Author(s): Dr. Priya Pillai

Abstract:
Garcinia indica (Kokam) is an Indian spice. The rinds of garcinia fruit are the richest source of α-hydroxycitric acid and is having a nutraceutical potential for obesity. Taking into account the nutraceutical properties of Kokam, a health drink was prepared as a therapeutic food supplementation. About 100 ml diluted health drink was given for six months of period to ninety adolescents (18 to 21 years in age) from Kolhapur, Sangli, and Ratnagiri districts in western Konkan of Maharashtra. The efficacy of the Kokam health drink was assessed after examining and comparing the data about the nutritional status of obese adolescents after supplementation. The result found that the supply of 0.5 mg/100 ml alpha hydroxycitric acid among grade I obese adolescents was effective in reducing the percent of body weight (from 160.0 to 142.0) and triglycerides level (from 157.2 to 150.0) whereas high-density lipoproteins (HDL) level increased (from 52.0to 68.8) among the selected obese adolescents.