Useful Information On Garcinia Cambogia

Other Common Names: Various forms of the family - Guttiferae. Garcinia kola, bitter kola, Malabar tamarind, Garcinia cambogia

Range: SE Asia, West and Central Africa

Habitat: Moist forest

Garcinia has been used historically in India for treatment of edema, delayed menstruation, constipation and intestinal parasites. This herb is currently used in the United States as a component of weight loss formulas. Various species of South Asian plants of the genus Garcinia (particularly Garcinia cambogia) have high contents of hydroxycitrate (HCA), which is the active ingredient in this and many other currently marketed weight loss products. However, it has not yet been shown, in controlled studies published in the scientific literature, to be effective in weight loss in humans.

A decoction of the fruit rind is given in rheumatism and bowel complaints. The organic acid known as (-)HCA is the primary acid found in the fruit and rind of garcinia. The fruit rind and extracts of G. cambogia are used in many traditional recipes. In the Ayurvedic system of medicine, some flavors are said to activate digestion and are used as purgatives, in the treatment of worms and parasites, tumours and dysentery. Neither acute nor chronic toxicity is reported with regular consumption of Garcinia products as either food or tonics. These products have been used routinely in the coastal areas of South Asia for centuries and they continue to be consumed in large amounts.

Garcinia cambogia fruit have been reported to have around 20-30% of hydroxy citric acid lactone along with tracer amount of citric acid.

HCA inhibits lipogenesis, lowers the production of cholesterol and fatty acids, increases the production of glycogen in the liver, suppresses appetite, increases the body's production of heat by activating the process of thermogenesis. Potential dietary supplement for weight loss and appetite control.

"A plant has been found to halt the deadly Ebola virus in its tracks in laboratory tests", scientists have said.

They used a compound from Garcinia kola, a plant commonly eaten in West Africa. Compounds from the plant have also proved effective against some strains of flu.

If the anti-Ebola compound proves successful in animal and human trials, it will be the first medicine to successfully treat the virus that causes Ebola haemorrhagic fever - an often-fatal condition.

The discovery was announced at the 16th International Botanical Congress in St Louis in the US.

The active compound is what is known as a dimeric flavonoid, which is two flavonoid molecules fused together.

Flavonoids are non-toxic and can be found in orange and lemon rinds as well as the colorings of other plants.

Garcinia kola, is found in moist forest and grows as a medium size tree, up to 12 m high. It is cultivated and distributed throughout west and central Africa. Medicinal uses include, purgative, antiparasitic, antimicrobial. The seeds are used in the treatment of bronchitis and throat infections. They are also used to prevent and relieve colic, cure head or chest colds and relieve cough. Also the plant is used for the treatment of liver disorders and as a chewing stick.

The constituents include?biflavonoids, xanthones and benzophenones. The antimicrobial properties of this plant are attributed to the benzophenone, flavanones. This plant has shown both anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Studies show very good antimicrobial and antiviral properties. In addition, the plant possesses anti-diabetic, and antihepatotoxic activities.

  • BBC News, Thursday, August 5, 1999 Published at 14:34 GMT.

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