Investigating the impacts of snake fruit (Salacca zalacca) on bone cells, particularly osteoblasts (which make bones), and osteoclasts (which tear down bone), may give imperative data around how members of the Arecaceae family have compounds that control bone activities such as bone remodelling. Moreover, deciding the exact bioactive components causing these impacts may open the door to the creation of novel dietary supplements to improve bone health.

Introduction

Features of snake fruit (Salacca zalacca)

The snake fruit, also called salak, is a tropical fruit indigenous to Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia. The fruit, which is a member of the Arecaceae or palm family, is easily recognized by its scaly outer layer that encloses a soft centre filled with pulp that has a hint of acidity or sweetness.

The fruit is usually 2.5 -10 cm long and has a hard endocarp that protects the small, dark brown to black seeds.¹ The oval-shaped, about fig-sized salak fruit has a unique tip and a tough, peel-resistant reddish-brown scaly skin. Because the skin is composed of tiny, overlapping triangle scales, the fruit has a distinct look.

The delightful flavour and enticing aroma of snake fruit make it a popular choice not only when enjoyed fresh but also when transformed into various products like syrup, jam, and chips. This versatile fruit can be divided into its peel, flesh, and seeds. While the peel is often disposed of as waste, it contains notable antioxidant properties.²

The nutritional makeup of the snake fruit consists of the following: calories, dietary fibre, protein, sugar derivatives, iron, potassium, vitamin C, and fat. Conditions such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and osteonecrosis can be treated with fruits from the Arecaceae family, which includes Salacca zalacca, to help improve the conditions involving bones and joints.

Importance of bone health

Bone health is very essential because it directly affects overall well-being and quality of life. Numerous factors, including nutrition, activity level, and lifestyle affect bone health. According to recent studies, calcium and vitamin D are necessary to improve bone mineral density and reduce the risk of fracture.³

It is essential for everyone, especially for athletes, to maintain optimal nutritional status and consume sufficient amounts of vitamins and minerals to support bone health. Therefore, a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients is necessary to preserve bone mass and reduce the likelihood of bone deterioration and other conditions that are associated with bones.⁴ 

Nutritional composition of snake fruit

Carbohydrates, which serve as energy storage of the body, are the primary component of snake fruit, and the pulp contains sweet compounds like fructose and sucrose. The fruit also contains many nutrients, proteins, and lipids as well. Proteins are crucial to the body's morphology, operation, and homeostasis.

The important properties of snake fruit seeds and skins are noteworthy, especially when it comes to their antioxidant and immunostimulating qualities.⁵ The immunostimulating qualities of the components of the snake fruit causes the activation or increased activity of any of the components of the immune system. 

Bone health fundamentals

Structure and function of bones

Bones are made up of an inorganic component, mainly hydroxyapatite, which gives them stiffness to compression, and an organic component, mainly type I collagen, which gives them tensile strength.⁶ In the body, bones serve a variety of purposes, such as supporting structure, promoting mobility, safeguarding important organs, and acting as a storehouse for cytokines and growth factors.⁷ 

An example of an organ protected by the bones is the brain, which serves as the body's command centre, shielded by the skull. It surrounds the vulnerable brain tissue, giving it a protective outer layer to prevent damage and trauma. Furthermore, the thoracic cavity, which contains the heart and lungs,is encircled by and shielded from harm by the ribcage.

The ribs serve as a cage that protects these essential organs while allowing for some breathing room. Finally, the spinal cord is protected by the vertebrae of the spinal column. The spinal cord's protection is essential for proper physical function since it transmits information from the brain to the rest of the body. Injury to these structures can have deliberating effects on an individual. 

Based on their shape, roles, and locations, bone cells can be classified as either osteoprogenitor cells, osteoblasts, osteocytes, or osteoclasts. Undifferentiated cells called osteoprogenitor cells have the capacity to develop into osteoblasts, which are in charge of creating new bone to replace depleted ones.⁶  Bone-forming cells are called osteoblasts whereas mature bone cells are called osteoblasts, and osteoclasts disintegrate and absorb bone.

Factors influencing bone health

While genetics plays a major role in bone mass, lifestyle factors that can be changed, such as nutrition and exercise, can have a major impact on how strong a person's skeleton is. Also, calcium stands out as a critical component in bone health. Vitamin D too holds importance in maintaining good bone health as it facilitates the absorption and utilisation of calcium.

Alarmingly, there is a prevalent insufficiency of vitamin D among nursing home residents, hospitalized patients, and adults suffering from hip fractures.⁸ Some other factors include smoking, fracture, and heavy alcohol consumption. Also, falls frequently result in fractures, especially in people over 60. All throughout life, bone health depends on maintaining a healthy body weight. The risk of fracture and bone loss increases with a decrease in weight.

Snake fruit and bone health

Snake fruits contain powerful antioxidants that might act like tiny shields for your bone cells, guarding them against harm from harmful molecules called free radicals. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are also detrimental substances capable of building up and inducing structural harm to cells. Elevated ROS levels within bone cells lead to the impairment and programmed cell death (apoptosis) of the genomic DNA in osteoblasts and osteocytes, causing damage.⁹

Therefore, the rise in reactive oxygen species (ROS)  will cause an uptick in osteoclast formation and the activity of osteoclasts. Excessive ROS production may contribute to bone loss, including osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and the elderly. Oxidative stress could also play a role in men's osteoporosis. Antioxidants might aid in preventing bone loss.¹⁰

Some of these antioxidants that help deplete reactive oxygen species are present in snake fruit, making it a good choice for improving bone health.

Considerations and precautions

Although snake fruit might be beneficial for enhancing physical well-being, it should only be eaten in moderation as it contains a high fibre content and may cause stomach issues in certain people. Snake fruit overconsumption may cause symptoms such as bloating, increased gas, and constipation. The skin and seeds of the snake fruit are deadly, therefore avoid eating them. As a result, one should only consume the fruit's white, meaty part and peel it before consumption.¹¹

Summary

Snake fruit c contains calories, dietary fibre, protein derived from sugar, iron, potassium, vitamin C, fat, cancer prevention agents, and dietary strands – all of which are vital for bone wellbeing. It also diminishes receptive oxygen species thereby improving bone health and improving general wellbeing.