Last verified: 17 days ago
Garcinia Cambogia
Also known as: Hydroxycitric Acid, HCA, Garcinia gummi-gutta, Malabar tamarind, (-)-Hydroxycitric acid
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Tropical fruit extract with weak weight-loss evidence and real liver and lead toxicity risks.
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What it does
Garcinia cambogia is a tropical fruit whose rind contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), a compound marketed for weight loss. In animal studies, HCA appears to inhibit fatty acid synthesis and may...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
500–1500 mg/day (HCA extract); No established dose for weight loss
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Found in
What the Science Says
Garcinia cambogia is a tropical fruit whose rind contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), a compound marketed for weight loss. In animal studies, HCA appears to inhibit fatty acid synthesis and may modestly affect blood sugar regulation. One small clinical trial found it may improve urinary symptoms in men with benign prostate enlargement, and a human study showed minor blood glucose lowering in healthy individuals — but not in people with type 2 diabetes.
What It Doesn't Do
Won't reliably cause meaningful weight loss in humans — clinical evidence is inconsistent at best. Doesn't lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Not a proven fat burner. Animal study results don't translate cleanly to humans. Don't expect dramatic body composition changes.
Evidence-Based Benefits
May improve urinary flow and reduce prostate size in men with benign prostate enlargement.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 500 mg three times daily (1500 mg/day)
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Modestly lowers blood glucose in healthy people when delivered directly to the small intestine.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 2800 mg intraduodenal (clinical research dose only)
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Inhibits fatty acid synthesis pathways in animal models by reducing cytosolic acetyl-CoA.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 1000–3000 mg/kg diet (animal study only)
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Moderate — a pharmacokinetic study found food significantly affects HCA absorption after oral dosing, suggesting timing relative to meals matters. Absorption data is limited to healthy women in one Phase I study.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Linked to over 200 reported cases of liver injury in a systematic review — hepatotoxicity is a documented, serious risk
- A case report documents lead poisoning in a 28-year-old man taking Garcinia cambogia for weight loss — contamination risk in OTC supplements is real
- Over 1,000 registered supplement products on NIH DSLD means quality control varies enormously across brands
- Weight-loss evidence in humans is inconsistent and weak despite decades of marketing claims
- No established safe long-term dose in humans
Products Containing Garcinia Cambogia
See how Garcinia Cambogia is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Garcinia Cambogia do?
Tropical fruit extract with weak weight-loss evidence and real liver and lead toxicity risks.
What is the effective dose of Garcinia Cambogia?
500–1500 mg/day (HCA extract); No established dose for weight loss
Is Garcinia Cambogia safe?
Linked to over 200 reported cases of liver injury in a systematic review — hepatotoxicity is a documented, serious risk
What doesn't Garcinia Cambogia do?
Won't reliably cause meaningful weight loss in humans — clinical evidence is inconsistent at best.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25