Borthekera, also known as Garcinia pedunculata, is a plant species found in the northeastern region of India, particularly in Assam. It has been traditionally used for medicinal and culinary purposes by the locals, who believe in its therapeutic properties. Recent research conducted by scientists at the Scientists of Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) has confirmed that Borthekera provides protection against heart ailments.
The Study
The IASST study aimed to evaluate the cardioprotective potential of Borthekera. The researchers administered dried pulp of the ripe fruit from the plant to laboratory rats with induced heart hypertrophy, a condition characterized by enlargement of the heart muscle. The rats were divided into four groups, each receiving a different dosage of the dried fruit pulp for 14 days.
The results of the study showed that the administration of dried pulp of the ripe fruit from Borthekera minimized cardiac hypertrophy indicators and oxidative stress and other ailments associated with heart. The researchers concluded that the plant has significant cardioprotective properties and could be used in the development of novel therapeutics to treat heart diseases.
Therapeutic Properties of Borthekera
The sun-dried slices of the ripe fruit from Borthekera are used for medicinal and culinary purposes. The plant has various therapeutic properties, including:
- Anti-inflammatory – Borthekera contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Anthelmintic – The plant has anthelmintic properties, which means it can help expel parasitic worms from the body.
- Antibacterial – Borthekera has antibacterial properties, which can help fight bacterial infections.
- Antifungal – The plant has antifungal properties, which can help fight fungal infections.
- Antidiabetic – Borthekera has antidiabetic properties, which can help regulate blood sugar levels in the body.
- Hypolipidemic – The plant has hypolipidemic properties, which can help reduce the level of lipids in the blood.
- Nephroprotective – Borthekera has nephroprotective properties, which can help protect the kidneys from damage.
- Neuroprotective – The plant has neuroprotective properties, which can help protect the nervous system from damage.