GARCINIA

OTHER NAME(S):

Brindal Berry, Brindle Berry, Cambogia binucao, Cambogia gemmi-guta, Garcinia affinis, Garcinia Cambogi, Garcinia cambogia, Garcinia gummi-guta, Garcinia sulcata, Gorikapuli, Kankusta, Kudam puli, Malabar Tamarind, Mangostana cambogia, Tamarinier de Malabar, Vrikshamla.

Overview

Overview Information

Garcinia is a small to medium-sized tree that grows in India and Southeast Asia. The fruit rind contains the chemical hydroxycitric acid (HCA) and is used to make medicine. Don't confuse garcinia with Garcinia hanburyi (gamboge resin).

People use garcinia for conditions such as obesity, athletic performance, joint pain, and many others, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. There is also concern that using garcinia might harm the liver.

How does it work?

Garcinia contains the chemical hydroxycitric acid (HCA). Some laboratory research suggests that HCA might prevent fat storage, control appetite, and increase exercise endurance, but whether these effects occur in humans is unclear.

Uses

Uses & Effectiveness?

Insufficient Evidence for

  • Athletic performance. Garcinia contains a chemical called hydroxycitric acid (HCA). Taking HCA might increase how long untrained women are able to exercise. But it does not seem benefit men in the same way.
  • Obesity. It's unclear if garcinia helps people lose weight. Some research shows that it has a small benefit. Other research shows it doesn't help.
  • A disease caused by parasitic worms (schistosomiasis).
  • Constipation.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Joint pain.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of garcinia for these uses.

Side Effects

Side Effects & Safety

When taken by mouth: Garcinia is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth. There have been reports of serious liver problems in some people who have taken products containing garcinia. It's unclear if garcinia is the actual cause of liver problems in these reports or if it is due to other factors. Common, but mild side effects include nausea, digestive tract discomfort, and headache.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking garcinia if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Bipolar disorder: Garcinia can worsen mania in bipolar disorder. Don't use if you have bipolar disorder.

Liver disease: Garcinia might harm the liver. This could worsen liver damage in people with liver disease. Don't use if you have liver disease.

Interactions

Interactions?

We currently have no information for GARCINIA Interactions.

Dosing

Dosing

The appropriate dose of garcinia depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time, there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for garcinia. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

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View References

REFERENCES:

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  • Kriketos, A. D., Thompson, H. R., Greene, H., and Hill, J. O. (-)-Hydroxycitric acid does not affect energy expenditure and substrate oxidation in adult males in a post-absorptive state. Int J Obes.Relat Metab Disord. 1999;23(8):867-873. View abstract.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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