cambogia

Garcinia cambogia, commonly marketed as cambogia or Garcinia cambogia extract, refers to the tropical fruit of Garcinia cambogia. The rind of the fruit contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which is the main active ingredient in many supplement formulations. The plant is native to Southeast Asia and parts of Africa and has a history of use in traditional cooking and medicine.

The proposed mechanism for weight loss centers on HCA inhibiting the enzyme ATP citrate lyase, which is involved in fatty acid synthesis, potentially reducing fat production. Some proponents also suggest appetite suppression through effects on serotonin, but such claims are not consistently supported by robust evidence. The exact biological effects and their relevance to body weight remain uncertain.

Clinical evidence on weight loss with Garcinia cambogia is mixed. Systematic reviews generally find only a small and inconsistent effect on body weight, with substantial variability between trials. When a benefit is observed, it is usually modest and not reliably reproducible across different study designs. Methodological limitations and publication bias contribute to uncertainty about real-world effects.

Safety and regulatory considerations are important. Common adverse effects include gastrointestinal symptoms. There have been rare reports of liver injury in association with Garcinia cambogia supplements, and product quality can vary, raising concerns about contaminants or inaccurate labeling. In many countries, Garcinia cambogia products are sold as dietary supplements and are not approved by regulators for weight loss. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals and those taking medications should exercise caution and consult a healthcare provider before use.