What Is Garcinia?
- Native to Asia, America, Australia, tropical and southern Africa, and Polynesia, garcinia is a type of flowering plant.
- Garcinia cambogia is the most popular weight-loss supplement among the 400 or so species of Garcinia plants.
- Garcinia cambogia extract became well-known as a weight loss supplement in late 2012 after American celebrity doctor Dr. Oz marketed it as “an exciting breakthrough in natural weight loss.”
What are the advertised health benefits of Garcinia?
- Weight loss
- Increased metabolism
- Reduced cholesterol levels
- Improved mood
- Better blood sugar control
Proposed Mechanism of Action of Garcinia on Weight Loss:
- Garcinia contains a phytochemical called Hydroxy-Citric Acid (HCA), which is thought to be the weight loss supplement.
But Does It Do What It Claims to Do?
- Since the extraction of hydroxy citric acid from Garcinia in 1960, millions of people have tried their hands on Garcinia for weight loss.
- There are numerous studies on usage of Garcinia extract as a weight loss supplement. To list a few:
1. “The Use of Garcinia Extract (Hydroxycitric Acid) as a Weight Loss Supplement: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Clinical Trials”
Author: Onakpoya, Igho, et al.
Publication: Journal of Obesity, 2011.2. “Evaluation of the Pharmacotherapeutic Efficacy of Garcinia cambogia plus Amorphophallus konjac for the Treatment of Obesity”
Author: Preuss, Harry G., et al
Publication: Phytotherapy Research, 2011.3. “Antiobesity Effects of Garcinia Cambogia (Hydroxycitric Acid) as Investigated in Drosophila melanogaster”
Author: Udani, Jay K., et al.
Publication: Journal of Functional Foods, 2014.4. “Garcinia cambogia attenuates diet-induced adiposity but exacerbates hepatic collagen accumulation and inflammation”
Author: Kim, Y. J., et al.
Publication: World Journal of Gastroenterology, 2013.5. “Efficacy of Garcinia Cambogia on Body Weight, Inflammation and Glucose Tolerance in High Fat Diet Fed Male Wistar Rats”
Author: Shin, Min-Jeong, et al.
Publication: Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition, 2015.
Summary of the findings of these studies:
Effectiveness:
Meta-analysis shows a statistically significant weight loss favoring hydroxycitric acid (HCA) compared to a placebo, though the effect is small.
Evaluation of the drug’s effectiveness suggests that Garcinia cambogia, especially when combined with Amorphophallus konjac, may help in treating obesity.
Antiobesity Effects:
Studies on Drosophila melanogaster show the antiobesity effects of Garcinia cambogia, which may support its use in weight management.
Adiposity and Inflammation:
Garcinia cambogia reduces diet-induced fat gain, but it may increase collagen buildup and inflammation in the liver. This shows a complex relationship between its effects and metabolic processes.
Glucose Tolerance:
Research indicates that Garcinia cambogia supplementation may improve glucose tolerance in male Wistar rats on a high-fat diet. This points to possible benefits for metabolic health beyond just weight loss.
However, no human studies have been conducted to confirm this.
Side Effects of Consuming garcinia for Weight Loss:
- Gastrointestinal issues: Common complaints include stomach discomfort, diarrhea, and nausea.
- Headaches: Some users may have headaches or migraines.
- Skin reactions: Occasionally, individuals may get a skin rash or experience itching as a reaction to the supplement.
- Interactions with medications: Garcinia extracts can interact with some medications, so it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional before use.
- Liver damage: In rare cases, there have been reports of liver toxicity linked to Garcinia cambogia supplementation.
In 2017, the FDA issued a warning about a weight-loss product containing Garcinia cambogia because of reports of serious liver issues.
Garcinia cambogia may also interfere with diabetes medications, including pills and insulin.
Verdict:
Based on available evidence, Garcinia might help with weight loss. However, the weight loss appears to be temporary and not very substantial. Given its side effects, we at Health and Evidence do not support Garcinia as an effective weight loss supplement.
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