🌿 Garcinia cambogia, a tropical fruit widely used in natural weight management and Ayurvedic wellness:
Common Names: Malabar Tamarind, Kudampuli, Garcinia
Botanical Name: Garcinia cambogia (also called Garcinia gummi-gutta)
Hindi Name: Vrikshamla
Sanskrit Name: Vrikshamla
Family: Clusiaceae
Type: Small to medium-sized tropical tree
🌳 Plant Description
- Fruit: Small, pumpkin-shaped, yellow to green in color
- Taste: Sour and astringent
- Habitat: Native to India and Southeast Asia, especially in coastal and tropical forests
- Part Used: Rind/Peel of the fruit – dried and extracted for supplements
🔬 Key Active Compound
- Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA) – the primary bioactive compound that may support:
- Appetite suppression
- Fat metabolism regulation
- Inhibition of fat production (lipogenesis)
- Increased serotonin levels (which may reduce emotional eating)
💊 Medicinal & Therapeutic Uses
| Use | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Weight Management | May help curb appetite and inhibit fat accumulation |
| Digestion | Traditionally used to aid digestion and reduce bloating |
| Cholesterol | May reduce LDL and triglycerides, increase HDL |
| Metabolic Support | Enhances fat metabolism when combined with exercise |
| Ayurveda | Used for its sour taste to balance Kapha dosha, promote digestion |
🌼 Ayurvedic Properties
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Rasa (Taste) | Sour, Astringent |
| Virya (Potency) | Cooling |
| Vipaka (Post-digestive effect) | Sour |
| Effect on Doshas | Balances Kapha, may aggravate Vata if overused |
In Ayurveda, Vrikshamla is known for stimulating agni (digestive fire) and supporting natural detox.
🧪 Forms of Use
- Extract Capsules – Standardized to 50–60% HCA
- Powder (Churna) – Traditionally used in decoctions
- Cooking ingredient – In South Indian cuisine, especially fish curries
- Liquid extracts – For use in dietary supplement blends
⚠️ Precautions
- Best taken under professional guidance if used long-term
- Not recommended during pregnancy, lactation, or for people with liver disease
- May interact with diabetes, cholesterol, or antidepressant medications
- Overuse may cause digestive discomfort or dry mouth