Phytochemical Profiling and Ethnobotanical Significance of Garcinia indica Choisy

Abstract

Chronic non-communicable diseases linked to sub-optimal food intake and oxidative stress have grown widespread in the world, making plant-based functional foods with bioactive phytochemicals more appealing globally. Garcinia indica Choisy or Kokum is an underutilised fruit crop, native to the Western Ghats of India, with nutritional, medicinal and ethnobotanical importance. The objective of the current study was to determine the phytochemical profile of extracts obtained from kokum rind by various solvents, and the traditional use and consumption pattern of the locals. The standard biochemical procedures were used for qualitative phytochemical screening of the chloroform, ethanol and aqueous extracts of kokum rind. The study, however, showed the presence of various important phytochemical groups such as phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, anthocyanins, glycosides, diterpenes, alkaloids and reducing sugars. The highest phytochemical diversity and intensity was recorded for ethanolic extracts, while the highest concentration of polar antioxidants like phenolics and anthocyanins was recorded for aqueous extracts. Lipophilic phytochemicals were selectively extracted in chloroform. The results of the ethnobotanical survey showed that kokum remains an important element in traditional food systems and traditional medicine use. The preparations commonly reported by the respondents were: kokum sherbet, kokum rice, kokum paak, and medicinal preparations for digestive disorders, dehydration, and heat-related disorders. The findings of this work provide scientific support for the therapeutic and functional value of kokum and highlight the need to maintain indigenous food knowledge systems. The study sheds light on the potential of kokum as a nutraceutical, offering applications in functional foods, health promotion, and sustainable nutrition.