Garcinia pedunculata Roxb., commonly known as Vetasamla or Amlavetasa, is an evergreen medicinal tree belonging to the family Clusiaceae (Guttiferae). It is native to Northeast India and is known for its acidic fruit, which is traditionally used as a food additive and therapeutic agent. The dried fruit rind is widely utilized in Ayurvedic and folk medicine for its digestive, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective benefits.
Botanical Description & Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Angiosperms
- Class: Eudicots
- Order: Malpighiales
- Family: Clusiaceae
- Genus: Garcinia
- Species: Garcinia pedunculata Roxb
Common Names
- English: Stalked Mangosteen
- Sanskrit: Amlavetasa
- Hindi: Amlavetasa
- Assamese: Thekera
- Bengali: Amlavetasa
- Tamil: Kodampuli
- Malayalam: Iravipuli
Traditional Ayurvedic Uses:
- Supports Healthy Digestion - Used to relieve indigestion, acidity, diarrhea, and flatulence due to its sour and digestive-stimulating properties.
- Cardioprotective & Metabolism Boosting - Acts as a cardiotonic and helps improve heart function, Balancing lipid levels, Supporting healthy metabolism, Managing weight naturally
- Powerful Antioxidant & Anti-inflammatory Herb - The fruit rind exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping reduced oxidative stress, Cellular protection, Slowing inflammation, Supporting overall immunity
- Hepato- and Nephroprotective Uses - Traditional use and modern studies suggest potential liver and kidney protective effects.
- Relief from Respiratory Conditions - Folk medicine uses include relief from cough, cold, and bronchitis.
References
The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Govt. of India.
Bhattacharjee, S., et al. (2021). “A Comprehensive Review of Garcinia pedunculata Roxb. and its therapeutic potential.” Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12, 635968.
Sarma, R., et al. (2016). “Polyphenol-rich extract of Garcinia pedunculata fruit attenuates oxidative stress and biochemical alterations.” Frontiers in Pharmacology, 7, 294.
Mundugaru, R., et al. (2017). “Quality standardization and nephroprotective effect of Garcinia pedunculata fruit rind extract.” Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Education and Research.
Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L., & Chopra, I.C. (1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. CSIR, New Delhi.
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