Garcinia indica
Garcinia indica · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Garcinia indica is a versatile plant species known for its significant medicinal potential across various biological conditions. Researchers have focused on its anticancer activities, particularly through the study of bioactive chemicals like garcinol, xanthochymol, isoxanthochymol, and camboginol. Various plant parts, including the fruit, seed, leaf, and stem, serve as critical sources for therapeutic investigation. Scientists utilize diverse preparations, such as extracts of the stem bark, fruit rinds, leaves, and seed pericarps, to study these effects. These studies aim to combat complex conditions ranging from cancer and dementia to amnesia and the impact of hydroxyl radicals.
- Synonyms
- Brindonia Indica · Brindonia Oxycarpa · 3 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Clusiaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Fruit · Seed
Classification
Common Names
Garcinia indica is a versatile plant known by a wide variety of regional and traditional names. It is frequently referred to as kokum or kokam, terms that are commonly used in culinary contexts. In certain areas, the plant is also identified by its distinctive color-based moniker, Indian Gamboge. Another popular name for this species is Goa-butter, which highlights its unique economic importance. Depending on the linguistic influence, you may even encounter it written as garcínia indická.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Garcinia indica is a plant species known to be associated with several different botanical names throughout taxonomic history. It is recognized as a synonym for Brindonia celebica, a name that reflects its complex classification. Furthermore, this species shares synonyms with Brindonia indica and Brindonia oxycarpa, illustrating the overlapping identities found in botanical literature. The plant is also linked to the name Garcinia purpurea, which adds another layer to its scientific nomenclature. Finally, it is recorded as a synonym for Oxycarpus indica, highlighting the diverse ways this single plant has been documented.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Garcinia indica is a distinguished member of the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast biological realm, the species is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It belongs to the diverse order Malpighiales, showcasing its unique evolutionary placement. Further taxonomic refinement places the plant within the family Clusiaceae. Ultimately, it is defined by its specific membership in the genus Garcinia.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Clusiaceae |
| Genus | Garcinia |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Garcinia indica is a species primarily found within the tropical regions of Asia. Its natural distribution is most concentrated throughout the Indian Subcontinent, where it thrives in specific climates. In particular, India serves as a major stronghold for this plant's diverse growth. Understanding its geographic range is essential for studying its ecological role in these warm environments. This widespread presence highlights the plant's significance to the local biodiversity of the region.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Garcinia indica grows in a robust tree form that allows it to thrive in its natural habitat. As a self-supporting species, it maintains its structural integrity and stands firmly without the need for external assistance.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Garcinia indica contains specific bioactive compounds that demonstrate significant anticancer potential. Recent research has focused on the identification and quantification of two key polyisoprenylated benzophenones, garcinol and isogarcinol, found within the fruit. To study these substances effectively, scientists developed an optimized ultrasound-assisted extraction process followed by highly sensitive LC/ESI-MS/MS analysis. This advanced methodology allows for the precise detection of these compounds even at incredibly low picogram levels. Such analytical advancements are crucial for exploring the therapeutic capabilities of the plant in cancer research.
Compounds
Garcinia indica is a rich source of various bioactive polyisoprenylated benzophenones used in diverse therapeutic research. Scientific analysis has confirmed that this plant contains isoxanthochymol, xanthochymol, and camboginol within its various extracts, such as the stem bark and fruit rinds. Additionally, the species is known to contain garcinol and isogarcinol, both of which have demonstrated significant anticancer properties. Research specifically highlights the potential of garcinol as a neuroprotective agent capable of mitigating Alzheimer's-like neurodegeneration. Together, these diverse chemical constituents underscore the significant pharmacological importance of Garcinia indica in modern medicine.
Conditions
Garcinia indica serves as a valuable medicinal resource with the potential to treat cancer through its bioactive compounds. Research indicates that its fruit rind extract can treat 3 Gray (Gy) gamma radiation-induced damages in human peripheral blood lymphocytes by acting as a radiomodulatory agent. The plant also demonstrates efficacy in treating Alzheimer's disease (AD) due to the neuroprotective properties of its natural polyphenol, garcinol. Specifically, garcinol has been shown to treat AlCl3-induced AD in Drosophila melanogaster models by regulating oxidative stress and inflammation. Furthermore, Garcinia indica is identified as a medicinal plant capable of treating alcoholic liver disease (ALD) by reducing liver injury.
Preparations
Garcinia indica is prepared as extracts of the stem bark to identify and quantify polyisoprenylated benzophenones. The plant is also prepared as extracts of the fruit rinds, which have demonstrated potent cytotoxic activity against various human cancer cell lines. Additionally, Garcinia indica is prepared as extracts of the leaves and seed pericarps for chemical analysis using LC-MS/MS methods. Research further shows that Garcinia indica is prepared as chloroform-soluble fractions during the fractionation of methanol extracts. These diverse preparation methods allow for the isolation and study of biologically active compounds like xanthochymol and isoxanthochymol.
Parts used
Garcinia indica is a plant species of significant interest due to the diverse bioactive compounds found within its various anatomical structures. Research has extensively utilized different plant parts, specifically the fruit, to quantify important anticancer compounds like garcinol and isogarcinol. Beyond the fruit, the seeds and seed pericarps serve as vital sources for identifying and quantifying benzophenones such as isoxanthochymol and camboginol. The leaves also contain biologically active substances, making them a key component for chemical analysis. Furthermore, the stem bark provides a valuable resource for extracting compounds like xanthochymol, demonstrating the plant's multifaceted chemical profile.