Introduction

Lansium domesticum, also known as langsat, is a tropical fruit predominantly found in Southeast Asian countries, specifically Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. Langsat has a high nutritional value of vitamin B complexes, vitamin A, vitamin C, antioxidants, as well as other essential minerals.² Specific interest is being shown towards langsat for its beneficial properties in skin health and radiance.¹ With its anti-oxidant properties, stemming from its bioactive compounds and good-for-you nutrients, langsat is considered to be a superfruit with anti-ageing and skin brightening potential.³ It is traditionally applied through the use of its peel and flesh in whitening creams and moisturisers. ¹ Langsat is believed to be a superfruit due to its rich antioxidant properties and incredible benefits to human health - a commonality present in all superfruits.⁷ 

Langsat nutritional profile 

The fruit possesses high levels of essential minerals and vitamins. These nutrients aid not only in skin health but also in disease management. In Thailand, the nutritional composition of Langsat per 100g was found to be: 

Additionally, the major minerals in Langsat are:

• Sodium
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Zinc
• Calcium
• Iron 
• Manganese

How Langsat improves skin health

Each of the vitamins and minerals found in langsat has specific beneficial roles. Antioxidants such as flavonoids are also found within the fruit, helping neutralise harmful free radicals. Additionally, the presence of flavonoids in langsat can further contribute to preventing cancer and slow down signs of ageing by protecting cells from oxidative stress.² Similar to flavonoids, vitamin C helps promote youthful skin and fight against damage caused by free radicals - a main cause of premature ageing. It is further involved in boosting collagen production, improving skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles, a major concern of ageing.²

Due to langsat’s anti-inflammatory properties, it can be used as a natural remedy for minor skin conditions, such as acne, rashes, redness, and itching. The rind of the fruit can be applied topically to the skin, helping to relieve discomfort.² The anti-inflammatory properties of langsat are not only limited to relieving skin conditions, they can also be used to aid gastrointestinal discomfort, i.e. bloating, GI colic and topical inflammation by utilising the fruit’s resin that is found in the bark.² 

Vitamin A is a key component found in langsat, as it plays a crucial role in maintaining gum, teeth and body tissue health, through supporting the regeneration of skin cells, strengthening mucous membranes and keeping connective and skeletal tissues. Regular usage of langsat helps support the body’s tissue repair process.² 

Langsat has a high water percentage of 82.9%, helping the fruit keep the body hydrated and replenish lost fluid. The fruit also aids weight management due to its low calorie count - 66 kcal and high fibre content, 0.8-2.3g, making you feel fuller for longer, preventing snacking and overeating.² 

Whilst not a skin health benefit, langsat also contains B-complex vitamins, i.e. riboflavin and thiamin. These vitamins help support red blood cell production and play a crucial role in breaking down carbohydrates into energy that can be utilised.²

Skincare and versatile uses of Langsat

Food uses of Langsat

• Since the peel of Langsat is easily removable, the fruit (without the seeds) can be eaten fresh or as a dessert⁴ 
• Blending langsat with coconut and honey can be used to make a smoothie² 
• Mixing langsat juice with pomegranate or lychee for mocktails² 

Medicinal uses of Langsat

Various parts of the fruit can be used for therapeutic purposes. The peel of langsat is rich in oleoresin and can be used as a treatment against diarrhoea. Due to its non-toxic nature, it can be administered to treat diarrhoea, as well as intestinal spasms. Other parts of the fruit that can be employed medically include the fruit's crushed seeds, utilised to treat fevers, and the bark used against malaria.⁴ 

Cosmetic uses of Langsat

Hydroethanol extract obtained from langsat can be dried and used in cosmetic agents by being redissolved in propylene glycol to achieve the final product. The dried hydroethanol extract is also used in skin care products to depigment the skin and aid in moisturization.⁴ 

Safety, side effects, and best practices

Through dermatological testing of the langsat fruit’s ethanol extract used in skincare products, i.e. lotions, it was found that no irritation or allergic reactions were produced in any of the clinical trial participants who tested the 1% and 3% concentration levels.¹ Additionally, it is important to note that whilst langsat has numerous advantageous properties, there could also be potential side effects such as: 

• Toxicity of the peel and seeds: Both the seeds and peel of the fruit contain bioactive compounds, and when consumed in large quantities, they can be toxic
• Astringency: if unripe langsat is consumed, it can cause astringent sensations on the tongue, palate and throat as it contains tannins
• Allergic reactions: although the chances of an allergic reaction occurring are rare, topical use of langsat extracts can cause mild skin irritation or allergic reaction in individuals with sensitive skin
• A concentration of 5% ethanol extract presented with irritation in 1.9% of all the clinical trial volunteers within the group¹ 

FAQs

What does langsat do to your body?

As langsat are filled with vitamins, minerals, dietary fibres and antioxidants, they have many health benefits. The composition of langsat involves simple sugars - fructose and sucrose, which help in boosting energy and revitalising the body with electrolytes.⁵ 

Are langsat seeds poisonous?

As unripe langsat seeds have a higher tannin concentration, consuming them can lead to a harsh, astringent sensation. However, although ingesting the seeds is not considered to be life-threatening, it can lead to a bitter aftertaste.⁶ 

Does langsat have cooling properties? 

Crushed langsat seeds possess cooling properties; hence, langsat has been traditionally used as a natural remedy for fever reduction.²

Summary

Lansium domesticum, commonly known as langsat, is a fruit native to Southeast Asia. It is small and round, covered in a thin yellowish skin that turns brown when ripe, and contains bitter, inedible seeds. Rich in essential vitamins and minerals, it offers high nutritional value with low toxicity. Langsat provides skin and health benefits, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help in treating various diseases. Its sweet flavour and juicy flesh make it easy to enjoy and incorporate into daily routines. High in vitamin C and A among other nutrients, langsat improves skin elasticity, reduces signs of ageing like wrinkles and fine lines, and supports tissue regeneration. It is also used in skin care products and cosmetics, indicating it is safe for topical use.

While side effects and allergic reactions are uncommon, caution is advised for individuals with sensitive skin. Additionally, langsat helps treat systemic conditions; its cooling effect reduces fever, and the oleoresin in its peel can help stop diarrhoea and intestinal spasms. Its growing popularity is due to the belief that it brightens the skin and reduces acne, rashes, and hyperpigmentation scars. Low in calories, langsat is a healthy snack choice for weight management.