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Garcinia gummi-gutta – Wikipedia

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**Cultivation and Characteristics**:
– Grown in Kerala, India and Southeast Asia
– Part of the plant family Clusiaceae
Fruit size ranges from orange to grapefruit
Fruit color varies from yellowish to reddish
– Rinds turn dark brown or black when dried

**Phytochemicals**:
Fruit contains hydroxycitric acid
– Other compounds include polyphenols, luteolin, and kaempferol

**Common Names**:
– Known as kudam puli on the Malabar Coast
– Referred to as goraka in Tamil speaking areas

**Weight Loss Claims and Adverse Effects**:
– Dr. Oz promoted Garcinia cambogia extract for weight loss
– Scientific evidence for weight loss impact is lacking
– Adverse events, including gastrointestinal issues, reported
– Hydroxycitric acid may cause dry mouth and nausea
– Contradictory studies on safety levels
– Potential drug interactions with certain medications

**Culinary Uses**:
– Used in cooking for sour flavor
– Essential in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for digestion
– Curry condiment in India
– Key ingredient in southern Thai sour curry

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