Sanskrit Name:
Kokum
Identification No.:
SDACH/HG/273
Botanical Name:
Garcinia indica Chois.
Family Name:
Clusiaceae (formerly Guttiferae)
Vernacular Names:
Hindi name- Kokum, Kokam, Komal, Amlaveta, Vishambila
English name – Kokum butter tree, Wild mangosteem, Kokum Butter tree, Red mango, Mate
mongosteen, Kokam batten tree, Mangosteen oil tree, Brindonia tallow tree
Bengali: Mahada
Bombay: Kokam, Amsul, Katambi, Bhirand
Kannada name – Dhupadamara, Murgala, Tittidika, Murgmahali, Murgala, Huli, Punarpuli.
Deccan name – kokam, Ratambi
Goa name Brindao, Amsel. Ratainbasal, Brindoesiro
Gujarati name – Kokam, Ratamba, Kokambel, Birandel
Kashmiri name – Titidika
Konkani: Birondd, Ratambi, Birondi
Malayalam name – Punampuli
Synonyms:
Garcinia mangostana L., Garcinia cowa Roxb.
Shloka from Bhav Prakash:
वृक्षाम्लं तिन्तिडीकञ्चचुक्रं स्यादम्लवृक्षकम् ।
वृक्षाम्लमाममम्लोष्णं वातघ्नं कफपित्तलम् ॥ पक्वन्तु गुरु संग्राहि कटुकं तुवरं लघु ॥१४८॥
Classification According to Ayurvedic Texts:
Charaka- Phala varga (Charaka Sutrasthana 27) Hrdya (Charaka Sutrasthana 4)
Sushrutha Samhitha- Parushakadi varga
Raja Nighantu – Pippalyadi Varga, Panchamla Phala,
Kaiyadeva Nighantu – Aushadhi Varga
Dhanvantari Nighantu – Shatapushpadi Varga
Bhava Prakasha – Chaturamla, Panchamla, Amradi Phalavarga
Habitat & Distribution:
It is reported to flourish well on the lower slopes of Nilgirihills, Singapore, China, Malabar, Malayasia, Maharastra, Kerala. Tropical rain forests of Western ghats from Konkan southwards in Mysore, Coorg, wayanad, North Kanara, Goa. It is often planted in the districts of Bombay state distributed in tropical Asia, Africa and Polynesia. Found in western Ghats of India, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Morphology:
A small evergreen tree or shrub, growing up to 15 meters in height. Leaves are simple, opposite, and ovate. Fruits are small, round, dark purple, and glossy with a sour pulp, containing numerous seeds inside.
Varieties:
No distinct varieties documented.
Substitute/Adulterant:
One common substitute is Garcinia gummi-gutta, also known as Kodampuli. Adulteration can also involve the use of inferior or exhausted rinds.
Phytochemicals:
The fruit contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), anthocyanins, xanthones, and other flavonoids. The rind has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties.
Rasapanchaka:
- Rasa: Amla
- Guna: Laghu, Ruksha
- Virya: Ushna
- Vipaka: Amla
- Prabhava (Specific action): Rochana
- Dosha Shamakta: kapavata shamaka
- Karma (Therapeutic Actions):
Astringent, digestive, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant.
Amayika Prayoga/Therapeutic Uses:
- External: Used in treatment of burns, wounds, and as a skin tonic.
- Internal: Aids digestion, relieves indigestion, treats ulcers, and provides relief from inflammation and fever.
Part Used:
Fruit, Taila, Mulatwaka
Dose:
Fruit rind powder: 1–3 g; Juice: 50–100 ml, phalapanak- 10-20ml
Yoga/Formulations:
- Kokum Sharbat
- Garcinia Capsules
- Kokum Butter
IUCN Status:
Garcinia indica is listed as Vulnerable under criteria A2cd.
Research Updates
- 2022: A study on the anti-inflammatory properties of Kokum extracts showed significant inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzymes.
- 2021: Research highlighted the antioxidant effects of Kokum fruit rind and its potential in managing oxidative stress.
- 2019: Study on Kokum’s role in lowering cholesterol and improving lipid metabolism, showing its potential for managing heart diseases.
