Photo Courtesy: nenow
Guwahati: A long-standing staple in Assamese kitchens, the tangy fruit known as thekera is gaining global scientific recognition through the research of retired Indian Forest Service officer and botanist Jatindra Sarma. His comprehensive studies on the Garcinia genus have shed light on the ecological, medicinal, and economic potential of these plants across Northeast India.
Sarma, who formerly served as the Field Director of Kaziranga National Park, utilized field surveys and chemical analysis to document the unique properties of various Garcinia species. A key 2019 study led by Sarma identified 64 volatile compounds in six regional species. These findings suggest the plants contain significant concentrations of substances with potential antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-cancer properties.
The research notes that these regional Garcinia profiles differ significantly from those found in the Western Ghats, opening new paths for pharmaceutical exploration. Sarma highlighted the cultural and therapeutic importance of these fruits, stating, "The fruit is commonly used in traditional fish curries, pickles and cooling beverages, while folk medicine attributes therapeutic value to it for treating digestive disorders, jaundice and diabetes."
Beyond chemical analysis, Sarma has expanded botanical records by identifying three new species, including Garcinia assamica in 2016, Garcinia sibeswarii in 2021, and most recently, Garcinia kusumae in 2025. This latest discovery, named in honor of his mother, features distinctive pinkish orange fruits and creamy-yellow flowers found near the Manas landscape.
These efforts have helped confirm that Assam is home to approximately 12 distinct Garcinia species. As interest in the plant's nutritional and anti-obesity potential grows, Sarma is advocating for sustainable cultivation to protect these vital ecosystems and preserve indigenous knowledge for future scientific inquiry.
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