PMID 21197150 The Use of Garcinia Extract (Hydroxycitric Acid) as a Weight loss Supplement: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Clinical Trials Meta-analysis · J Obes, 2011 9 trials pooled - HCA lost about 0.88 kg more than placeboAn inert dummy treatment used as the comparison baseline. (MD -0.88 kg). Effect small, clinical relevance uncertain.
Key summary
A systematic review and meta-analysisA statistical synthesis combining results of multiple studies into one conclusion. pooling randomized clinical trials on the weight-loss efficacy of Garcinia extract (HCA). Of 23 eligible trials, 12 were included and 9 suitable for statistical pooling. HCA significantly lowered body weight versus placeboAn inert dummy treatment used as the comparison baseline., but the difference was small at about 0.88 kg (MD -0.88 kg, 95% CI -1.75 to -0.00), and gastrointestinal adverse events were twice as common with HCA in one trial. The authors concluded that HCA can cause short-term weight loss, but the effect size is small and the clinical relevance uncertain, and that more rigorous, better-reported trials are needed.
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The aim of this systematic review is to examine the efficacy of Garcinia extract, hydroxycitric acid (HCA) as a weight reduction agent, using data from randomised clinical trials (RCTs). Electronic and nonelectronic searches were conducted to identify relevant articles, with no restrictions in language or time. Two independent reviewers extracted the data and assessed the methodological quality of included studies. Twenty-three eligible trials were identified and twelve were included. Nine trials provided data suitable for statistical pooling. The meta-analysis revealed a small, statistically significant difference in weight loss favouring HCA over placebo (MD: -0.88 kg; 95% CI: -1.75, -0.00). Gastrointestinal adverse events were twice as common in the HCA group compared with placebo in one included study. It is concluded that the RCTs suggest that Garcinia extracts/HCA can cause short-term weight loss. The magnitude of the effect is small, and the clinical relevance is uncertain. Future trials should be more rigorous and better reported. ※ The abstract text as collected and stored via the API by the pipeline. The key summary is written based solely on this text.
View original ↗ PMID 9820262 Garcinia cambogia (hydroxycitric acid) as a potential antiobesity agent: a randomized controlled trial RCT · JAMA, 1998 135-person, 12-week RCTRandomized controlled trial - a high-reliability trial that randomly assigns participants to compare effects. - HCA 1,500 mg/day did not reduce weight or fat beyond placeboAn inert dummy treatment used as the comparison baseline. (between-group P=.14).
Key summary
A landmark double-blind, placeboAn inert dummy treatment used as the comparison baseline.-controlled RCTRandomized controlled trial - a high-reliability trial that randomly assigns participants to compare effects. testing Garcinia (HCA) as an antiobesity agent (135 overweight people, 12 weeks). Both groups also followed a high-fiber, low-energy diet. Both lost significant weight, but the between-group difference was not significant (HCA 3.2 kg vs placebo 4.1 kg, P=.14), with no difference in the fraction of weight lost as fat. The authors concluded that Garcinia failed to produce weight and fat loss beyond placebo. A well-controlled counter-source showing that HCA's fat-synthesis enzyme mechanism does not translate into meaningful human weight loss.
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CONTEXT: Hydroxycitric acid, the active ingredient in the herbal compound Garcinia cambogia, competitively inhibits the extramitochondrial enzyme adenosine triphosphate-citrate (pro-3S)-lyase. As a citrate cleavage enzyme that may play an essential role in de novo lipogenesis inhibition, G cambogia is claimed to lower body weight and reduce fat mass in humans. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of G cambogia for body weight and fat mass loss in overweight human subjects. DESIGN: Twelve-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING: Outpatient weight control research unit. PARTICIPANTS: Overweight men and women subjects (mean body mass index [weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters], approximately 32 kg/m2). INTERVENTION: Subjects were randomized to receive either active herbal compound (1500 mg of hydroxycitric acid per day) or placebo, and both groups were prescribed a high-fiber, low-energy diet. The treatment period was 12 weeks. Body weight was evaluated every other week and fat mass was measured at weeks 0 and 12. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Body weight change and fat mass change. RESULTS: A total of 135 subjects were randomized to either active hydroxycitric acid (n = 66) or placebo (n = 69); 42 (64%) in the active hydroxycitric acid group and 42 (61%) in the placebo group completed 12 weeks of treatment (P = .74). Patients in both groups lost a significant amount of weight during the 12-week treatment period (P<.001); however, between-group weight loss differences were not statistically significant (mean [SD], 3.2 [3.3] kg vs 4.1 [3.9] kg; P = .14). There were no significant differences in estimated percentage of body fat mass loss between treatment groups, and the fraction of subject weight loss as fat was not influenced by treatment group. CONCLUSIONS: Garcinia cambogia failed to produce significant weight loss and fat mass loss beyond that observed with placebo. ※ The abstract text as collected and stored via the API by the pipeline. The key summary is written based solely on this text.
