Phytochemicals and Biological Activities of Garcinia morella (Gaertn.) Desr.: A Review

Abstract

Garcinia morella (Gaertn.) Desr. is an evergreen tree that yields edible fruits, oil, and resin. It is a source of “gamboge”, a gum/resin that has a wide range of uses. The fruits, leaves, and seeds of this tree are rich in bioactive compounds, including xanthones, flavonoids, phenolic acids, organic acids, and terpenoids. Evidence from different studies has demonstrated the antioxidant, antifungal, antiviral, hepatoprotective, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and larvicidal activities of the fruit, leaf, and seed extracts of G. morella. This review summarizes the information on the phytochemicals of G. morella and the biological activities of its active constituents.

Analysis of Free Sugars, Organic Acids, and Fatty Acids of Wood Apple (Limonia acidissima L.) Fruit Pulp

“…Underutilized fruits are considered as a vital source of essential amino acids, vitamins, mineral elements, and dietary fiber. In addition to these constituents, fruits are also rich in proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and reducing and non-reducing sugars [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Underutilized fruits are not only a primary source of food, but also have immense therapeutical potential due to the presence of bioactive compounds, including antioxidants such as unsaturated fats, organic acids, and sugars [1][2][3][4]7,8].…”

“…In addition to these constituents, fruits are also rich in proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and reducing and non-reducing sugars [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Underutilized fruits are not only a primary source of food, but also have immense therapeutical potential due to the presence of bioactive compounds, including antioxidants such as unsaturated fats, organic acids, and sugars [1][2][3][4]7,8]. Nutraceutical compounds, which are essential for the human diet and major constituents for the storage of energy and the structural and functional composition of cells, were achieved from oils and fats [9].…”

Anticancer Properties and Mechanism of Action of Oblongifolin C, Guttiferone K and Related Polyprenylated Acylphloroglucinols

“…Natural products isolated from Garcinia species can be used to treat multiple diseases and conditions, ranging from obesity to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. The anticancer compounds are particularly abundant and diversified in Garcinia species, such as the xanthone gambogic acid [ 14 ], mangostin and mangostenol derivatives [ 15 ], and mono/biflavonoids [ 16 , 17 ]. In recent years, several PPAPs have revealed marked anticancer properties and their mechanism of action has been elucidated, at least partially.…”

Medicinal plant: Garcinia spp.

“…It consists of 250 species, out of which about 30 species are indigenous to India. Garcinia pedunculata (Amlavethasa), G. cowa, and G.Morella (Indian gamboge) are grown in North-Eastern parts of India and Andaman Islands (Negi et al,2008;Sharma and Devi,2015;Murthy et al, 2020). Garcinia are rich source of nutrients, minerals, vitamins, and dietary fibers.…”