Garcinia Cambogia extract is also known as the Malabar Tamarind and has been used as a traditional remedy in Asian countries for many years to treat a number of conditions ranging from arthritis to infections. The reason most people reading this have heard of Garcinia Cambogia Extract however, is due to the media hype created following generally unfounded claims of its miraculous weight loss properties. Due to the fact it became popular after this, many authorities became concerned about potential side effects of Garcinia Cambogia Extract and questioned how sound the science underlying its use actually was, creating a good deal of controversy. In this article we will review Garcinia Cambogia Extract, its properties, the science underlying its potential uses and its side effects.
Garcinia Cambogia – Hydroxycitric Acid
Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is a key component of Garcinia Cambogia and is thought to be responsible for many of its proposed beneficial effects such as promotion of weight loss. The Garcinia Cambogia fruit contains up to 30% HCA. The Garcinia Cambogia Extract supplements are thought to contain up to 60% HCA (some reported as low as 20%) and are a combination of many active ingredients rather than Garcinia Cambogia alone. The quality control of the supplements is felt to be a significant concern. HCA can be taken from the fruit and isolated or it can be synthesized from citric acid or derived from other sources. In addition chemicals known as xanthones, benzophenones and organic and amino acids have been isolated from the Garcinia Cambogia plant.
Garcinia Cambogia and Appetite
A study in rats suggested that both HCA (Hydroxycitric acid) and HCAL (Hydroxycitric acid lactone analogue) suppressed appetite and also resulted in weight loss in the rats, the degree of which was related to the dose. HCAL was felt to be more effective to this regard. Another study in rats suggested that HCA prevented serotonin reuptake in the brain, similar to the effect of SSRI’s, well-known antidepressants.
What about humans? In one study of healthy human participants it was suggested that although there was an increased sense of fullness in those taking Garcinia Cambogia Extract there was no difference in energy intake between those who did and who did not take the supplement. In another study however, with almost 90 participants, HCA was found to have no significant effect on fullness or appetite.
Conclusion: Studies in animals suggested that Garcinia Cambogia Extract may suppress hunger, however in humans the studies are relatively few and have conflicting results.
Garcinia Cambogia Extract and Obesity
Studies Suggesting a Benefit
I’m going to be talking a lot about HCA, which as mentioned above is basically Garcinia Cambodia Extract. Studies done in rats in the 1970’s suggested that HCA had some effect in blocking fat synthesis. To get a little technical, the suggested mechanism of this is by blocking the first step in fatty acid synthesis, which is the conversion of citrate to acetyl-CoA.
One study looked at 24 overweight men and women, looked at 14 days of administration of HCA. The effects were compared to the effect of tomato juice. It was found that taking the HCA led to a decrease in energy consumption and there was a trend (not statistically significant) towards small decrease in bodyweight. The study design appeared decent, but the main limitation was the small number of patients.
Another study looked at the effect of HCA administration, for 5 days, in untrained women. Several different exercise and metabolic variables were studied. It was suggested that the HCA resulted in improved exercise performance and increased metabolism of fat. A different study looked at the effects of 3 days of HCA administration on overfeeding in 10 lean male subjects. The findings suggested that lipogenesis (basically production of fat) might be reduced.
A Japanese study investigated the effects of Garcinia Cambogia extract on visceral fat. Visceral fat is the fat that accumulates in the abdominal cavity and the organs higher levels of which are known to be associated with poor outcomes. There were Forty-four participants; the study period was 12 weeks of Garcinia Cambogia extract. It was found that those in the Garcinia Cambogia extract group had significantly reduced visceral, subcutaneous, and total fat areas. No significant side effects were reported in that study.
Studies Suggesting no Benefit
Some of the studies reported above suggested that Garcinia Cambogia extract may have a beneficial effect as an anti-obesity treatment. This has not been the case in all studies however. In one study Garcinia Cambogia extract did not have a beneficial effect on fat metabolism in endurance-trained humans. Another study that looked at 10 weeks of Garcinia Cambogia supplementation in humans suggested no benefit in terms of weight loss, fat burning or cholesterol profile. This has been seen in other studies in humans also. The same goes for the effect of Garcinia Cambogia extract on exercise metabolism in humans, where contrary to the above-mentioned studies, other studies have shown no benefit in terms of exercise efficiency. In this section I haven’t exhausted all the studies performed, rather just tried to provide a selection from decent reputable sources and a balanced view.
