Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Garcinia Cambogia?Health ClaimsSide EffectsPrecautionsInteractionsDosageToxicityWhat to Look ForFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Garcinia Cambogia?
Health Claims
Side Effects
Precautions
Interactions
Dosage
Toxicity
What to Look For
Frequently Asked Questions
Garcinia cambogia is a tree that bears tropical fruit. It is native to Southeast Asia and India and is one of more than 300 species ofGarcinia, a genus of theClusiaceaefamily.Trees and shrubs of theGarciniafamily are commonly referred to as sap trees. Their fruit is sometimes called monkey fruit.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Getty Images / Justin Johny
Garcinia cambogia is a tree that grows small, round fruit that is greenish-yellow. The fruit also has vertical nodes, leading some people to say it resembles a pumpkin.
Both the rind and flesh of the garcinia cambogia fruit can be consumed. However, both are said to have sour, bitter flavors. Garcinia cambogia is often used as a flavoring agent or food preservative but may also be cooked into various dishes.
Garcinia cambogia is commonly used in supplement forms like capsules, extracts, and tablets. Garcinia cambogia supplements are typically made from extracts of the fruit. These extracts contain bioactive compounds, including organic acids,xanthones, andbenzophenones.
Probably the most widely studied compound in garcinia cambogia is HCA, an organic acid and form ofcitric acid. HCA is found in the rinds of garcinia cambogia. It is thought to account for many of the fruit’s potential health benefits.
Garcinia Cambogia Health Claims
Garcinia cambogia is used in traditional and folk medicine for its perceived health benefits. There are claims that garcinia cambogia can be used to treat many conditions. However, many of the health claims surrounding garcinia cambogia are unfounded.
In folk medicine, garcinia cambogia is often used to treat:
At this time, though, there are very few human studies on any of these or other garcinia cambogia uses.
One of the most popular claims of garcinia cambogia is its involvement in weight loss. Yet, research on whether garcinia cambogia can help you lose weight is mixed.
No supplement can directly cause healthy, long-term weight loss. Additionally, there is some evidence that taking garcinia cambogia for weight loss and other purposes may cause liver damage, which can be severe.
To better understand these and other health claims of garcinia cambogia, it’s important to look at the research.
Supplement FactsActive ingredient(s):Organic acids (including HCA), amino acids, benzophenones, xanthones, flavonoidsAlternate name(s):Garcinia gummi-gutta, garcinia, Malabartamarind, brindle berryLegal status:Garcinia cambogia is sold over the counter in the United States.Suggested dose:Dosage varies depending on the product and reason for use.Safety considerations:For some people, using garcinia cambogia may lead to headache, nausea, diarrhea, and liver damage.
Supplement Facts
Active ingredient(s):Organic acids (including HCA), amino acids, benzophenones, xanthones, flavonoidsAlternate name(s):Garcinia gummi-gutta, garcinia, Malabartamarind, brindle berryLegal status:Garcinia cambogia is sold over the counter in the United States.Suggested dose:Dosage varies depending on the product and reason for use.Safety considerations:For some people, using garcinia cambogia may lead to headache, nausea, diarrhea, and liver damage.
What the Research Says
There are very few human studies on garcinia cambogia, which means much of the research on this tropical fruit comes from lab and animal studies. And while much can be learned from lab and animal studies, more human studies must be conducted to know how garcinia cambogia works in the body.
Garcinia cambogia supplements are sometimes promoted for weight loss. However, studies on this use have produced mixed results.
According to one review, animal and human studies have examined garcinia cambogia’s effects on body weight. Many of these studies have yielded conflicting results. While lab studies have found that garcinia cambogia suppresses fat cells, human trials have yet to confirm these results.
The bioactive compound, HCA, is thought to be responsible for garcinia cambogia’s potential weight loss effects.
According to a review of eight human trials, HCA-containing garcinia cambogia appears to have body weight-reducing properties. However, it’s difficult to say for certain that garcinia cambogia will directly lead to weight loss, given the inconsistencies in the study designs.
