Question 1

What is Lycopersicon esculentum used for in Ayurveda?

Accepted Answer

In ayurvedic practice, Lycopersicon esculentum (tomato) is valued for its antioxidant, digestive-support, and cooling properties. The ripe fruit is incorporated into preparations aimed at liver health and reducing inflammation. Its high lycopene content is of particular interest to practitioners studying oxidative stress.

Question 2

Is Lycopersicon esculentum native to Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

No, the tomato is not native to Sri Lanka. It originated in western South America and was introduced to the island through colonial-era trade routes. It has since become a widely cultivated and naturalised species, absorbed into local culinary and medicinal traditions.

Question 3

What is the Sinhala name for Lycopersicon esculentum?

Accepted Answer

The tomato is commonly called 'Thakkali' (තක්කාලි) in Sinhala, a term shared with neighbouring Tamil-speaking communities. The name reflects the plant's long presence in local food culture across Sri Lanka.

Question 4

Where in Sri Lanka are tomatoes grown?

Accepted Answer

Tomatoes are cultivated primarily in the central hill country, particularly in Nuwara Eliya and Badulla districts, where cooler temperatures support good yields. The dry zone also produces tomatoes during the maha season with irrigation. Kitchen gardens across the island grow the plant informally throughout the year.

Question 5

What is lycopene and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

Lycopene is a fat-soluble carotenoid pigment that gives ripe tomatoes their red colour. It is considered one of the most potent antioxidants among commonly consumed fruits and vegetables. Notably, lycopene becomes more bioavailable when tomatoes are cooked, which is relevant to Sri Lankan cuisine that often includes cooked tomato dishes.

Question 6

How does the Sri Lanka ayurvedic plant catalogue work?

Accepted Answer

Sri Lanka maintains an official catalogue of medicinal plants compiled and updated by government ayurvedic research institutions. It documents both indigenous species and cultivated or naturalised plants whose therapeutic properties have been evaluated within the ayurvedic framework. Lycopersicon esculentum appears in this catalogue as a cultivated species with recognised medicinal relevance.

Question 7

Are the leaves of Lycopersicon esculentum used medicinally?

Accepted Answer

The leaves and stems of the tomato plant contain alkaloids including tomatine, which has attracted scientific interest for antimicrobial properties. However, traditional ayurvedic practice in Sri Lanka generally uses only the ripe fruit in internal preparations and does not recommend consuming the green parts of the plant.