Conclusion: Some studies in humans have suggested that Garcinia Cambogia extract may have some utility as an anti-obesity treatment with beneficial affects on fat metabolism. Other similarly designed studies have found no such effect. It’s difficult to draw conclusions given limitation such as study size and duration. It’s important to note that even in the case of the positive studies, due to the nature of the studies, the findings should be considered hypothesis generating rather than conclusive in any way. That is, larger, well-designed trials are required before we can attempt to draw conclusions of clinical benefit.
Garcinia Cambogia Extract and other Potential Effects
A number of studies have been performed that suggest that in addition to the proposed effects on weight loss that the Garcinia Cambogia extract may have a number of other beneficial effects. Studies have looked at potential anti-diabetic effect, effects on blood cholesterol, anti-oxidant effects, antimicrobial effects, and anti-cancer effects. It’s important to note that pretty much all these studies have been done in either rats, or on cells in test tubes.
Conclusion: Although there may be some preliminary basic science research looking at potential non-obesity related health benefits of the Garcinia Cambogia extract, as of yet there are no good reported clinical studies to this effect and so it’s important not to assume any clinical benefit whatsoever. Initial pilot studies, then well-designed trials in humans are required.
Garcinia Cambogia Side Effects and Potential Toxicity
In rats, doses of Garcinia Cambogia extract of up to 1244mg/kg per day, showed significant toxic effects on the testicles, whereas 389mg/kg per day did not show these effects. One study studied the effect of Garcinia Cambogia extract (containing up to 1000mg HCA per day) on sex hormone levels in humans. No significant adverse effects were found. An 8 week study looking at the predominantly HCA containing ‘Super-Citrimax’ in 60 volunteers suggested that doses up to 4667mg/day were safe.
There have been some high profile reports of suspected toxicity in humans. In one of these cases a 35 year old woman, who was taking the antidepressant escitalopram who then started taking the Garcinia Cambogia extract and developed the dangerous ‘serotonin syndrome.’ She had been stable for a while on the medication prior to starting the Garcinia Cambogia extract. In this case it was difficult to know what to attribute the symptoms to and there was no proof that the extract itself was the causative factor. Regardless a potential drug interaction needs to be considered.
One of the major concerns is a potential relationship between Garcinia Cambogia extract and liver toxicity. This has been highlighted through the former HCA containing supplement ‘Hydroxycut’ potentially being implicated in multiple cases of liver toxicity. Hydroxycut was reformulated in 2009, and thereafter did not contain HCA, nor did it contain ephedra. Hydroxycut contained a number of ingredients however and without specific testing it is difficult to definitively implicate HCA alone. Regardless, authorities continue to exercise caution with regard to the use of Garcinia Cambogia and potential adverse effect such as liver toxicity.
Conclusion: Although not definitively proven, there is a potential risk of adverse events associated with taking Garcinia Cambogia extract, perhaps the most highlighted of which is liver toxicity. Appropriate caution should be exercised for potential users who should at least be aware of these. Regulation by regulatory authorities and appropriate surveillance for side effects is the best way to gather more informative critical data.
Garcinia Cambogia – What to make of it?
There is a considerable body of science in the published literature about the potential health effects of Garcinia Cambogia extract / HCA. In terms of actual human clinical data, the majority looks at the effect of Garcinia Cambogia extract on obesity related outcomes. Some studies suggest a benefit and others don’t. Most the studies are relatively small and it’s not possible to draw definitive conclusions.
With regards to the non-obesity effects, the vast majority of the studies are pre-clinical, so either on cells in test tubes or in rodent models. Many of these pre-clinical studies suggest a potential health benefit, however these have not generally been examined in clinical studies. This makes most of the science underlying these claims what we call hypothesis generating. This is important as this should be built upon to design appropriate clinical studies examining whether these hypothesis actually translate in to clinical benefits. What’s very important is not to make far-reaching claims or promises based upon these findings as for all we know not only will they not translate in to clinical benefit, but possible harm.
