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evidence · mechanism · dose
Supplements/Herb

Garcinia Cambogia (HCA)

Hydroxycitric acid supplement marketed for weight loss; weak clinical evidence.

Fat Loss

Overview

Hydroxycitric acid supplement marketed for weight loss; weak clinical evidence.

Natural sources
  • Garcinia gummi-gutta rind
Common forms
  • Standardized HCA 50–60%

Mechanism of action

Inhibits ATP-citrate lyase, reducing fatty acid synthesis.

Pathways
  • · ATP-citrate lyase inhibition

Effects on the body

Supports
Appetite reduction (mild)

Organ system effects

Liver

Rare hepatotoxicity (Hydroxycut formulation).

Evidence-based benefits

Modest weight loss vs placebo (~1 kg)

Limited evidence

Potential side effects

Common
  • · GI upset
Rare
    Serious
    • · Hepatotoxicity (rare, formula-related)

    Drug interactions

    Statins
    Additive hepatic stress.
    minor
    SSRIs
    Serotonergic effects.
    moderate

    Safety & non-supplemental interactions

    Educational summary — always confirm with your clinician or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or combining with prescription therapy.

    Avoid if you are
    • ·Pregnant or breastfeeding (insufficient safety data)
    • ·Children under 18 (unless directed by a clinician)

    Supplement interactions

    Pairs well with

    None listed.

    Avoid combining with

    No specific avoidances listed.

    Dosing & bioavailability

    Typical dose
    500–1500 mg HCA × 3/d

    Where to buy

    Affiliate-style search links to reputable retailers. We don't endorse specific brands — verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

    Herb
    Garcinia Cam…
    Amazon
    Wide selection · fast shipping
    Herb
    Garcinia Cam…
    iHerb
    Global delivery · curated brands
    Herb
    Garcinia Cam…
    Thorne
    Practitioner-grade · NSF tested

    Scientific evidence (8)

    Meta-analysisJ Obes · 2011

    Garcinia cambogia for weight loss

    Onakpoya I, et al.

    Meta-analysis of 12 Garcinia RCTs.

    Key findings

    Small short-term weight loss; clinical relevance uncertain.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Garcinia Cambogia (HCA) — Modest weight loss vs placebo

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Garcinia Cambogia (HCA) Modest weight loss vs placebo" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Garcinia Cambogia (HCA) and "Modest weight loss vs placebo". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Garcinia Cambogia (HCA) — randomized controlled trial

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Garcinia Cambogia (HCA) randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Garcinia Cambogia (HCA) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Garcinia Cambogia (HCA) — meta-analysis

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Garcinia Cambogia (HCA) meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Garcinia Cambogia (HCA) and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Garcinia Cambogia (HCA) — pharmacokinetics

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Garcinia Cambogia (HCA) pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Garcinia Cambogia (HCA) and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Garcinia Cambogia (HCA) — safety adverse events

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Garcinia Cambogia (HCA) safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Garcinia Cambogia (HCA) and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Garcinia Cambogia (HCA) — dose response

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Garcinia Cambogia (HCA) dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Garcinia Cambogia (HCA) and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

    Google Scholar: Garcinia Cambogia (HCA) — clinical evidence

    Live Scholar search

    Cross-database citation index for Garcinia Cambogia (HCA) as it relates to "clinical evidence".

    Key findings

    Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

    Open study
    Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.