Garcinia indica (Vrikshamla (Amlavetasa))
Garcinia indica, commonly known as Kokum, is a plant native to India. Its fruit, rind, seeds, and leaves have traditional uses in medicine.
Botanical name: Garcinia indica. Also known as: Kokum, Kokum butter tree, Wild mangosteen, Goa Butter, Vṛkṣāmla, Vrikshamla, Kokum, Ratamba, Ambaal, Amosole, Punarpuli, Murgal, Chinta, Indian gamboge, Indian Tallow Tree, Mangosteen oil tree.
Properties
Inhibition of lipogenesis, Increased fat oxidation, Appetite suppression
Dosage
There is not enough reliable information to determine an appropriate dosage of Garcinia indica. Natural products are not always safe, and dosages are important. Follow product label directions and consult with a healthcare professional before using. Dried Rind Powder: 2–6 g per day, divided into 2–3 doses. Mix with warm water or honey. Standardized Extract: 300–500 mg capsule, 1–2 times daily, standardized to 60% HCA (hydroxycitric acid). Fruit Juice/Sherbet: Fresh pulp (50–100 ml) diluted as a cooling beverage. Root bark decoction: 40-80ml. Fruit syrup: 10-20ml. Seed oil: 3-5 drops. Vrikshamla Swarasa (Juice extract): 5-10 ml. For weight loss in adults, 500 mg of hydroxycitric acid (HCA) three times per day before meals has been used. 800-1000 mg standardized extract PO (orally) three times daily has also been studied. Some studies have used dosages ranging from 300 mg to 4,667 mg of HCA per day. A non-randomized study used 500 mg of Garcinia extract twice daily for 6 months. Most studies have included Garcinia at 1000-4667 mg (standardized to 50% or 60% hydroxycitric acid) in divided doses.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Sour
- Virya: ["Hot"]
- Vipaka: ["Sour"]
Benefits
- Deepana (appetizer)
- Pachana (digestive)
- Rochana (improves taste)
Traditional uses
- Agni Mandya (digestive weakness)
- Aruchi (anorexia)
- Hridroga (heart disease)
- Vata disorders
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: increasing
- pitta: increasing
Preparation methods
- Kokum Sarbat: The fresh fruit is preserved with sugar to make a bright-red squash, which is diluted with water and bottled for sale as a beverage called Kokum Sarbat. Kokum paste and sugar are dissolved in a pan, boiled until it thickens, and then cumin powder, salt, and black pepper are added.
- Syrup: Syrup is obtained from kokum rinds and used to make kokum sherbet.
- Aagul: The extract of the fruit is called aagul in Konkani and Marathi and is added during the preparation of solkadhi.
- Beverage Dip Bags: Juice is extracted from fresh kokum fruit rind, and the rind residue is treated with sodium chloride, dried, and ground into a powder. This powder is then filled into filter bags for making a kokum beverage.
- Traditional Culinary Use: The dried ripe fruit rind is used as a souring agent in curries and other dishes. It can be used as an alternative to tamarind.
- Other methods: The fruits can be dried, soaked in water to prepare juice, or made into a fruit powder. The root bark can be made into a decoction. Tender leaves are used in preparing chutney.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- Children under 18
- Gastrointestinal Issues
- Diabetes and Hypoglycemia
- Liver Disease
- Surgery
- Allergic Reactions
- Bipolar disorder
- Medication Interactions (diabetes medications, blood thinners, medications that can harm the liver)
Side effects
- Garcinia is possibly unsafe when taken orally.
- Some people taking Garcinia have reported serious liver problems; however, it is unclear if Garcinia was the actual cause.
- Common, mild side effects include nausea, digestive tract discomfort, and headache.
- Other potential side effects include upset stomach and dry mouth.
- In some cases, Garcinia cambogia Desr consumption has been linked to hepatic, psychiatric, digestive (pancreatitis), cardiac, and muscular (rhabdomyolysis) damage.
- It's sour fruits are not healthy for people with Kapha and Pitta imbalance.
Interactions
- Garcinia might increase a brain chemical called serotonin.
- Dextromethorphan (Robitussin DM, and others): Taking Garcinia with dextromethorphan might cause too much serotonin in the brain, leading to serious side effects, including heart problems, shivering, and anxiety.
- Medications for depression (Antidepressant drugs): Garcinia might increase serotonin, and taking it with antidepressants could cause too much serotonin, leading to heart problems, shivering, and anxiety.
- Escitalopram (Lexapro): Garcinia might increase serotonin. Taking Garcinia along with escitalopram might cause too much serotonin in the brain and can result in serious side effects including heart problems, shivering, and anxiety.
- Sertraline (Zoloft): Garcinia might increase serotonin. Taking Garcinia along with sertraline might cause too much serotonin in the brain and serious side effects including heart problems, shivering, and anxiety.
- Tramadol (Ultram): Garcinia can affect serotonin. Taking Garcinia along with tramadol might cause too much serotonin in the brain and might result in side effects including confusion, shivering, stiff muscles, and others.
- Pentazocine (Talwin): Garcinia might increase serotonin. Taking Garcinia along with pentazocine might increase serotonin too much, potentially causing serious side effects including heart problems, shivering, and anxiety.
- Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs): Garcinia might lower blood sugar levels. Taking Garcinia with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low.
- Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet drugs): Garcinia might slow blood clotting. Taking Garcinia with these medications might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
- Medications that can harm the liver (Hepatotoxic drugs): Taking Garcinia along with a medication that can harm the liver might increase the risk of liver damage.
- Blood Pressure Medications: Garcinia cambogia extract may lower blood pressure, and when combined with medications designed to do the same, it can cause dizziness, weakness, or fainting.
- Statins (Cholesterol-Lowering Medications): Take extra care if you are taking certain drugs that lower your cholesterol called "statins", such as simvastatin, pravastatin, or atorvastatin.
- Pain Relievers (NSAIDs and Certain Opioids): Combining Garcinia cambogia extract with some NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, may worsen gastrointestinal side effects. Examples of pain relievers that may interact: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Naproxen (Aleve), Tramadol.
- Other substances: It is important to consult a physician before combining kokum with substances involved in insulin sensitivity, and frequent monitoring may be necessary.
- Garcinia may have potential to affect substances involved in insulin sensitivity.
Clinical evidence
Meta-analyses of up to 15 RCTs and databases tracking 20+ RCTs show that Garcinia indica extracts, particularly hydroxycitric acid (HCA), may have a small effect on short-term weight loss. However, the clinical relevance of this effect is uncertain, and more rigorous trials are needed.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Deepana (appetizer)
- Pachana (digestive)
- Rochana (improves taste)
Classical clinical indications
- Agni Mandya (digestive weakness)
- Aruchi (anorexia)
- Hridroga (heart disease)
- Vata disorders