Back yard malabar tamarind ( Garcinia Gummi- gutta ): A miracle anti-obesity agent

Abstract

The aim of the study is to know the anti-obesity property of Garcinia gummi-gutta. Obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) is associated with several chronic and debilitating health problems including hyperlipidemia, hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes, cancer and disease of the gall bladder, osteoarthritis, shortage of breath, abnormal dilation of the veins, backache, and even psychological problems. A wide variety of weight management strategies are presently available, and some involve the use of dietary supplements which are marketed as slimming aids. One such slimming aid is Garcinia gummi-gutta. It is rich in one principal component to reduce obesity and cholesterol level i.e. (-) - Hydroxy citric acid (HCA). HCA is a derivative of citric acid and is found in Garcinia gummi-gutta and Garcinia indica. HCA also being reported to increase the release or availability of serotonin in the brain, thereby leading to appetite suppression by reducing carbohydrate metabolism. Hence Malabar Tamarind can be exploited for its commercial use in various value added products to maintain general health of the public.