View original ↗ PMID 26667686 The effect of Garcinia cambogia as coadjuvant in the weight loss process Literature review · Nutr Hosp, 2015 Literature review - some studies positive for weight/appetite/lipids, others no effect. Ideal dose not established; more research needed.
Key summary
A literature review examining Garcinia cambogia as an aid to weight management (English, Portuguese, and Spanish papers from 2007-2014). Some studies observed positive changes in weight, appetite, body-fat percentage, triglycerideA type of fat in the blood; high levels raise cardiovascular risk.s, cholesterol, glucose, and lipogenesis markers, while others showed no effect. The authors concluded that the ideal dose is not yet well established and that more research is needed to confirm efficacy. Used as a summary source showing that the secondary effects point in mixed directions.
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INTRODUCTION: due to the significant increase in the obesity rate in recent years, public health has been facing in many countries of the world, one of the major problems caused by this disease. Because of this, natural products arise, herbal, to assist in the treatment of obesity due to their safer effects. Among these, stands out the extract obtained from dried fruits of Garcinia Cambogia (GC), which has been studied and used as a natural supplement for weight loss. OBJECTIVE: to investigate the GC administration as a coadjuvant factor in the treatment of obesity regarding to its effectiveness, way of action, recommended daily amount, side effects and contraindications, as a way of food and nutritional security for the population. METHODOLOGY: literature review. There were consulted the database of LILACS-BIREME data, SciELO and MEDLINE and there were selected scientific articles published in English, Portuguese and Spanish, between the period of 2007 and 2014 that conducted studies involving the administration of the GC as a way of treatment for obesity. The descriptors used for research articles in the databases were the following: Garcinia Cambogia in Portuguese, and in English the terms used were "Garcinia Cambogia", "weight loss and obesity", and "Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA)"; this last one is not a descriptor indexed in Decs, but given the importance of this term for the search, it was adopted as a keyword. Thirty-four articles were identified, but only 21 were related to the objectives of this study. The first analysis of the articles was conducted by the title and then by the summary. In addition, 17 references were included because of their relevance to the study. RESULTS: in some analyzed works, there was observed that the GC showed positive effects on weight loss process, appetite reduction, body fat percentage, triglycerides, cholesterol and glucose levels, lipogenesis process, while others had no effect. CONCLUSION: studies suggest positive results about the effectiveness of the GC on the weight loss process. However, the ideal dosage has not been well established yet. There is little evidence of adverse effects and signs of protective effect against hepatotoxicity induced by ethanol. Therefore, it becomes necessary to carry out further studies to confirm the efficacy of this phytotherapy in the weight loss process. ※ The abstract text as collected and stored via the API by the pipeline. The key summary is written based solely on this text.
View original ↗ PMID 34400337 Garcinia cambogia, Either Alone or in Combination With Green Tea, Causes Moderate to Severe Liver Injury Observational (DILIN) · Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol, 2022 22 DILIN cases - Garcinia liver injury was hepatocellular with jaundice; 91% hospitalized, 1 died, 1 transplant. HLA-B*35:01 link.
Key summary
An observational study in which the US Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network (DILIN) analyzed 1,418 enrolled patients (2004-2018) and identified 22 high-confidence Garcinia-related liver-injury cases (5 alone, 16 with green tea, 1 with Ashwagandha). Injury arose at a median of 51 days, was hepatocellular with jaundice, and led to hospitalization in 91%, one death, and one transplant. Peak aminotransferases were higher than controls, and the HLA-B*35:01 allele was significantly more frequent in the Garcinia-containing supplement group, suggesting an immune-mediated mechanism. A key source supporting the Garcinia liver-injury risk.
