Gambooge

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Gambooge
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Malpighiales Family: Clusiaceae Genus: Garcinia Species: G. gummi-gutta
Binomial name
Garcinia gummi-gutta (L.) N.Robson

Garcinia gummi-gutta (syn. G. cambogia, G. quaesita), commonly known as Gambooge, Brindleberry, Brindall berry or Malabar tamarind, Goraka (Sri Lanka) is a subtropical species of Garcinia native to Indonesia. The yellowish fruit is pumpkin-shaped.

[edit] Cultivation and uses

Gambooge is grown for its fruit in southeast Asia, and west and central Africa. It thrives in moist forests.

In Indian traditional medicine, this species was prescribed for edema, delayed menstruation, constipation and intestinal parasites. In the form of precoction, it was also used for rheumatism and bowel complaints. The extract and rind of Garcinia cambogia is a curry condiment in India. Extract from this species is a common ingredient in various herbal appetite suppressant and energy products.

Research taking place in 1965 found that hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is the principal active compound in the rind and flesh of gambooge fruits.^{[citation needed]}

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