Garcinia Fruits: Their Potential to Combat Metabolic Syndrome

The genus Garcinia belonging to the Clusiaceae family consists of more than 250 species and is traditionally used for diseases such as dysentery, rheumatism, and inflammation; as an antiparasitic or antimicrobial medication; or as food and flavoring. The genus is native to many countries around the tropical region. Phytochemical analyses have identified the presence of α-mangostin, γ-mangostin, hydroxycitric acid, guttiferone A, garcinol, morelloflavone, atroviridin, xanthochymol, kolaviron, and 7-epiclusianones, among other compounds. These compounds may improve health by their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and antiproliferative actions. Metabolic syndrome involves increased oxidative stress and chronic low-grade inflammation to produce conditions including hypertension, hyperglycemia, abdominal obesity, changes in the plasma lipid profile, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, thereby increasing the risk of stroke, diabetes, and heart disease. This chapter will discuss the potential of the bioactive compounds found in Garcinia species as treatments for metabolic syndrome.