Why in News?

• In recent studies, the medicinal plant commonly called Borthekera in Assamese was found to have cardioprotective potential.

About:

• Garcinia pedunculata, commonly called ‘Borthekera’ is a medicinal plant found in Assam.
• The tree is endemic to the south-eastern regions of Asia such as parts of Myanmar & north-eastern parts of India. It is traditionally forbidden for raw consumption.

Uses of Borthekera :

• The administration of the dried pulp of its ripe fruit reduces cardiac hypertrophy indicators, oxidative stress, and heart inflammation.
• The sun-dried slices of the ripe fruit are used for culinary and medicinal purposes and are known to have therapeutic properties like anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, nephroprotective, and even neuroprotective activity.
• Borthekera is a rich source of antioxidants.
• In Assam, such slices are used for preparing delicacies like “tengadiyamasor jol” meaning Assamese sour fish curry.