Kokum is also known as the “Indian Butter Tree” and is a fruit-bearing tree. All parts of Kokum i.e., (fruits, peels and seeds) have plenty of health benefits. The dried peel of the fruit is used as a flavoring agent in curries.
Kokum helps in weight loss by reducing the production of fatty acids as well as increasing the secretion of a hormone (serotonin) which suppresses appetite. Kokum, when taken orally, might also be useful in managing gastric ulcers due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Drinking Kokum juice helps to expel heat, reduce acidity and relieve sunstroke. Kokum juice also helps manage the blood sugar levels by increasing insulin secretion due to its anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties.
Kokum oil is considered to be good for the skin due to its antioxidant property that helps reduce wrinkles and delays the signs of aging. It can be used to manage skin allergies and burns[7][8].

What are the synonyms of Kokum?

Garcinia indica, Birondd, Birondi, Kokummara, Dhupadamara, Kokan, Murgalmera, Murgal, Ratamba, Amsole, Amasul, Punampuli, Brindonia tallow tree, Mangosteen oil tree, Wild mangosteen [1].

What is the source of Kokum?

Plant Based

Benefits of Kokum

Precautions when using Kokum

Breastfeeding

Modern Science View

Not enough scientific evidence is available on the use of Kokum during breastfeeding. So it is advisable to avoid Kokum or use only under medical supervision during breastfeeding.

Pregnancy

Modern Science View

Not enough scientific evidence is available on the use of Kokum during pregnancy. So it is advisable to avoid Kokum or use only under medical supervision during pregnancy.

Recommended Dosage of Kokum

Kokum Syrup - 1-2 teaspoon once or twice a day.

How to use Kokum

1. Kokum Syrup
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon Kokum syrup.
b. Mix with the same quantity of water.
c. Have it once or twice a day after taking food.

2. Kokum Juice
a. Take ½-1 cup of Kokum juice.
b. Add the same quantity of water and drink it on an empty stomach once a day.
c. You can also add jaggery for a sweet flavor.

Frequently asked questions

Q. What is black Kokum?

Modern Science View

Kokum sold in the market is the halved and dried rind that is dark purple or black in colour. The rind is sticky and with curled edges. It adds a sweet and sour flavour to the dish along with a pinkish-purple colour.

Q. Where does Kokum butter come from?

Modern Science View

Kokum butter is pressed and refined from the fruit of the Kokum tree. It is used in creams and lotions due to its thickening property. Kokum butter is also used in other cosmetics like soaps, body butter and lip balms.

Q. What does Kokum taste like?

Modern Science View

Dried Kokum has a tangy taste which is why it is usually used in dishes in place of tamarind. It imparts a sweet-tangy flavour.

Q. What is the best time to drink Kokum juice?

Modern Science View

Although there is no definite time to drink Kokum juice, it is more commonly used in hot summer season as a cool and refreshing drink to protect the body against dehydration and sunstroke[17].

Q. How to prepare Kokum water at home?

Modern Science View

You can prepare Kokum water/ juice at home as follows:
-Take 2-3 Kokum fruits and rinse them properly. Chop the fruits and remove the seeds.
-Use the pulp and outer covering.
-Grind the pulp along with some water.
-Strain and separate the mixture.
-You can add some more water to the Kokum pulp to prepare Kokum water.
-You can also make a sherbet with it by mixing in sugar syrup and adding cold water.

