Garcinia cambogia (Vrikshamla)

Family: Guttiferae (Clusiaceae)

Garcinia cambogia (Vrikshamla): The Fruit-Based Metabolic Regulator for Weight and Digestive Health

Garcinia cambogia, also known in Ayurveda as Vrikshamla or Malabar Tamarind, is a tropical fruit-bearing tree whose rind has gained global attention as a natural aid for weight management, appetite control, and metabolic balance. Traditionally used in South Indian and Southeast Asian cuisines, Vrikshamla also holds a place in classical Ayurvedic texts as a digestive, carminative, and fat-reducing herb. The fruit’s active compound, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), has been extensively studied for its potential to support lipid metabolism and suppress fat accumulation.

What is Vrikshamla?

Vrikshamla is a medium-sized evergreen tree that produces small, pumpkin-shaped yellow to green fruits. The fruit rind is the primary part used for medicinal and culinary purposes. When dried, the rind becomes dark brown and is commonly used in curries, pickles, and traditional digestive preparations in Kerala and coastal Karnataka.
In Ayurveda, Vrikshamla is considered Amla (sour) and Laghu (light) with Ushna Virya (heating potency). It is traditionally used to balance Vata and Kapha, promote healthy digestion, and reduce Medas (fat tissue).

Where Does It Grow?

Geographical Distribution

Vrikshamla is native to:

It is now cultivated in:

Southern India (particularly Kerala and coastal Tamil Nadu)
Southeast Asian plantations for export as a nutraceutical ingredient

The Western Ghats of India (Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra)

Indonesia

Thailand

Myanmar

Sri Lanka

Parts of Central and West Africa

Climate

Tropical and humid with abundant rainfall

Altitude

Sea level to 1000 meters

Soil

Well-drained red loam or lateritic soil

Rainfall

1500–2500 mm/year

Ideal Growing Conditions

The tree prefers shaded environments and can often be found in evergreen forests and homestead gardens.

Parts Used and Phytochemical Constituents

The fruit rind (pericarp) is the primary medicinal and culinary part.

Key Active Compounds:

HCA works by inhibiting ATP citrate lyase, an enzyme involved in converting excess carbohydrates into fat, thereby reducing lipogenesis and potentially increasing satiety.

HCA suppresses lipogenesis, the process of converting carbohydrates into fat
Enhances fat oxidation and reduces fat accumulation in adipose tissue
Reduces appetite by increasing serotonin levels in the brain
Supports reduction of belly fat and waist circumference

Therapeutic Benefits of Garcinia cambogia

Garcinia offers a wide range of benefits focused on appetite regulation, fat metabolism, digestive function, and anti-inflammatory support. It is especially suited for modern health challenges like obesity, metabolic syndrome, and overeating.

How to Use Vrikshamla Safely

Vrikshamla is available in both traditional Ayurvedic and modern supplement forms. Its dried rind is used in cooking, while standardized extracts are used in metabolic support supplements.

Forms Available

Dried rind (whole or powdered): Used in culinary and herbal formulations
Extracts: Standardized to 50–60% HCA, widely available in capsule form
Tablets, teas, syrups: Often combined with Triphala or Guggulu
Culinary uses: Tamarind substitute in coastal Indian dishes

Pregnancy and lactation: Avoid due to insufficient safety data
Diabetes: May lower blood sugar, monitor if on antidiabetic drugs
Depression or anxiety: HCA increases serotonin levels, may interact with SSRIs or mood stabilizers
Liver disorders: Use only under supervision, especially with high-concentration extracts

Vrikshamla has been extensively studied for its anti-obesity effects, with promising results in preclinical and clinical settings.

Key Research Highlights:

Weight loss: Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated modest weight loss and reduced BMI with Garcinia extract (HCA 1500–2800 mg/day)
Appetite suppression: Increased serotonin levels observed in animal models, correlating with decreased food intake
Lipid lowering: HCA supplementation reduced serum triglyceride and LDL levels in overweight subjects
Anti-inflammatory: Garcinol has shown COX-2 inhibition and antioxidant properties in laboratory studies

However, results vary depending on dosage, formulation, and lifestyle factors, emphasizing the importance of holistic integration.

Garcinia cambogia (Vrikshamla) is a traditional Ayurvedic fruit with a modern scientific identity as a natural fat regulator and appetite suppressant. With its rich content of hydroxycitric acid, it offers a non-stimulant, plant-based aid for weight management, lipid control, and digestive comfort.

Used responsibly, alongside a balanced diet, mindful eating, and physical activity, Vrikshamla can be a valuable component of an integrative approach to metabolic health and well-being.

Precautions and Contraindications

While Vrikshamla is generally well tolerated, certain precautions should be observed, particularly when using concentrated extracts.

References

1. Onakpoya, I., Hung, S. K., Perry, R., Wider, B., Ernst, E. (2011). The efficacy of Garcinia cambogia as a weight-loss supplement: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Journal of Obesity, 2011, 509038. https://doi.org/10.1155/2011/509038

2. Hayamizu, K., et al. (2003). Effects of Garcinia cambogia extract on serum lipid levels and visceral fat accumulation in humans. Journal of Oleo Science, 52(9), 499–505.

3. Roy, S., et al. (2013). Anti-obesity and lipid-lowering activity of Garcinia cambogia in animal models. Nutrition Research, 33(5), 355–361.

4. Kovacs, E. M., Westerterp-Plantenga, M. S. (2006). Effects of (-)-hydroxycitric acid on appetite, fat oxidation, energy expenditure and body weight. International Journal of Obesity, 30(6), 874–882.

5. Murthy, S. N., Ranjekar, P. K., Deshpande, U. R. (2004). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Garcinia species. Phytomedicine, 11(6), 530–538.