Clusiaceae
Garcinia
Garcinia cambogia
⚠ Use with Caution
Avoid in Pregnancy
Native to: India, Southeast Asia, West Africa
Also known as: Malabar Tamarind, Gambooge, Brindleberry, Kudam Puli
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
FruitRind
Therapeutic Uses
Weight management (HCA reduces fat accumulation — clinical trials show modest 2-3kg additional weight loss over placebo), appetite suppression, hyperlipidemia. Traditional culinary souring agent.
Herbal Actions
ATP-citrate lyase inhibitor (reduces fat synthesis), appetite suppressant (increases serotonin), lipid-lowering
Active Constituents
Hydroxycitric acid (HCA — 10–30% of rind, ATP-citrate lyase inhibitor), xanthones, polyphenols, tannins, flavonoids
Preparation Methods
💊 Capsule🏺 Tincture
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | N/A — extract form |
| Tincture | Standardized extract (60% HCA): 500–1000mg 3x daily 30–60 min before meals |
| Notes | Effect modest — 2–3kg benefit over 12 weeks. Not a magic weight loss herb. Best combined with caloric restriction and exercise. HCA effectiveness debated — some meta-analyses positive, others negative. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
⚠ Use with Caution
Pregnancy
Avoid in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Avoid in pregnancy. Avoid with antidiabetic medications. Caution with serotonergic drugs (SSRIs — serotonin effects). Liver toxicity (rare — specific manufacturers). Check product reputation.
Side Effects: GI discomfort, headache. Rare liver toxicity (specific supplement brands). Serotonin-related effects. Generally well tolerated at standard doses.