Garcinia indica

Garcinia indica, also known as kokum, is a fruit-bearing tree that has culinary, pharmaceutical, and industrial uses. The fruit of the Garcinia indica tree is a staple of the Indian diet, particularly in the western coastal regions of Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The name "Garcinia indica" is derived from the Latin "indica" meaning "of India", and "Garcinia" is named after Laurent Garcin, a French naturalist who first described the genus. The common name "kokum" is derived from the Konkani term "kokam".

Description[edit | edit source]

Garcinia indica is a slender evergreen tree that grows up to 18 meters in height. The tree's bark is smooth and dark brown, while the leaves are green and glossy. The fruit is a dark purple drupe, similar in appearance to a small plum.

Culinary uses[edit | edit source]

The fruit of the Garcinia indica tree is widely used in Indian cuisine. The outer cover of fruit is dried in the sun to get Aamsul or Kokam. It is used as a staple souring agent typically in Maharashtrian cuisine, Goan cuisine and in some parts of Karnataka.

Medicinal uses[edit | edit source]

Garcinia indica has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. The fruit is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, and it is used to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive problems, inflammation, and skin disorders.

Industrial uses[edit | edit source]

The seeds of the Garcinia indica tree are rich in hydroxycitric acid, which is a substance that has potential use in the industrial production of hydroxycitric acid.

References[edit | edit source]

Garcinia indica Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? Explore our world directory. WikiMD's DocFinder can assist you in locating millions of physicians.	Medical Knowledge Access the latest research - Most recent articles Ongoing trials.