Non-traditional products from kokum: Inland and global opportunities

Abstract

Garcinias (Mangosteen, Kokum) are tropical fruits, and are rich source of nutrients, minerals, vitamins, and dietary fibers. They are also abundant with bioactive compounds namely xanthones, benzophenones, hydroxycitric acid, and anthocyanins. Many studies have detailed that these compounds possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, antiallergy, antiulcer, antiparasitic, and antihelminthic activities to aid in human health and also weight loss and appetite reducing properties, making them good dietary supplements. Therefore, bioactive compounds extracted from Garcinia fruits could be used in the preparation of pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. Garcinia indica as biochemically one of the most creative plant species. Appropriate utilization of the non-traditional products like HCA, Garcinol, wine, purified pigments and processes such as organogelation would create more domestic and International demand. This review presents an overview of the bioactive compounds derived from Garcinia fruits and their biological activities for promoting human health as food and drug.