Antioxidant activity of asam glugor (Garcinia atroviridis)

Oxidative damage has been known to affect human health and cause various diseases but it may be prevented or limited by dietary antioxidants.

Garcinia atroviridis is an endemic fruit tree species in Peninsular Malaysia. It is one of the well-known plant that contains antioxidant compounds. The root, leaf, trunk and stem bark extracts (except for the fruits) showed strong antioxidant activity exceeding that of the standard antioxidant, alpha-tocopherol.

Dried fruit has been used to improve blood circulation, treat coughs, and as an expectorant and laxative.

The study by Malaysia local university findings indicate the potential use of G. atroviridis leaves and fruits as a source of natural antioxidants and nutrients for therapeutic purposes against free radical mediated health conditions. Antioxidant potential of this species was most commonly reported. Other bioactivities include antimicrobial, antifungal, antiobesity and lipid metabolism, cytotoxicity, antiinflammatory, antimalarial and antinicotine stress activities.

The role of antioxidants is to prevent damage to cellular components that arise as a consequence of chemical reactions involving free radicals Human body requires antioxidants to reduce the effects of free radicals. Garcinia species are rich sources of mangostin, tannin, xanthone, isoflavone, flavones, and other bioactive substances.
Antioxidant activity of asam glugor (Garcinia atroviridis)

Garcinia atroviridis or asam gelugor

Garcinia atroviridis also known as asam gelugor is common in the Malay Peninsula. Its fruit are cultivated throughout Southeast Asia, for spices.

The leaves are desuccate and glossy, long and show about 18 pairs of secondary nerves. The flowers are dark a red and the fruits are pumpkin like berries are edible and sour.

The ripe acid fruits which are a brought orange-yellow are sliced, dried and used in curries, as a sour relish or stewed in panty of sugar and eaten. The dried fruit slices are used to give acidity to cooked dishes in place of tamarind.

Garcinia atroviridis may be useful in preventing atherosclerosis or lowering the relative risk of atherosclerosis.
Garcinia atroviridis or asam gelugor