Garcinia Cowa (Seedling) Fruit Plant

Cowa fruit (Garcinia cowa), also known as cowa mangosteen, is an evergreen tropical fruit tree native to South and Southeast Asia, including India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Malaysia, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Southwest China. The tree is often found growing wild, and both its fruits and leaves are locally harvested for food and traditional uses.

The plant produces yellow flowers, with male and female flowers occurring separately on the same tree (or in distinct flower structures). The fruit is edible and is used in various regional culinary and medicinal preparations.

Garcinia cowa Benefits & Traditional Uses

Cowa fruit has a long history of use in traditional folk medicine, especially in Thailand and surrounding regions. Different parts of the plant are used for various purposes:

• The bark is traditionally used as an antipyretic (to reduce fever) and antimicrobial agent.
• The latex is used for antipruritic purposes (to relieve itching).
• The fruits and leaves are used to support blood circulation, aid digestion, and act as an expectorant for cough and respiratory issues.
• The roots are believed to help reduce fever.
• In parts of East India, sun-dried fruit slices are used in traditional remedies for dysentery.

Scientific studies have identified xanthones in the bark, which show in vitro anti-malarial activity against Plasmodium falciparum. Additionally, the bark is used to produce a yellow dye for textiles, while its gum resin has applications in varnishes.