It’s worth mentioning that garcinia cambogia has not been proven effective as a long-term weight loss solution. Although some studies have shown short-term weight loss success with garcinia cambogia, others have reported the fruit’s inability to lead to weight loss. Additionally, garcinia cambogia use has been linked to liver damage and other side effects, likemaniaandserotoninsyndrome.
Overall, more research is needed. Until then, talk with a healthcare provider about the potential benefits of using garcinia cambogia supplements.
Dietary supplements are not regulated like drugs in the United States. They can cause interactions with medications or have other safety concerns. For this reason, it’s important to be aware of what to look for whenchoosing a supplement, such as independent testing, potential drug interactions, and more.
In rare cases, side effects may occur when using garcinia cambogia. These side effects may be mild or severe.
It should be noted that there is a lack of safety information regarding using garcinia cambogia. Little is known about the effects of using the supplement in large doses or for long periods. For this reason, it’s important to stay within dosage limits when using garcinia cambogia.
Common Side Effects
Some people may experience common side effects when taking garcinia cambogia. Possible side effects include:
Other minor side effects have been reported in some studies, including:
You may be more likely to experience side effects if you take high doses. Be sure to talk with a healthcare provider about using garcinia cambogia and other supplements safely.
Severe Side Effects
In rare cases, garcinia cambogia may lead to severe side effects.
There are reported cases of severe liver damage and ocular complications (decreased vision and eye pain) as a result of taking garcinia cambogia.
Some evidence shows that garcinia cambogia may cause other severe side effects, including:
More safety studies are needed to better understand the potential risks of taking garcinia cambogia. Additional research may help us learn more about safe doses and how long you can take garcinia cambogia without experiencing side effects.
Garcinia cambogia may provide health benefits, but it isn’t right for everyone. Some people should limit or avoid the use of garcinia cambogia.
It’s recommended that people who arepregnantorbreastfeedingavoid using garcinia cambogia. There isn’t enough scientific evidence on garcinia cambogia to know if it is safe for these sensitive populations.
There also isn’t enough reliable information on using garcinia cambogia in children. The safest thing to do is not give children garcinia cambogia until more research is available.
Garcinia cambogia may also worsendepressionor some forms of mania. Additionally, garcinia cambogia may lower blood sugar, which could be unsafe for people withdiabetes.
Talk with a healthcare provider before starting garcinia cambogia if you have any medical conditions. It’s vital that you understand all the potential risks of taking a supplement, especially one like garcinia cambogia, which is not well-researched.
There is often a risk of potentially harmful interactions between supplements and medications. Some supplements may also interact with herbs, foods, or other supplements. Such interactions may change the effectiveness of a medication, supplement, or herb.
When it comes to garcinia cambogia, there is a lack of information regarding potential interactions.
There is some evidence that garcinia cambogia may raise serotonin to dangerous levels.Although evidence supporting this claim is generally weak, it may be best to avoid taking garcinia cambogia with serotonin supplements or any medications that increase serotonin (like certain antidepressants).
Other interactions may exist but are not documented in the literature.
It is vital that you carefully read the ingredients list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients are included. Please review all supplement labels with a healthcare provider to discuss any potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
Dosage: How Much Garcinia Cambogia Should I Take?
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
Dosageguidelines have not been set for garcinia cambogia. This may be due to the lack of human research on garcinia cambogia.
The few human trials that do exist on garcinia cambogia have used a range of dosages. For example, one small weight-loss study used 1,200 mg of garcinia cambogia caplets daily.
HCA, the main active component of garcinia cambogia, is considered safe when doses are no more than 2,800 mg daily.
Remember that little is known about the safety of long-term use of garcinia cambogia. It is best to follow the dosage instructions on the product label.
What Happens If I Take Too Much?
In general, taking large doses of supplements increases the risk of side effects. If you take too much garcinia cambogia, you may experience headache, nausea, diarrhea, and other potential side effects.
Toxicity may also be possible if you take too much garcinia cambogia. Rarely, garcinia cambogia toxicity has led to liver damage, pancreatitis, serotonin syndrome, and psychosis. However, it’s worth noting that many of these cases of toxicity occurred when garcinia cambogia was mixed with other supplement ingredients.
Due to the risk of toxicity, never take more garcinia cambogia than directed.
