Asam gelugor — the weight buster

NST: MOST of us know asam gelugor or asam keping as a sour relish in asam laksa and asam pedas.
But the kampung folk have another use for it. They have been using it as a weight loss remedy.
Yes, our kampung folk are really on to something, confirm researchers at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia.
Despite its extreme acidity, asam gelugor has been found to be an effective appetite suppressant.
Dr Rasadah Mat Ali, director of FRIM’s Medicinal Plants Programme, said hydroxycitric acid, the active ingredient in asam gelugor, increases fatty acid oxidation in the pancreas, liver and skeletal muscle cells which results in a decrease in appetite.
It also stimulates glycogen synthesis in the liver and inhibits the uptake of serotonin in the brain, leading to further appetite suppression and feelings of satiety.
In addition, hydroxycitric acid also inhibits lipogenesis, the metabolic process that changes carbohydrate into fat. It has been shown to lower blood lipid levels.
Known by the scientific name Fructus garcinia atroviridis, asam gelugor trees are endemic to the northern region of the peninsula and grow up to 20 metres in height.
So, forget about all those expensive weight loss products that could be harmful to your health. Just buy some asam gelugor.
"We have done toxicology studies," said Rasadah. "It’s very safe. It is plant-based and there are no harmful appetite suppressant steroids. The only people who shouldn’t take it are pregnant women."

Those who do not fancy the sour taste of asam gelugor will soon be able to purchase asam gelugor tablets.
FRIM has licensed a local company to produce a standardised extract of asam gelugor containing 15 per cent hydroxycitric acid.
For its research work in asam gelugor extract, FRIM received an Innovative Product Award at the recent 17th International Invention, Innovation, Industrial Design and Technology Exhibition.
The exhibition, organised by the Malaysian Invention and Design Society, was held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from May 19 to 21.

It’s not just asam gelugor that is exciting news in FRIM.
Rasadah said researchers from FRIM, in collaboration with Sirim, have also extracted a standardised citronella oil from the leaves of serai wangi — Cymbopogon nardus (L.) rendle.
This citronella oil has anti-dandruff, anti-microbial and insect repellent properties. Because it has a pleasant lemony smell, the oil can also be used for aromatherapy.
Serai wangi is used traditionally for stomach complaints (the essential oil is rubbed topically), insect repellent (dried or injured leaves are used) and as a childbirth wash in a decoction containing other herbs.

Other efforts by the FRIM-Sirim team:
• A standardised extract of pink guava (Psidium guajava) leaves which contains natural antioxidants that have skin whitening and anti-aging properties.
• An oxidant-rich skin whitener from the skin of the mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) fruit. It works by inhibiting biosynthesis of melanin. Mangosteen has been used traditionally to control fever and ward of infections.
• Skin whitening properties in antioxidant-rich extract of kadok (Piper sarmentosum) leaves. The leaves are used by kampung folk to treat malaria, cough and cold, backache, joint pain, toothache and getting rid the body of worms.
• Anti-rheumatic properties of the leaves of Vitex negundo, known by a number of common names including legundi, lemuning, dangla, lipuk and tigau. These leaves provide the characteristic flavour and purplish colouring of nasi kerabu.
Village folk use the leaves to treat a wide range of conditions, including flu, cough, dysentery, malaria, arthritis, asthma, digestive problems and headache.

Knowing that research alone is not enough, FRIM has licensed several local companies to exploit its research.
The Malaysian products, using local technology and ingredients, will be marketed soon.