A genus of plants, including the mangosteen tree (Garcinia Mangostana), found in the islands of the Indian Archipelago; -- so called in honor of Dr. Garcin.

evergreen trees and shrubs: mangosteens

Garcinia is a plant genus of the family Clusiaceae native to Asia, Australia, tropical and southern Africa, and Polynesia. The genus, with between 50-300 species of evergreen trees and shrubs, is dioecious and several of its elements are apomictic.

Garcinia cambogia Historically used in India for edema, delayed menstruation, constipation and intestinal parasites. Currently being used in the United States as a component of weight loss formulas because of its remarkable weight loss-inducing properties. Garcinia slows down the enzyme process that is responsible for producing fat in body cells. As a result, the process of thermogenesis is accelerated.

Garcinia is derived from a plant primarily grown in India that is nutritionally beneficial in blocking the production of fats. Scientific research conducted on this herb since 1969 demonstrates that it slows the body's conversion of carbohydrates and excess calories to fat, decreasing production of harmful fats (low-density lipoproteins), promoting sustained energy levels by enhancing the body's production of glycogen, reducing the body's desire for excess food; helping to nutritionally support the metabolism and burn calories. Human studies indicate that Garcinia may be especially effective when combined with chromium.