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BACKGROUND & AIMS: Garcinia cambogia, either alone or with green tea, is commonly promoted for weight loss. Sporadic cases of liver failure from G cambogia have been reported, but its role in liver injury is controversial. METHODS: Among 1418 patients enrolled in the Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network (DILIN) from 2004 to 2018, we identified 22 cases (adjudicated with high confidence) of liver injury from G cambogia either alone (n = 5) or in combination with green tea (n = 16) or Ashwagandha (n = 1). Control groups consisted of 57 patients with liver injury from herbal and dietary supplements (HDS) containing green tea without G cambogia and 103 patients from other HDS. RESULTS: Patients who took G cambogia were between 17 and 54 years, with liver injury arising 13-223 days (median = 51) after the start. One patient died, one required liver transplantation, and 91% were hospitalized. The liver injury was hepatocellular with jaundice. Although the peak values of aminotransferases were significantly higher (2001 ± 1386 U/L) in G cambogia group (P < .018), the median time for improvement in total bilirubin was significantly lower compared with the control groups (10 vs 17 and 13 days; P = .03). The presence of HLA-B∗35:01 allele was significantly higher in the G cambogia containing HDS (55%) compared with patients because of other HDS (19%) (P = .002) and those with acute liver injury from conventional drugs (12%) (P = 2.55 × 10-6). CONCLUSIONS: The liver injury caused by G cambogia and green tea is clinically indistinguishable. The possible association with HLA-B∗35:01 allele suggests an immune-mediated mechanism of injury. ※ The abstract text as collected and stored via the API by the pipeline. The key summary is written based solely on this text.
View original ↗ PMID 34307603 Herb-induced liver injury: Systematic review and meta-analysis Systematic review · World J Clin Cases, 2021 936 cases pooled - Garcinia among the most commonly reported causes of herb-induced liver injury. Mostly recover, but 10.4% died.
Key summary
A systematic review and meta-analysisA statistical synthesis combining results of multiple studies into one conclusion. cataloguing the products and injury types behind herb-induced liver injury (HILI). It pooled 936 cases from 446 references and identified 79 herbs or herbal compounds, ranking Garcinia cambogia among the most commonly reported implicated supplements alongside green tea extract, kava kava, and kratom. Most patients (82.8%) recovered fully after withdrawal, but 6.6% needed a transplant, while chronic liver disease (1.5%) and death (10.4%) were also observed. The authors stressed the need to raise awareness of the risks of indiscriminate herbal product use.
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BACKGROUND: The use of herbal supplements and alternative medicines has been increasing in the last decades. Despite popular belief that the consumption of natural products is harmless, herbs might cause injury to various organs, particularly to the liver, which is responsible for their metabolism in the form of herb-induced liver injury (HILI). AIM: To identify herbal products associated with HILI and describe the type of lesion associated with each product. METHODS: Studies were retrieved using Medical Subject Headings Descriptors combined with Boolean operators. Searches were run on the electronic databases Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE, BIREME, LILACS, Cochrane Library for Systematic Reviews, SciELO, Embase, and Opengray.eu. Languages were restricted to English, Spanish, and Portuguese. There was no date of publication restrictions. The reference lists of the studies retrieved were searched manually. To access causality, the Maria and Victorino System of Causality Assessment in Drug Induced Liver Injury was used. Simple descriptive analysis were used to summarize the results. RESULTS: The search strategy retrieved 5918 references. In the final analysis, 446 references were included, with a total of 936 cases reported. We found 79 types of herbs or herbal compounds related to HILI. He-Shou-Wu, Green tea extract, Herbalife, kava kava, Greater celandine, multiple herbs, germander, hydroxycut, skullcap, kratom, Gynura segetum, garcinia cambogia, ma huang, chaparral, senna, and aloe vera were the most common supplements with HILI reported. Most of these patients had complete clinical recovery (82.8%). However, liver transplantation was necessary for 6.6% of these cases. Also, chronic liver disease and death were observed in 1.5% and 10.4% of the cases, respectively. CONCLUSION: HILI is normally associated with a good prognosis, once the implied product is withdrawn. Nevertheless, it is paramount to raise awareness in the medical and non-medical community of the risks of the indiscriminate use of herbal products. ※ The abstract text as collected and stored via the API by the pipeline. The key summary is written based solely on this text.
