Related Terms

• 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid, 2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone, 2-(5-methyl-5-(oxiran-2-yl)-tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)propan-1-ol, 2,6-dimethyl-6-hydroxyocta-2,7-dienal, 2,8-dimethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridec-11-enyl)chroman-6-ol, 2alpha,3alpha,23-trihydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid, 2alpha,3alpha,23-tri-hydroxyursa-12,20(30)-dien-28-oic acid, 2alpha,3alpha,24-trihydroxyursa-12,20(30)-dien-28-oic acid, 2alpha,3alpha,24-trihydroxyursa-12-en-28-oic acid, 2alpha,3beta,19,23-tetrahydroxylolean-12-en-28-oic acid, 2alpha,3beta,19,23-tetra-hydroxyl-urs-12-en-oic acid, 2alpha,3beta,24-trihydroxyursa-12-en-28-oic acid, 2alpha-hydroxyoleanolic acid, 2alpha-hydroxyursolic acid, 2-cyclohexen-1-one, 2-ethylfuran, 2-hexanol, 2-methyl-1-butanol, 2-methylbutanoate, 2-methylpropanoate, 2-(methylsulfanyl)acetate ester, 2-(methylsulfanyl)ethanol, 3beta-O-acetylursolic acid, 3-hydroxy-2-butanone, 3-hydroxy-beta-damascone, 3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-2-butanone, 3-methyl-2-butenal, 3-methyl-3-buten-2-one, 3-(methylsulfanyl)propanal, 3-(methylsulfanyl)propanol, 3-O-trans-p-coumaroyl actinidic acid, 3-penten-2-ol, 4-vinylguaiacol, 6-(2-pyrrolidinone-5-yl)-(-)-epicatechin, 8-(2-pyrrolidinone-5-yl)-(-)-epicatechin, 8-hydroxylinalool, 8-oxolinalool, 23-hydroxyursolic acid, abscisic acid, actinchinin, Actinidiaceae (family), Actinidia arguta, Actinidia arguta (Sieb. et Zucc.) ex Miq., Actinidia arguta (Sieb. et Zucc.) Planch. ex Miquel, Actinidia arguta var. giraldii, Actinidia chinensis 'Hort 16A', Actinidia chinensis L., Actinidia chinensis var. chinensis, Actinidia chinensis var. 'Hort 16A', Actinidia chinensis Planch., Actinidia coriacea, Actinidia deliciosa (A.Chev.) C.F.Liang et A.R.Ferguson var. deliciosa, Actinidia deliciosa [A.Chev.] C.F.Liang and A.R.Ferguson var. deliciosa 'Hayward', Actinidia deliciosa Chev. cv. Hayward, Actinidia deliciosa cv. Golden King, Actinidia deliciosa cv. Hayward, Actinidia deliciosa var. deliciosa, Actinidia kolomikta, Actinidia macrosperma, Actinidia melanandra, Actinidia polygama, Actinidia purpurea, Actinidia sinensis Planch. (ASP), Actinidiaceae, actinidic acid, actinidin, alcohols, alkanals, alkanoic acids, alkanols, alkyl alkanoates, alpha-linolenic acid, alpha-tocopherol, anionic proteinase, anthocyanins, arabinogalactan proteins, aromatic compounds, ascorbate, ascorbic acid, asiatic acid, baby kiwi, benzenes, benzenoids, benzoic acid, benzyl alcohol, beta-pheylethyl alcohol, beta-sitosterol, beta-steriol, betulinic acid, caffeic acid glucosyl derivatives, campesterol, carotenoids, catechin, China gooseberry, Chinese egg gooseberry, Chinese gooseberry, Chinese gooseberry fruit, chlorogenic acid, chlorophylls, cinnamic acid, confieryl alcohol, corosolic acid, coumarin glucosides, cyanidin 3-O-galactoside, cyanidin 3-O-glucoside, cyanidin 3-O-xylo(1-2)-galactoside, cytokinins, delta-tocopherol, diethyl succinate, dihydroactinidiolide, dihydronepetalactone, dried kiwi, (E,E)-2,6-nonadienal, epicatechin, ergosta4,6,8,(14),22-tetraen-3-one, eriantic acid B, ethyl 3-(methylsulfanyl)prop-2-enoate, ethyl butanoate, eugenol, euscaphic acid, flavonoid glycosides, folic acid, forchlorfenuron, fructooligosaccharides, furaneol, galactoglucomannan, glycosyltransferases, goat peach, gold kiwi, green kiwi, hairy bush fruit, hairy pear, hardy kiwi, hex-E2-enal, hexanal, hexanoate, hexyl hexanoate, 'Hortgem Tahi' kiwifruit, hydrocarbons, indole-3-acetic acid, insoluble fiber, iridomyrmecin, isomeric flavonoids, isopentenyladenine, jyutping, ketones, kiivi, kissper, kivi, kiwellin, kiwi extract, kiwi fruit, kiwifruit berry, kiwiionside, lilac alcohol epoxides, lilac alcohols, lilac aldehydes, lutein, macaque peach, macaque pear, monoterpenes, n-butyl-O-beta-D-fruto-pyranoside, nonanal, norisoprenoids, octane, organic acids, oxalate, pectic polysaccharides, pectin methylesterase, pectin methylesterase inhibitor, phloe, phloe-zyactinase, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, phytoalexins, pinoresinol, pinyin, planchol A, planchol B, planchol C, planchol D, potassium, proanthocyanidin B-4, profilin, proteinase A 2, purple kiwi, quercetin 3-O-beta-D-[2G-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-6G-O-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl] glucopyranoside, raspberry ketone, red kiwi, red-fleshed kiwifruit, sarunashi, serotonin, sesquiterpenes, silver vine, sterols, stigmasterol, strange fruit, sugars, sunny peach, teng li gen, teng li gen root, terpenes, terpenoids, thaumatin-like protein, thiol-proteases, triterpenoids, undecanoic acid, unusual fruit, ursolic acid, vine pear, vitamin C, vitamin E, volatile oils, wonder fruit, wood berry, yang-tao, (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, zeatin, zeatin riboside, zeaxanthin, Zyactinase®.

