Some medicinal uses of Garcinia indica Choisy

Abstract

The Genus Garcinia belonging to the family Clusiaceae includes about 200 species found in the Tropics of the Old World, especially Asia and Africa. Out of a total of 35 species found in India, 17 are endemic. Of these, 7 are endemic to the Western Ghats, 6 in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and 4 in the North-east India. They prefer evergreen and evergreen forests, but some thrive in relatively low rainfall area. Garcinia indica, commonly known by various names such as Bindin, Biran, Bhinda, Kokum, Katambi, Ratamba or Amsol in Vernacular, while in English language too, it is known by various names such as Mangosteen, Wild mangosteen, Red mango, The Kokum butter tree, The Mangosteen oil tree, the Brindonia tallow tree, Indian Gamboge and Tomata plant, is a graceful slender tree usually attaining a height of up to 10 meters.