Fruit

Kudam Puli

Provisional Moderate ScoreCompound

Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia

Published March 15, 2026Last updated March 15, 2026Methodology · Editorial policy · Report an error

Evidence review status: unreviewed

Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.

Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION

Provisional Summary

Kudam Puli (Garcinia cambogia) contains 50-60% hydroxycitric acid (HCA) in its fruit rind, which inhibits ATP-citrate lyase to reduce fat synthesis and increase serotonin levels for appetite suppression. Clinical trials demonstrate modest weight loss effects of approximately 1 kg greater than placebo over 2-12 weeks.

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Screened PMID Records

Reported Benefits

Pending

Synergy Review

At a Glance

CategoryFruit

GroupFruit

Public Score StatusProvisional Moderate

Primary Keywordkudam puli benefits

Kudam Puli — botanical close-up

Reported Benefits (Provisional)

Supports weight management

by inhibiting ATP citrate lyase, a key enzyme in fat synthesis.

Enhances digestion by

stimulating digestive enzymes and promoting gut regularity.

Reduces appetite and: promotes satiety, aiding in caloric control

Improves fat metabolism,: contributing to healthy body composition

Regulates cholesterol levels,: supporting overall cardiovascular health

Supports liver health: through its antioxidant and detoxifying properties

Origin & History

Natural habitat

Kudam Puli (Garcinia cambogia), also known as Malabar Tamarind, is a tropical fruit native to Southwest India and Sri Lanka, especially prevalent in Kerala and coastal Karnataka. It is traditionally valued for its souring properties in cuisine and its medicinal applications in Ayurvedic formulations.

“In Ayurvedic medicine, Kudam Puli is known for its *deepana* (digestive stimulant) and *lekhana* (fat-reducing) properties. It has been traditionally used in formulations for indigestion, obesity, and rheumatism, serving as both a culinary ingredient and a medicinal fruit in traditional Kerala households.”Traditional Medicine

Research Narrative (Provisional)

Clinical studies have investigated Kudam Puli (Garcinia cambogia) for its efficacy and safety in weight management, particularly its impact on lipid metabolism. Research also documents its digestive and antioxidant activity, supporting its traditional applications.

Preparation & Dosage

Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.

Nutritional Profile

- Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA): Inhibits ATP citrate lyase, suppressing lipogenesis and supporting fat metabolism. - Flavonoids: Provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. - Garcinol: Contributes to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. - Organic Acids: Support overall metabolic function.

Reported Mechanism (Provisional)

Mechanism of Action

Hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the primary bioactive compound at 50-60% concentration in the rind extract, inhibits ATP-citrate lyase, a key enzyme that converts citrate to acetyl-CoA for fatty acid synthesis. HCA also increases serotonin levels in the brain, promoting satiety and reducing appetite. This dual mechanism targets both fat production and caloric intake for weight management.

Clinical Narrative (Provisional)

A meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials showed Kudam Puli extracts produced approximately 1 kg greater weight loss compared to placebo over 2-12 weeks of treatment. One 8-week study using 2800 mg/day HCA demonstrated 1.94 kg weight loss, though results across studies remain inconsistent. Most trials involved small sample sizes and short durations, limiting the strength of evidence. The overall clinical evidence supports modest weight loss benefits but lacks robust long-term safety and efficacy data.

Also Known As

Garcinia cambogiaGarcinia gummi-guttaMalabar tamarindBrindal berryKodampuliFish tamarind

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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