In general the clinical studies performed in humans, although over a relatively short time period don’t suggest any obvious toxicities however there are case reports that have surfaced suggesting a possible role of the extract in side effects such as liver failure. The reports are not conclusive with regards to implicating the extract. It’s important to maintain caution however, and be aware of the potential for side effects.
Claims of spectacular beneficial health effects of Garcinia Cambogia extract are unfounded based upon the current scientific literature. There may be a role for the extract in weight loss or other outcomes, however given conflicting results further large well-designed trials would be the only way to substantiate the claims further and allow it to be recommended based upon evidence. It’s also important that there is some regulation regarding supplement distribution that included and systematic collection of data that would allow characterization of its side effect profile given the potential for dangerous toxicity.
Comments are purely for informational purposes and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Disclaimer
Alice Blaser says
September 18, 2015 at 9:29 pmAfter having spells for 67 yrs was just Diagnosed with “POTS”. After learning my daughter was diagnosed was with it before me. We seemed to have the same symptoms is why Doctor finally had me tested also! When I was told growing up I had a heart Murmur which I do also have but that wasn’t the total problem! So now I have to learn to live & deal with “POTS” at my age. But at least I know the diagnoses now! Thanks to my Great Team of Medical Staff of Marsh Field Clinics!
Darlene Bell says
March 4, 2016 at 11:37 pmHi I have heart failure on no medications but Zantac for my acid reflux. Is this Gardenia Cambogia safe to take.
Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says
March 6, 2016 at 7:28 amUnfortunately there is no good data on whether it is beneficial or whether it can be harmful.
Shenita Ellis says
March 29, 2016 at 2:41 pmHi…I have a heart disease called cardiomyopathy I also have hypothyroid, and high blood pressure will this supplement affect me in a negative way?
Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says
March 30, 2016 at 3:00 amUnfortunately there is no good evidence to provide a decent answer. Thats one of the problems with unregulated supplements.
Cheryl Larive says
April 9, 2016 at 1:00 amI have A-Fib. Is this ok for me to take?
Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says
April 12, 2016 at 2:16 amTheres no good evidence suggesting it to be either beneficial or harmful in patients with afib
Jp says
May 20, 2017 at 3:06 amThis is his answer for every question.
Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says
May 21, 2017 at 6:41 amI think it would be simply irresponsible to lie and answer otherwise. We have no idea of the interaction profile of the extract and those taking it need to understand that. When there is no data to base an answer on, any answer is limited.
Charlotte bohanan says
April 4, 2017 at 9:13 amI have Afib and high blood pressure. I am taking. Diovan and rythmol can I take Garcinia
Hazel says
April 27, 2016 at 4:22 pmHi,
HCA is the main component present in Garcinia Cambogia that helps reducing weight. There are products available which contains upto 80% of HCA but as you mentioned minimum 50% is recommended. People treat it as a fat burner but in actual it is not a fat burner but helps reducing weight in a totally different way.
Pati says
June 18, 2016 at 5:15 pmIs this safe w Afib heart meds..plus blood thinner?will it increase heart rate and possibilit of throwing me into an Afib mode?
Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says
June 19, 2016 at 7:33 pmNo one knows the answer to that as the drug has not been studied in trials
Bunny says
June 24, 2016 at 9:33 amCan this increase my heart rate ? I’m currently taking it and it increased dramatically and it feels as if I’m high so high that I can die but yet at the same time completely in control ? I know this is odd
Diane nort says
November 29, 2016 at 5:51 pmHave you tried this yet? How did it affect your heart?
Paulette gotel says
July 10, 2016 at 4:44 amI have a pacemaker and a kidney problems high blood sugar but yet to find answer to my problems but they walk which I do it
But I can’t lose weight
Maritza Mancilla says
October 27, 2017 at 6:25 pmHi Paulette Gotel I know they haven’t had any answers for anyones questions but I wanted to ask you have you tried taking Garsinia Cambogia? Because I also have high blood pressure , diabetes and I just received a kidney transplant 1 yr ago. I want to know if I can take garcinia Cambogia? So my question to you is,since you posted this comment have you tried taking it and if it helped you?