Garcinia cambogia supplements are sold over the counter and are widely available online. You can also find garcinia cambogia in certain grocery stores, retail stores, and supplement shops.
Garcinia cambogia comes in a variety of forms, including capsules, tablets, soft gels, and gummies.
Be sure to read the ingredients list when choosing a garcinia cambogia supplement. Some products contain only garcinia cambogia but others include additional ingredients. These ingredients may include herbs, vitamins, minerals, or fillers.
Keep in mind that supplements should never replace a healthy diet or standard medical care. Many supplement brands make big promises that will more than likely fall short. For most people, health can be achieved with the help of a well-balanced diet.
Summary
Garcinia cambogia (Garcinia gummi-gutta) is a tropical fruit-bearing tree native to parts of Asia. The small, green fruit of garcinia cambogia is thought to possess bioactive compounds, like HCA, that may have health benefits.
Using garcinia cambogia may lead to side effects or toxicity. Liver damage has been reported.
Talk with a healthcare provider to learn more about garcinia cambogia. It may not be appropriate for everyone.
Some medications may interact with garcinia cambogia.Garcinia cambogia may cause serotonin levels to become too high if taken with supplements or medications that increase serotonin.Other interactions may exist. Always talk with a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement if you take any medications.
Some medications may interact with garcinia cambogia.
Garcinia cambogia may cause serotonin levels to become too high if taken with supplements or medications that increase serotonin.
Other interactions may exist. Always talk with a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement if you take any medications.
You should not use garcinia cambogia while breastfeeding. This is because there isn’t enough solid evidence regarding the safety of garcinia cambogia in breastfed infants. Avoid using garcinia cambogia if you are breastfeeding.
Although rare, garcinia cambogia may cause liver damage in some people.Liver damage has been reported due to taking too much garcinia cambogia or using multi-ingredient products.It’s best to stay within dosage limits for garcinia cambogia and use products from reputable brands.
Although rare, garcinia cambogia may cause liver damage in some people.
Liver damage has been reported due to taking too much garcinia cambogia or using multi-ingredient products.
It’s best to stay within dosage limits for garcinia cambogia and use products from reputable brands.
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Garcinia cambogia.Baky MH, Fahmy H, Farag MA.Recent advances in garcinia cambogia nutraceuticals in relation to its hydroxy citric acid level. A comprehensive review of its bioactive production, formulation, and analysis with future perspectives.ACS Omega. 2022;7(30):25948-25957. doi:10.1021/acsomega.2c02838Semwal RB, Semwal DK, Vermaak I, Viljoen A.A comprehensive scientific overview of Garcinia cambogia.Fitoterapia. 2015;102:134-148. doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2015.02.012Tomar M, Rao RP, Dorairaj P, et al.A clinical and computational study on anti-obesity effects of hydroxycitric acid.RSC Adv. 2019;9(32):18578-18588. doi:10.1039/c9ra01345hGolzarand M, Omidian M, Toolabi K.Effect of Garcinia cambogia supplement on obesity indices: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.Complement Ther Med. 2020;52:102451. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102451Andueza N, Giner RM, Portillo MP.Risks associated with the use of garcinia as a nutritional complement to lose weight.Nutrients. 2021;13(2):450. doi:10.3390/nu13020450National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Know the science: How medications and supplements can interact.Ibrahim MK, Aboelsaad M, Tony F, Sayed M.Garcinia cambogia extract alters anxiety, sociability, and dopamine turnover in male Swiss albino mice.SN Appl Sci. 2021;4(1):23. doi:10.1007/s42452-021-04902-zGarcinia. In:Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; May 17, 2021.National Institutes of Health - Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplements: What you need to know.