References

1
Balkrishnan A.Vrikshaml.Ayurved Jadi Buti Rehsya. Danik Bhaskar.2017.
2
Panda V, Ashar H, Srinath S.Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effect of Garcinia indica fruit rind in ethanol-induced hepatic damage in rodents.Interdiscip Toxicol. 2012;5(4):207–213.
3
Dhamija I,Parle M,Kumar S.Antidepressant and anxiolytic effects of Garcinia indica fruit rind via monoaminergic pathway.3 Biotech.2017; 7(2): 131.
4
Nayak CA, Rastogi NK,Raghavarao KSMS.Bioactive Constituents present in Garcinia Indica Choisy and its potential food applications: A review.International Journal of Food Properties.2010;13(3):441-453.
5
Onakpoya I, Hung SK, Perry R et al.The Use of Garcinia extract (hydroxycitric acid) as a weight loss supplement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials.J Obes.2011;2011:509038.
6
Baliga MS, Bhat HP, Pai RJ et al.The chemistry and medicinal uses of the underutilized Indian fruit tree Garcinia indica Choisy (kokum): a review.Food Research International.2011;44(7):1790-1799.
7
Kirana H, Srinivasan B.Aqueous extract of garcinia indica choisy restores glutathione in type 2 diabetic rats.J Young Pharm.2010;2(3):265-268.
8
Swathi P, Jagadeesh Kumar T, Eswar Kumar K.Methanolic fruit extract of Garcinia indica ameliorates progression of diabetic nephropathy in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. International Journal of Biological & Pharmaceutical Research.2015;6(1):12-18.
9
Jagtap P, Bhise K, Prakya V.A phytopharmacological review on Garcinia indica.International Journal of Herbal Medicine.2015;3(4):2-7.
10
Swami SB, Thakor NJ, Patil SC.Kokum (Garcinia indica) and its many functional components as related to the human health: a review.Journal of Food Research and Technology.2014;2(4):130-142.
11
Patel M, Antala B, Barua C et al.Anxiolytic activity of aqueous extract of Garcinia indica in mice.International Journal of Green Pharmacy.2013;7(4):332-335.
12
Panda V, Ashar H, Srinath S.Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effect of Garcinia indica fruit rind in ethanol-induced hepatic damage in rodents.Interdiscip Toxicol.2012 Dec;5(4):207-213.
13
Panda VS, Ashar HD.Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Garcinia indica choisy fruits in carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in rats.Journal of food biochemistry.2012;36(2):240-247.
14
Kshirsagar AD, Mohite R, Aggrawal AS et al.Hepatoprotective medicinal plants of ayurveda– a review.Asian J Pharm Clin Res.2011;4(3):1-8.
15
Padhye S, Ahmad A, Oswal N et al.Emerging role of garcinol, the antioxidant chalcone from Garcinia indica Choisy and its synthetic analogs.J Hematol Oncol.2009;2:38.
16
Sahasrabudhe A, Deodhar M.Anti-hyaluronidase, anti-elastase activity of Garcinia indica.International journal of botany.2010;6(3):299-303.
17
Sawant N, Kaur C, Rashmi HM, Kaur J, Singh B, Kanatt SR, et al. Bioactive compounds, bio-functional properties, and food applications of Garcinia indica: A review. J Food Sci. 2022;87(10):4157-75
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35933691/
18
Yamaguchi F, Saito M, Ariga T, et al.Free radical scavenging activity and antiulcer activity of garcinol from Garcinia indica fruit rind. J Agric Food Chem.2000;48(6):2320-2325.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/12429686_Free_Radical_Scavenging_Activity_and_Antiulcer_Activity_of_Garcinol_from_Garcinia_indica_Fruit_Rind
19
Patel K, Panchasara A, Barvaliya M, et al. Evaluation of cardioprotective effect of aqueous extract of Garcinia indica Linn. fruit rinds on isoprenaline-induced myocardial injury in Wistar albino rats. Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences.2015; 10:388-396.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/283107747_Evaluation_of_cardioprotective_effect_of_aqueous_extract_of_Garcinia_indica_Linn_fruit_rinds_on_isoprenaline-induced_myocardial_injury_in_Wistar_albino_rats
20
Swami SB, Thakor NJ, Patil SC.Kokum (Garcinia Indica) and its Many Functional Components as Related to Human Health: A Review. Journal of Food Research and Technology. 2014; 2(4): 130-142.
http://jakraya.com/journal/pdf/6-jfrtArticle_1.pdf

Disclaimer

The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.