Annette says
September 16, 2016 at 1:39 amCan Garcinia Cambogia be taken while receiving infusions of Avastin once a month?
Lou says
September 24, 2016 at 5:32 pmTrying to quit smoking need something help lose weight is it safe if on blood thinner? Ty
Trae says
November 13, 2016 at 4:31 pmHello, I Gained A Significant Amount Of Weight Due To Stroke Caused By ASD, Is It Safe For Me To Take This Product?
Trae says
November 13, 2016 at 4:38 pmHello, I Gained A Significant Amount Of Weight Due To Stroke Caused By ASD, Is It Safe For Me To Take This Product?
Thanks~
Nancy Zukoski says
January 9, 2017 at 7:03 amMy doctor says No to taking Garcinia Cambogia because of possible heart problems. After reading about the success in dieting, I would like to take this. I am not able to take other diet pills because of high blood pressure. So is or is not this safe and useful in weight loss?
Cheryl says
March 21, 2017 at 6:48 amFor you to be a doctor you should know if this supplement is safe for people that have heart problems high blood pressure a pace maker
ahmad h alhoshki says
January 16, 2017 at 2:11 amhi there, am S/P CABG X 4 with H/O PE that is S/P CABG with Antilphosphlipd syndrome (APL) on the following med : beta blockers Extend release 25 mg QD, Xarelto 20 mg QD, ezetrol 10mg QD, lipitor 80 mg QDm, and baby aspirin,
so the question for you Sir is Garcinia Cambogia because of possible heart problems.
Dwight Campbell says
January 25, 2017 at 7:23 pmIs this product safe to take with high blood pressure ???
Debby says
February 5, 2017 at 2:56 pmI have tachycardia (faster then normal heart rate). My tachycardia started after a medical doctor prescribed me with a fen-fen (spelling) type of weight loss pill. I stopped the pill but kept the tachycardia :(. Does this affect the heart rate any? Please reply and with something other then the generic “not studied in trials”. The HEARD is something that SHOULD be monitored in ALL trials.
Debby says
February 5, 2017 at 2:58 pmI mean HEART, not HEARD, obviously.
Jill says
February 13, 2017 at 9:19 amMy sister took this for 3 weeks, stopped because it wasn’t working. Approximately 3 weeks after stopping it she started having mild chest pain and fatigue. She went to the doctor, had a full work up. Her liver enzymes were very elevated. A CT scan showed an inflamed liver. All forms of hepatitis were ruled out. Her doctors could only conclude it was the Garcinia Cambogia. So glad she stopped taking it when she did. Her liver enzymes are starting to come down, but are still quite high.
Cheryl says
March 21, 2017 at 6:52 amWe must be careful of what we take just to lose weight
Vickie Mroski says
May 2, 2017 at 3:05 amBest comment of all, very helpful in determining if i really want to try this
Alva Urbina says
April 22, 2017 at 11:23 pmI just bought the advanced formula Ultimate Garcinia Dietary Supplement from Groupon App, and now I’m wondering about taking it. I have heart flutter palpitations, and on 25 mg Metoprolol when needed. However, after reading some of the comments on this site, I’m not sure I should even consider begin taking it. Not sure what it will do to my heart, and the liver part is really scary. Thank you for sharing your comments folks.
Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says
April 24, 2017 at 4:42 amThe reality is that effects on the heart is unknown. We don’t know if its entirely safe or potentially harmful. From a medical standpoint the data is scarce and so its difficult to comment at this time. Its the main problem with substances that are not regulated by the FDA, we simply don’t know.
