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Kiwifruit or Actinidia is native to Yangtze Valley of China and is the National fruit of China. Other species of Actinidia are found in China, Japan and southeastern Siberia. Kiwifruit is a dioecious vine which can reach heights of 9m. It was introduced to New Zealand and United States in the early 20th century. The fruit was initially called Chinese Gooseberry. In 1959, it was named kiwifruit after New Zealand’s kiwi. Italy is now the leading producer of kiwifruit in the world, followed by New Zealand, Chile, France, Greece, Japan and United States.

Kiwifruit has very high levels of vitamin C and potassium. It also has a wide range of nutrients such as dietary fiber, vitamin E, folic acid, copper, pantothenic acid, calcium, magnesium, iron, vitamin B6 and phosphorus. It has low sodium, low fat and no cholesterol. Kiwifruit extract contains protease enzyme obtained from kiwifruit. The extract has high level of actinidin which mimics the enzyme pepsin in humans. It also contains antioxidants and essential fatty acids.

Kiwifruit extract inhibits melanoma in invitro tests. In murine models, kiwifruit extract increases markets of acquired and innate immunity. Kiwifruit extract is also used as a cosmetic agent to reduce ageing.