GARCINIA CAMBOGIA (GARCINIA GUMMI-GUTTA): PHYTOCHEMISTRY, PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES AND THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL – A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Garcinia cambogia (syn. Garcinia gummi-gutta (L.) Roxb.), commonly known as Malabar tamarind, is an economically and medicinally important tropical plant belonging to the family Clusiaceae. The fruit rind of this plant has long been utilized in traditional medicine and culinary practices due to its characteristic sour taste and diverse therapeutic properties across South and Southeast Asia, particularly along the Western Ghats of India. The primary bioactive constituent of G. cambogia is Hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which is considered the principal active compound responsible for anti-obesity activity through inhibition of ATP-citrate lyase, thereby reducing fatty acid synthesis and promoting satiety and metabolic regulation.[1-3] In addition to HCA, the plant contains several secondary metabolites including flavonoids, anthocyanins, xanthones, benzophenones, organic acids, and polyphenolic compounds. These constituents contribute to diverse biological activities such as anti-obesity, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anticancer, and hepatoprotective and gastroprotective effects.[4,5] Recent advancements in extraction technologies and nanotechnology-based delivery systems have further enhanced the pharmacological potential of G. cambogia bioactives. Despite promising therapeutic applications, concerns regarding safety, hepatotoxicity, and inconsistent clinical outcomes highlight the need for rigorous clinical evaluation. This review critically summarizes the taxonomy, botanical characteristics, phytochemical composition, pharmacological properties, therapeutic applications, and safety considerations of Garcinia cambogia, with emphasis on its emerging role as a nutraceutical and functional food ingredient.