Plant Part Used
Fruit
Introduction
A large portion of the United States’ population is overweight. The use of garcinia has been rapidly growing in the United States due to the desire of people to lose weight. As part of a lifestyle that includes good nutrition and exercise, garcinia may favorably modify metabolism and appetite. These benefits could help people lose weight and lead healthier, more active lives.
Interactions and Depletions
Interactions
Dosage Info
Dosage Range
500-1000mg (standardized extract), 3 times a day, taken 1/2 hour before meals.
Most Common Dosage
500mg (standardized extract), 3 times a day taken 1/2 hour before meals.
Standardization
[span class=doc]Standardization represents the complete body of information and controls that serve to enhance the batch to batch consistency of a botanical product, including but not limited to the presence of a marker compound at a defined level or within a defined range.[/span]
No true standardization; but 50% (-)-hydroxycitric acid [(-)-HCA] content per dose is desired.
Reported Uses
Research suggests garcinia may modulate blood fat levels. (1) This effect, scientists say, can lead to increased energy and metabolism. (2) These findings are supported by another study that found that subjects using garcinia in addition to niacin-bound chromium and a reduced-fat diet lost three times more weight than those on a diet alone. (3)
The appetite-suppressant mechanism of garcinia is thought to be due in part to its role in stimulating the production of glycogen in the liver and small intestine. (4) When glycogen is produced, the brain receives a signal that the stomach is full and satisfied.
There is some concern regarding the effectiveness of garcinia for weight loss. A study of 89 mildly overweight women tested the effectiveness of garcinia in weight loss. (5) Forty-two participants took garcinia and forty-seven participants took placebos. The garcinia group did not show better compliance to the diet, significant appetite changes, an increase in energy, or a weight change.
Toxicities & Precautions
Introduction
[span class=alert]Be sure to tell your pharmacist, doctor, or other health care providers about any dietary supplements you are taking. There may be a potential for interactions or side effects.[/span]
General
This dietary supplement is considered safe when used in accordance with proper dosing guidelines. (6)
Pregnancy/ Breast Feeding
To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects related to fetal development during pregnancy or to infants who are breast-fed. Yet little is known about the use of this dietary supplement while pregnant or breast-feeding. Therefore, it is recommended that you inform your healthcare practitioner of any dietary supplements you are using while pregnant or breast-feeding.
Age Limitations
To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects specifically related to the use of this dietary supplement in children. Since young children may have undiagnosed allergies or medical conditions, this dietary supplement should not be used in children under 10 years of age unless recommended by a physician.
References
- Sergio W. A Natural Food, the Malabar Tamarind, May Be Effective in the Treatment of Obesity. Med Hypotheses. 1988;27(1):39-40.
- Sullivan AC, et al. Effect of (-)-Hydroxycitrate upon the Accumulation of Lipid in the Rat. II. Appetite. Lipids. 1974;9:129-34.
- View Abstract: McCarty MF, et al. Inhibition of Citrate Lyase May Aid Aerobic Endurance. Med Hypotheses. 1995;45(3):247-54.
- View Abstract: Sullivan AC, et al. Metabolic Regulation as a Control for Lipid Disorders. I. Influence of (–)-hydroxycitrate on Experimentally Induced Obesity in the Rodent. American J of Clinical Nutrition. 1977; 30:767-76.
- View Abstract: Mattes RD, Bormann L. Effects of (-)-Hydroxycitric Acid on Appetitive Variables. Physiol Behav. Oct2000;71(1-2):87-94.
- Lowenstein JM, et al. Effect of (-)-Hydroxycitrate on Fatty Acid Synthesis by Rat Liver in Vivo. J Biol Chem. 1971;246:629-32.
