Common Names: garcinia cambogia, garcinia, Malabar tamarind, brindle berry

Scientific Name: Garcinia gummi-gutta

Background

• Garcinia cambogia is a tropical species native to regions of India and Southeast Asia, found primarily in moist, evergreen areas. Traditionally, its fruit has been brewed into teas in folk remedies to alleviate digestive discomfort and reduce inflammation. Additionally, its rind has been valued as a natural food preservative.

• The rind of the fruit contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), a compound that has gained interest for its potential role in managing appetite. Beyond medicinal uses, the rind is widely used in culinary preparations.

• Today, garcinia cambogia supplements, often standardized to contain HCA, are frequently marketed for weight loss support and appetite suppression.

What Is Currently Known?

• Clinical studies exploring garcinia cambogia’s ability to aid in weight loss have yielded mixed results. Other medicinal uses of the fruit are less thoroughly examined.

• There have been multiple reports of liver damage in individuals using products containing garcinia cambogia extract.

What Research Shows

• The effectiveness of garcinia cambogia in promoting weight loss remains uncertain. Some studies indicate marginal benefits, while others show none. Further scientific research is required to offer a clearer picture.

Safety Overview

• There are concerns about the safety of consuming garcinia cambogia, including in products that combine it with other ingredients. Although reports of liver injury exist, such events appear to be rare.

• Possible side effects include digestive issues such as nausea, diarrhea, and upset stomach, as well as headaches.

• Garcinia cambogia may interact with medications that influence liver function or serotonin levels. Individuals taking prescription medications should consult their healthcare provider before using garcinia or any herbal supplement to avoid harmful interactions.

• Limited information exists on the safety of garcinia cambogia use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, making it advisable to avoid it during these times.

Important Considerations

• Speak openly with your healthcare providers about any herbal products or supplements you take. This helps ensure that your health care plan supports both conventional and alternative approaches safely.

• Regulations governing herbal products vary based on their intended use and method of administration. Supplements taken by mouth are usually regulated as dietary supplements, which are subject to different standards than prescription medications.

• Dietary supplements are not reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before being sold. If a supplement poses a health risk, the FDA can intervene. It is the responsibility of manufacturers and distributors to ensure the safety and proper labeling of their products before placing them on the market.

Further Resources

• Tips on the Smart Use of Dietary Supplements

• Understanding Medicine and Supplement Interactions

• How to Interpret Scientific Studies and Articles

NCCIH Information Services

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) offers educational resources and access to scientific databases focused on integrative and complementary health practices. The center does not offer medical advice or provider referrals.

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Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), NIH

The ODS works to enhance public knowledge and understanding of dietary supplements by supporting research, sharing credible scientific data, and offering educational materials. Their publications cover a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and other supplements.

Primary References

• Ballotin VR, Bigarella LG, de Mello Brandão AB, et al. Herb-induced liver injury: systematic review and meta-analysis. World Journal of Clinical Cases. 2021;9(20):5490–5513.

• Crescioli G, Lombardi N, Bettiol A, et al. Acute liver injury following garcinia cambogia weight-loss supplementation: case series and literature review. Internal and Emergency Medicine. 2018;13(6):857–872.

• Ferreira V, Mathieu A, Soucy G, et al. Acute severe liver injury related to long-term garcinia cambogia intake. ACG Case Reports Journal. 2020;7(8):e00429.

• Garcinia. NatMed Pro website. Accessed November 3, 2023.

• Garcinia cambogia. LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Updated February 13, 2019.

• Golzarand M, Omidian M, Toolabi K. Effect of garcinia cambogia supplement on obesity indices: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2020;52:102451.

• Greenway F. Garcinia. In: Coates PM, Betz JM, Blackman MR, et al., eds. Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. 2nd ed. New York, NY: Informa Healthcare; 2010:307–313.

• Maunder A, Bessell E, Lauche R, et al. Effectiveness of herbal medicines for weight loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism. 2020;22(6):891–903.

• Mena-García A, Bellaizac-Riascos AJ, Rada-Mendoza M, et al. Quality evaluation of dietary supplements for weight loss based on garcinia cambogia. Nutrients. 2022;14(15):3077.

• Office of Dietary Supplements. Dietary supplements for weight loss: fact sheet for health professionals. Accessed December 11, 2023.

• Yousaf MN, Chaudhary FS, Hodanazari SM, et al. Hepatotoxicity associated with garcinia cambogia: a case report. World Journal of Hepatology. 2019;11(11):735–742.

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This content was created for educational use by the NCCIH. It is not a substitute for professional healthcare advice or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical guidance. Mention of specific products or services does not reflect an endorsement by NCCIH.