Given the large amount of people we have been able to help here, we are starting a twitter to help keep heart patients up to date with advances and relevant information. Mine can be followed at MustafaAhmedMD
Tina PEISS says
July 9, 2017 at 1:19 amHi, Alva Urbana,,forget it about garcinia-Cambodia, but chance you medication for high blood pressure, you take now,Metroprolol,,,is dangerous and old medication,,,I all most die taking this for metroprolol.Ask,your doctor for better pills for your HBP,,,called,,,LOSARTAN,,trust me. Is the best. I wish you a good health. Am,Tina P.67 years old. Thanks, for your time reading this.
Greg harris says
July 18, 2017 at 1:51 pmso I am understanding that I cant take this with my heart pills???
Megan says
March 21, 2019 at 9:49 pmI took this diet pills for about a week and I also developed heart palpitations. Did your palpitations stop? And how long did it take them to stop?
Greg harris says
July 18, 2017 at 1:52 pmSo No to taking Garcinia Cambogia when on heart meds?? Please let me know..thankyou
Dr. Mustafa Ahmed says
July 19, 2017 at 5:08 amNo one knows the answer to this question, there may be a risk or there may be none, unfortunately there is no good guidance.
If you are interested in cutting edge information and therapy for heart disease then follow my twitter at @MustafaAhmedMD
Brittany C says
October 18, 2017 at 8:16 pmI have recently purchase garcinia cambogia. I am going to be taking it in conjunction with Forskolin, so I really hope it doesn’t have any negative effects. But regardless, it can’t be worse than the Aspartame that they put in your drinks and sweets, that is approved by the FDA. I love my liver. I don’t drink alcohol, so hopefully I will not be harming my liver too much and hopefully I will lose some of this excess postpartum fat!
Rose Proctor says
November 23, 2017 at 1:40 amA well known vitamin chain store assoc. tried to sell me garcinia tablets and I had made him aware of my afib/hbp/very low thyroid and all related medications. Rather than rush to buy, I wrote down the name and doseage and my search brought you to me. Thank God it did! I do not need additional medical issues with which to deal. Doctor, thank you for giving very candid answers to all questions I’ve read thus far. We need more doctors like yourself!
Valerie gowland says
December 19, 2017 at 11:26 amI have been advised not to take the pills as I have heart problems and diabetes
Lillian J says
September 20, 2018 at 4:53 amThank you. I will throw mine in trash. Waste of $. I have CHF and didn’t consult my cardiologist. Have taken GC for 3 days and already feel palpitations.
Vinnie says
May 15, 2018 at 7:29 pmI had a kidney transplant and have yet to contact my nephorogist on the Garcinia Cambrogia. I see several issues related to the liver but nothing about the kidneys. Will the Garcinia Cambrogia affect my kidneys or have a negative affect on my anti-rejection meds? The anti-rejection meds I take are Mycophenolate and Tacrolimus.
Thanks
Vinnie Kelemen says
May 15, 2018 at 7:29 pmI had a kidney transplant and have yet to contact my nephorogist on the Garcinia Cambrogia. I see several issues related to the liver but nothing about the kidneys. Will the Garcinia Cambrogia affect my kidneys or have a negative affect on my anti-rejection meds? The anti-rejection meds I take are Mycophenolate and Tacrolimus.
Thanks
Candie l Shelfer says
June 9, 2018 at 5:44 pmHad Triple Bybass and can’t
One the extra 20 PCs I’ve gain. Is Garcinia Cambodia safe for me to take for a month while exercising to help with the weight lose. I also purchased Healthy Cleanse. May I take these products and be safe with my heart condition?
Megan Denny says
March 22, 2019 at 2:51 pmI was taking garcinia Cambodia and began having heart palpitations . So I quit them .
Diana Ortega says
March 25, 2019 at 3:09 amIt’s weird I’m thinking that if they say this product helps you lose weight then they should know who should take it and who shouldn’t and what effects you would have if your on any kind of meds .So really then it should be illegal to say and show false advertising and sell this product to anyone just my opinion
Tomasa Rodriguez says
March 29, 2019 at 11:55 pmI agreed with you GC took me to the emergency room with pain chest and having symptoms like i was having a mild stroke. They should not advertise false information. I will advise not to take this pills. I just got discharged yesterday from the hospital. Thank God I am okay.