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Garcinia cambogia.Baky MH, Fahmy H, Farag MA.Recent advances in garcinia cambogia nutraceuticals in relation to its hydroxy citric acid level. A comprehensive review of its bioactive production, formulation, and analysis with future perspectives.ACS Omega. 2022;7(30):25948-25957. doi:10.1021/acsomega.2c02838Semwal RB, Semwal DK, Vermaak I, Viljoen A.A comprehensive scientific overview of Garcinia cambogia.Fitoterapia. 2015;102:134-148. doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2015.02.012Tomar M, Rao RP, Dorairaj P, et al.A clinical and computational study on anti-obesity effects of hydroxycitric acid.RSC Adv. 2019;9(32):18578-18588. doi:10.1039/c9ra01345hGolzarand M, Omidian M, Toolabi K.Effect of Garcinia cambogia supplement on obesity indices: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.Complement Ther Med. 2020;52:102451. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102451Andueza N, Giner RM, Portillo MP.Risks associated with the use of garcinia as a nutritional complement to lose weight.Nutrients. 2021;13(2):450. doi:10.3390/nu13020450National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Know the science: How medications and supplements can interact.Ibrahim MK, Aboelsaad M, Tony F, Sayed M.Garcinia cambogia extract alters anxiety, sociability, and dopamine turnover in male Swiss albino mice.SN Appl Sci. 2021;4(1):23. doi:10.1007/s42452-021-04902-zGarcinia. In:Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; May 17, 2021.National Institutes of Health - Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplements: What you need to know.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Garcinia cambogia.Baky MH, Fahmy H, Farag MA.Recent advances in garcinia cambogia nutraceuticals in relation to its hydroxy citric acid level. A comprehensive review of its bioactive production, formulation, and analysis with future perspectives.ACS Omega. 2022;7(30):25948-25957. doi:10.1021/acsomega.2c02838Semwal RB, Semwal DK, Vermaak I, Viljoen A.A comprehensive scientific overview of Garcinia cambogia.Fitoterapia. 2015;102:134-148. doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2015.02.012Tomar M, Rao RP, Dorairaj P, et al.A clinical and computational study on anti-obesity effects of hydroxycitric acid.RSC Adv. 2019;9(32):18578-18588. doi:10.1039/c9ra01345hGolzarand M, Omidian M, Toolabi K.Effect of Garcinia cambogia supplement on obesity indices: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.Complement Ther Med. 2020;52:102451. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102451Andueza N, Giner RM, Portillo MP.Risks associated with the use of garcinia as a nutritional complement to lose weight.Nutrients. 2021;13(2):450. doi:10.3390/nu13020450National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Know the science: How medications and supplements can interact.Ibrahim MK, Aboelsaad M, Tony F, Sayed M.Garcinia cambogia extract alters anxiety, sociability, and dopamine turnover in male Swiss albino mice.SN Appl Sci. 2021;4(1):23. doi:10.1007/s42452-021-04902-zGarcinia. In:Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; May 17, 2021.National Institutes of Health - Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplements: What you need to know.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Garcinia cambogia.
Baky MH, Fahmy H, Farag MA.Recent advances in garcinia cambogia nutraceuticals in relation to its hydroxy citric acid level. A comprehensive review of its bioactive production, formulation, and analysis with future perspectives.ACS Omega. 2022;7(30):25948-25957. doi:10.1021/acsomega.2c02838
Semwal RB, Semwal DK, Vermaak I, Viljoen A.A comprehensive scientific overview of Garcinia cambogia.Fitoterapia. 2015;102:134-148. doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2015.02.012
Tomar M, Rao RP, Dorairaj P, et al.A clinical and computational study on anti-obesity effects of hydroxycitric acid.RSC Adv. 2019;9(32):18578-18588. doi:10.1039/c9ra01345h
Golzarand M, Omidian M, Toolabi K.Effect of Garcinia cambogia supplement on obesity indices: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.Complement Ther Med. 2020;52:102451. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102451
Andueza N, Giner RM, Portillo MP.Risks associated with the use of garcinia as a nutritional complement to lose weight.Nutrients. 2021;13(2):450. doi:10.3390/nu13020450
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Know the science: How medications and supplements can interact.
Ibrahim MK, Aboelsaad M, Tony F, Sayed M.Garcinia cambogia extract alters anxiety, sociability, and dopamine turnover in male Swiss albino mice.SN Appl Sci. 2021;4(1):23. doi:10.1007/s42452-021-04902-z
Garcinia. In:Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; May 17, 2021.
National Institutes of Health - Office of Dietary Supplements.Dietary supplements: What you need to know.
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