Background

• Kiwi contains high amounts of vitamin E, serotonin, and potassium, and it is known to have the highest density of vitamin C among all fruits. It is also low-fat, cholesterol-free, and believed to be a good source of folic acid. However, even with these possible benefits, kiwi has been linked to a growing number of reports of allergies.

• Kiwi is believed to have antioxidant effects and has been used to protect against lung problems and to improve heart health. However, high quality evidence supporting the use of kiwi in humans is lacking. More research is needed.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

• Antibacterial, antifungal, asthma, blood thinner, cancer, diabetes, diarrhea, digestion, HIV, heart disease, herpes, immune function, laxative, lipid-lowering, metabolic disorders, osteoporosis, prostate disorders, skin rejuvenant, weight loss, wound healing.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (over 18 years old)

• To treat allergies, two 500-milligram PG102 (kiwi extract) tablets have been taken by mouth twice daily for eight weeks.

• To improve antioxidant status, 150-500 milliliters of kiwifruit juice has been taken by mouth. Two kiwi fruits have been taken by mouth daily for two weeks. Three kiwi fruits have been taken by mouth daily for eight weeks. One or two golden kiwifruit have been taken by mouth daily for four weeks.

• To improve heart health, two or three kiwifruits have been taken by mouth daily for 28 days.

• To treat constipation, two capsules of freeze-dried kiwi extract (Zyactinase®) have been taken by mouth three times daily for four weeks.

• To enhance energy, 500-1,200 milliliters of kiwifruit juice has been taken by mouth.

• To treat high blood pressure, three kiwifruits have been taken by mouth daily.

Children (under 18 years old)

• To prevent lung conditions, such as wheezing, 1-7 kiwifruits have been taken by mouth weekly.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

• Kiwi allergy is one of the more common fruit allergies. There are reports of allergy and cross-sensitization with kiwi and avocado, birch pollen, banana, chestnut, figs, flour, grasses, hazelnut, latex and latex-containing plants, melons, nuts, poppy or sesame seeds, and rye grain. Some sources report that people who are allergic to latex, papaya, or pineapple may also be allergic to kiwi. People who are allergic to green kiwi may be allergic to gold kiwi.

