Garcinia (Garcinia cambogia) is an evergreen tree that contains many species. The most common species is Garcinia cambogia which is used for detoxification of the liver & weight loss. It is commonly found in India also known as Malabar nut or Velayati Imali or Vrikshamala. The fruits are used for medicinal preparations that appear like small pumpkins. The Garcinia fruits are green to pale yellow in color. The tree of Garcinia is also named as gummi-gutta. Its fruit contains phytochemical content like hydroxy citric& other compounds such as kaempferol, luteolin, & polyphenols. Hydroxy citric acid is the major constituent in it that helps to maintain metabolism & reduce weight.
As the fruit of this tree is rich in vitamin C, it reduces gastric problems & builds natural immunity. This fruit is sour in taste & helps to maintain the metabolism in an individual. It suppresses the appetite & control weight naturally. In ancient times the fruit of this tree is used for its exotic flavor. This herb is also used for treating constipation, high lipid levels, piles, irregular menstruation, cancer, etc. In India, this tree is mostly found in Kerala, Karnataka, & Southeast Asia’s coastal regions.
What are the different synonyms of the herb Garcinia?
Garcinia cambogia, Malabar tamarind, Kudampuli, Brindle berry, Samagnicha, Vrikshamala.
What is the source of the herb Garcinia and which part is useful?
The main source of herb Garcinia is plant-based and its fruit and fruit rind is used for its culinary and medicinal values.
VARIOUS HEALTH BENEFITS OF HERB GARCINIA:
What are the health benefits of Garcinia for weight loss?
Ayurvedic Point of View:
The main reason for gaining weight is an imbalance of Kapha dosha & aggravation of Ama (toxins) in the body. Excessive Ama in the body slows down metabolism. That results in obesity. Obese people are lethargic in nature and not able to perform any task properly. Obesity can lead to many other diseases such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, digestive disorders, constipation, liver disorders, etc. The presence of hydroxy citric acid in Garcinia cuts down the extra fats & maintain metabolism. Hence, it is proved that the herb Garcinia is beneficial for weight loss.
Modern Point of View:
The herb Garcinia shows anti-obesity properties due to the presence of active component “hydroxy citric acid” in it. Garcinia prevents the lipogenesis process due to which excessive hunger in obese persons is reduced that ultimately leads to weight loss. Enzyme ATP citrate lyase helps in the formation of fatty acids. The presence of hydroxy citric acid inhibits fatty acid formation by the enzyme that helps in weight loss naturally.
Does Garcinia herb effective?
Garcinia herb shows insufficient evidence in health issues such as obesity, liver disorders, piles, constipation, etc.
How did herb Garcinia helps to maintain high cholesterol levels?
Ayurvedic Point of View:
High cholesterol levels occur when there is an imbalanced state of Kapha dosha & improper nutrition. Pitta dosha is also responsible for high cholesterol as it causes disturbance in metabolism & improper digestion. The fats are not processed completely that take place in blood vessels causing high cholesterol levels & ultimately clog the arteries. So to maintain this condition the herb Garcinia maintains the imbalanced state of Kapha &Pitta dosha in the body.
Modern Point of View:
Garcinia is an effective herb for maintaining the levels of high cholesterol. The presence of hydroxy citric acid in it inhibits the activity of an enzyme ATP lyase. So that the fat formation in the intestine, liver, & adipose tissue will not take place.
Different FAQs about various benefits of herb Garcinia
- Does Garcinia herb show the anti-inflammatory property?
- How much quantity of Garcinia should be consumed by an individual?
- Is Garcinia helpful in detoxification of the body?
- What are the Ayurvedic properties (Rasa, Guna, Veerya, &Vipaka) of the herb Garcinia?
- Does Garcinia show diuretic property?
What are the health benefits of Garcinia in Diabetes mellitus?
Ayurvedic Point of View:
In Ayurveda, Diabetes mellitus is known as Madhumeh. It is caused due to imbalance of Kapha dosha. The wrong eating habits, excessive intake of sweet leads to this disease. The herb Garcinia helps to balance the Kapha dosha & can manage Diabetes mellitus.
Modern Point of View:
The herb Garcinia improves peripheral insulin sensitivity & acts as insulin resistant. It maintains the high glucose levels in the blood & manages diabetes mellitus.
What is the recommended dosage of the herb Garcinia?
Garcinia Capsule: Take 1 to 2 capsules once or twice daily as recommended by the physician.
Garcinia Powder: Take 1 teaspoonful once or twice daily as recommended by the physician.
Garcinia Tablet: Take 1 to 2 tablets once or twice daily as recommended by the physician.
ANSWERS OF FAQs (Frequently asked questions):
Does Garcinia herb show the anti-inflammatory property?
Inflammation is the process that generally takes place after tissue injury or infection. The use of the herb Garcinia helps to lower down the inflammation & provide a good effect on many diseases. The anti-inflammatory property of Garcinia helps to lower down inflammation in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
How much quantity of Garcinia should be consumed by an individual?
If a person is taking a Garcinia capsule, then the standardized extract of 500mg is sufficient once or twice as advised by the physician. The powder form of Garcinia herb can be consumed 3gm to 5gm as advised.
Does Garcinia help in detoxification of the body?
Yes, Garcinia helps in detoxification of the body. The antioxidant property of Garcinia helps to fight against oxidative stress & prevent the body from various diseases. Garcinia extract neutralizes the effect of free radicals.
What are the Ayurvedic properties (Rasa, Guna, Veerya, &Vipaka) of the herb Garcinia?
The Rasa (taste): Madhura (sweet), Amal (sour), Katu (pungent)
The Guna(quality) : Ruksha (dry), Laghu (light)
The Veerya (potency) : Ushna (hot)
The Vipaka(post-digestive effect) : Amal (sour)
Does Garcinia show diuretic property?
Yes, Garcinia can show diuretic property. It helps to remove the extra amount of water that is accumulated in the body.
Common side effects & precautions while consuming Garcinia:
The side effects that are seen are – skin irritation, liver toxicity, liver damage, headache, digestive distress. It should be avoided for pregnant women, breastfeeding women, & children.
Always consume Garcinia under the supervision of a doctor.
