Chemistry and Biological Activity of Garcinia xanthochymus: A Review

AbstractGarcinia xanthochymus (Gamboge) is a fruit yielding tree belonging to the Clusiaceae (Guttiferae) family and is naturally distributed in South East Asian counties. The plant has been used in traditional medicine for treatment of various ailments. Various experimental studies have been carried out during the past decade for the isolation and extraction of various phytochemicals present in this species and to determine their biological activity. Studies have shown that the phytochemicals present in this plant possess various biological activities like antioxidant, cytotoxic, nerve growth factor potentiating, antimicrobial, antiinflammatory activity and have been used for the production of garcinia wine. The aim of this review is to summarize the various phytochemicals isolated, their biological activities and beneficial properties of this species for providing a platform for future researchers to exploit these plants for various drug synthesis and nutraceutical potentials.