• Avoid if allergic or sensitive to kiwi or any member of the kiwi family (Actinidiaceae) or related substances. There have been reports of allergic responses, such as worsened skin rashes, after exposure to kiwi. Allergy to kiwi following a kiss has been reported.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Kiwi is likely safe when eaten in amounts that are naturally found in foods. Kiwi is possibly safe in healthy adults in recommended doses for medical purposes.

• Kiwi allergy is one of the more common fruit allergies. There are reports of allergy and cross-sensitization with kiwi and other foods.

• Kiwi may cause anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction that may lead to death), asthma, changes in cholesterol and triglyceride levels, collapse, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, heartburn, hives, itchy or sore mouth or throat, nausea, pancreatic problems, rash, skin discoloration, skin itching, stomach pain, sweating, swelling (lips, face, skin, or tongue), tingling, vomiting, and wheezing.

• Kiwi may increase the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised in people with bleeding disorders or taking drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

• Kiwi may affect blood sugar levels. Caution is advised in people with diabetes or low blood sugar, and in those taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that affect blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may need to be monitored by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, and medication adjustments may be necessary.

• Kiwi may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in people with low blood pressure or in those taking drugs or herbs and supplements that lower blood pressure.

• Use cautiously in people who are taking hormonal therapies or agents that affect serotonin, as kiwi contains high levels of serotonin.

• Use cautiously in people who are at risk for kidney stones, as kiwi contains oxalate and may promote kidney stone formation.

• Use cautiously in people who have high cholesterol or stomach disorders.

• Avoid if allergic or sensitive to kiwi or any member of the kiwi family (Actinidiaceae) or related substances.

• Avoid supplemental amounts during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Kiwi is likely safe in nonallergic pregnant or breastfeeding women at levels commonly found in foods. The safety of supplemental amounts of kiwi during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been studied and is not recommended.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

• Kiwi may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin®) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix®), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) or naproxen (Naprosyn®, Aleve®).

• Kiwi may affect blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also affect blood sugar. People taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.

• Kiwi may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking drugs that lower blood pressure.

• Kiwi may also interact with agents that may affect the immune system, agents that may treat kidney conditions, agents that may treat lung conditions, agents that may treat skin conditions, agents that may treat stomach conditions, antiasthmatics, antibiotics, anticancer agents, antidiarrheals, antifungals, antihistamines, athletic performance enhancers, bone agents, cholesterol-lowering agents, hormonal agents, laxatives, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), weight loss agents, and wound-healing agents.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Kiwi may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with herbs and supplements that are believed to increase the risk of bleeding. Multiple cases of bleeding have been reported with the use of Ginkgo biloba, and fewer cases with garlic and saw palmetto. Numerous other agents may theoretically increase the risk of bleeding, although this has not been proven in most cases.

• Kiwi may affect blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may also affect blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and doses may need adjustment.

• Kiwi may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking herbs or supplements that lower blood pressure.

• Kiwi may also interact with antiasthmatics, antibacterials, anticancer herbs and supplements, antidiarrheals, antifungals, antihistamines, antioxidants, athletic performance enhancers, cholesterol-lowering herbs and supplements, cross reactive foods (such as avocado, banana, chestnut, fig, hazelnut, melon, papaya, pineapple, poppy seeds, rye grain, sesame seeds, and tyramine- and tryptophan-containing foods), herbs and supplements that may affect the immune system, herbs and supplements that may treat bone conditions, herbs and supplements that may treat kidney conditions, herbs and supplements that may treat lung conditions, herbs and supplements that may treat skin conditions, herbs and supplements that may treat stomach conditions, hormonal herbs and supplements, hydroxytryptophan, laxatives, lutein, potassium, probiotics, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tocopherols, vitamin C, vitamin E, weight loss herbs and supplements, and wound-healing herbs and supplements.

Author Information

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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