View original ↗ PMID 31772720 Hepatotoxicity associated with Garcinia cambogia: A case report Case report · World J Hepatol, 2019 Case - a 21-year-old woman developed acute liver failure after 4 weeks of Garcinia. Other causes ruled out.
Key summary
A case report showing an association between Garcinia cambogia use and acute liver failure. A 21-year-old woman with morbid obesity presented with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and myalgias, denying alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, hormonal contraceptives, and energy drinks. Workup revealed acute liver failure with other etiologies unremarkable, and she had used 'Garcinia cambogia' for weight loss over 4 weeks. The authors emphasized reviewing herbal-supplement history in suspected acute liver failure and discontinuing early. An individual case supporting the rare but severe liver-injury signal.
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BACKGROUND: Herbal supplements (HS) for weight loss are perceived to be "safe" and "natural", as advertised in ads, however, hepatotoxicity can be associated with consumption of some HS. Use of HS may be missed, as the patient may not report these unless specifically asked about these products, since they are often not thought of as medications with potential side effects or interaction potential. CASE SUMMARY: We reported a case of a 21-year-old female with morbid obesity who presented with abdominal pain for 1 wk associated with nausea, vomiting, anorexia and myalgias. She denied smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol, usage of illicit drugs, hormonal contraceptives, or energy drinks. There was no significant past medical or family illnesses. Her laboratory workup revealed acute liver failure. The workup for possible etiologies of acute liver failure was unremarkable. She was using a weight loss herbal supplement "Garcinia cambogia" for 4 wks. This case demonstrates the association of acute liver failure with Garcinia cambogia. CONCLUSION: Medical reconciliation of HS should be performed in patients with suspected acute liver failure and early discontinuation of HS can prevent further progression of drug induced hepatoxicity. ※ The abstract text as collected and stored via the API by the pipeline. The key summary is written based solely on this text.
View original ↗ PMID 39136211 Challenges in herbal-induced liver injury identification and prevention Expert review · Liver Int, 2025 Review - HDS-induced liver injury has risen to 20% of DILIN cases. Garcinia among the major implicated agents.
Key summary
An expert review on the challenges of identifying and preventing liver injury from herbal and dietary supplements (HDS). It notes that over three decades HDS-related liver injury has risen sharply in the DILIN, now accounting for 20% of drug-induced liver injuryLiver damage caused by a drug or supplement (DILI), showing as jaundice or raised liver enzymes.. It names anabolic steroids, green tea extract, Garcinia cambogia, kratom, ashwagandha, and turmericThe spice (Curcuma longa root) that contains curcumin, which makes up about 2-5% of it. among the major implicated agents, and points to difficulty identifying the responsible ingredient, lack of treatment, and lack of regulatory oversight of HDS products. Supports Garcinia being a repeatedly implicated cause of liver injury.
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Herbal and dietary supplements (HDS) are being used worldwide at an increasing rate. Mirroring this trend, HDS-induced liver injury, also known as HDS-induced liver injury (HILI), has increased significantly over the past three decades in the Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network (DILIN), now accounting for 20% of cases of drug-induced liver injury (DILI). There are significant challenges in the identification and prevention of HILI due to varying presentations, ability to make clear diagnosis, identification of the responsible ingredient, lack of treatment, and lack of regulatory oversight of HDS products to confirm their ingredients and ensure safety. The major implicated agents include anabolic steroids, green tea extract, garcinia cambogia, kratom, ashwagandha, turmeric and multi-ingredient nutritional supplements. Fortunately, with the formation of major DILI consortiums across the world, the last decade has seen advances in the identification of at-risk genetic phenotypes, the use of chemical analysis on multi-ingredient nutritional supplements, and the publication of data/injury patterns of potentially risky HDS. ※ The abstract text as collected and stored via the API by the pipeline. The key summary is written based solely on this text.
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