garcinia

Garcinia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Clusiaceae. It comprises about 200 species of evergreen trees and shrubs native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Members of the genus are typically found in tropical rainforests and woodlands, often in coastal and monsoon climates.

Garcinia mangostana, commonly called mangosteen, produces a sweet-tart fruit with a thick purple rind and white segmented flesh; it is cultivated in Southeast Asia and parts of the tropics. Garcinia cambogia, also known as Malabar tamarind, is native to Southeast Asia; its rind is used in culinary preparations, and the fruit is marketed for hydroxycitric acid extracts. Garcinia indica, known as kokam or kokum, yields a small, sour fruit whose dried rind is a common souring agent in Indian cuisine. Garcinia gummi-gutta is widely used as a synonym for the same species.

Garcinia species also produce other notable products. Some species yield gamboge, a natural yellow pigment historically used in watercolor painting, derived from the latex of certain Garcinia species such as Garcinia hanburyi.

In traditional medicine, various Garcinia species have been used for digestive and other ailments, though evidence varies by species. In modern commerce, extracts from Garcinia cambogia are marketed as dietary supplements for weight loss; however, clinical evidence is inconsistent, and there have been reports of liver injury linked to supplement use. Regulatory status varies by country.

Cultivation involves warm, humid tropical climates with well-drained soils. Some species face habitat loss and overharvesting, with conservation status varying.