHn8mR/?format=pdf&lang=en

[17] https://www.webmd.com/diet/star-fruit

[18] https://wikidata.org/wiki/Q15633937