CLAIM: A video claims that stepping on Indrayan fruit (Citrullus colocynthis) in a bucketful of water for 5 minutes can relieve fatty liver, joint, or heel pain.

FACT: There is no scientific evidence to support the claim.

First Check received a tipline request on WhatsApp that inquired about the validity of a video claiming that stepping on Indrayan fruit (Citrullus colocynthis) in a bucketful of water for 5 minutes can relieve serious health conditions like fatty liver and joint pain. 

“In today’s age, 90% of people have fatty liver. Please do this for 5 minutes and share your experience,” says a person named Dr Anil Sharma in the video. 

Sharma, who claims to possess a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS), asserts that that this practice eliminates “dirt” from the body through the feet and cures heel pain.

Can Indrayan fruit help?

Indrayan fruit is a well-known herb in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine systems, primarily used for its anti-inflammatory properties. It was traditionally used to treat conditions such as constipation, digestive disorders, and certain skin ailments.

Some studies suggest that extracts of Citrullus colocynthis may have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, which could theoretically support its use for pain relief in conditions like arthritis. However, these studies are primarily conducted in controlled settings, often on animals (mice in this study), and focus on oral consumption of the fruit’s extracts, not on stepping on the fruit in water.

The idea of “eliminating dirt through the feet” lacks scientific grounding, as the human body does not detoxify through the soles of the feet in this manner. Detoxification is primarily handled by the liver and kidneys.

Do 90% of people have fatty liver?

Fatty liver disease, particularly non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is indeed a growing health concern globally. According to the Indian National Association for the Study of the Liver (INASL), NAFLD is a major cause of chronic liver disease globally and in India. 

However, Dr. Sharma’s claim that “90% of people have fatty liver” is unclear and possibly exaggerated, as prevalence varies by population. 

Studies suggest that globally and in Asia, around 25–29% of the general population has NAFLD. In India, NAFLD prevalence varies widely, ranging from 9% to 53%, with differences observed across geographical regions and between rural and urban areas.

Precautions with Indrayan fruit

Effective management of fatty liver disease involves lifestyle changes such as weight loss, a balanced diet, and regular exercise. Ayurvedic treatments often recommend herbs like Bhumi Amla, Turmeric, and Milk Thistle for liver health, but there is no mention of Indrayan fruit as a primary remedy for this condition. Indrayan is a strong purgative and traditionally used externally or with extreme caution internally due to its toxic properties if not prepared properly.

Thus, the claim that stepping on Indrayan fruit in a bucketful of water for 5 minutes can relieve fatty liver, joint pain, and heel pain is not supported by scientific evidence or traditional Ayurvedic practices. While Indrayan fruit has recognized medicinal properties, its use is limited to specific preparations and conditions, none of which involve foot-soaking for detoxification or liver health. 

Also read: Silent epidemic: 80% of India’s IT workforce have fatty liver disease