Garcinia cambogia is a Southeast Asian fruit that was later introduced to India. It has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to decrease appetite and aid digestion. In India, it has also been used as a food preservative and even as a deodorant.

Function

The active ingredient in garcinia cambogia is a substance known as hydroxy-citric acid (HCA), which theoretically performs several biological functions. The ones of interest here are basically two: it inhibits the activity of the enzyme ATP-citrate-lipase, which is responsible for catalysing the reaction by which new fat mass is synthesised, and, in a context of Krebs cycle overload due to excessive carbohydrate intake, it inhibits the production of new medium-chain triglycerides from malonyl-CoA. The effects of HCA are confirmed by only a few studies (e.g. Hayamizu, 2003; Lim, 2002, 2003a, 2003b), while others refute them (Heymsfield, 1998; Kriketos, 1999).

Negative notes

Garcinia cambogia is a completely safe supplement. It has no adverse effects.

Form and dosage

Garcinia cambogia supplements are mainly available on the market in tablet form, but it is also possible to find products in liquid form. As far as dosage is concerned, most studies that have proven the effectiveness of garcinia cambogia as a slimming supplement have used doses of hydroxy-citric acid (i.e. not the whole fruit, but only its active ingredient) of between 1.5g/day and 3g/day, divided into three doses. However, there are some studies that show efficacy only at much higher dosages (8.4g/day). Since the indications are not given here with reference to garcinia, but only to its active ingredient, it is recommended that the titration to HCA be carefully checked.