Garcinia cambogia
Common name
Garcinia, Hydroxycitric acid
ID
HD0029
Scientific name of the plant
Garcinia gummi-gutta (L.) Roxb.
Anatomical part for use
fruit
Human use
Weight Control
Summary
Garcinia gummi-gutta is a tropical species of Garcinia native to Indonesia. Common names include Garcinia cambogia (a former scientific name), as well as brindleberry, Malabar tamarind, Goraka (ගොරකා), and kudam puli (pot tamarind). The fruit looks like a small pumpkin and is green to pale yellow in color.
Although it has received considerable media attention purporting its effects on weight loss, there are 6 reports of liver toxicity associated with the Hydroxycut commercial preparation containing the fruit extract, with clinical evidence indicating it has no significant effect on weight loss. (Source: Wiki)
Evidence Level
Level 2 (Independent reports from multiple medical centers)
Hepatotoxicity reports in literature
Hepatotoxicity Description
There have been at least a dozen reports of Garcinia induced liver injury in individuals taking multiingredient dietary supplements (MIDS) that contain Garcinia cambogia. In some instances, other known or suspected hepatotoxins were present in the MIDS products (such as with Exilis, Herbalife and Hydroxycut products). More recently, cases of acute liver injury have been identified in persons taking a product labelled as having Garcinia cambogia alone. The frequency of hepatic adverse reactions to Garcinia cambogia is not known but is likely uncommon and in less than 1:10,000 persons. Patients typically present with fatigue, nausea, elevations in serum aminotransferase levels, and jaundice 1 to 4 weeks after starting the product, although the latency to onset has been longer (3 to 12 months) in some cases. The pattern of enzyme elevations is hepatocellular, and immune features are not common. Some cases have been severe, resulting in acute liver failure and either death or need for urgent liver transplantation. Recurrence upon reexposure has not been clearly shown. (Source: LiverTox)
Common name
Garcinia, Hydroxycitric acid
ID
HD0029
Scientific name of the plant
Garcinia gummi-gutta (L.) Roxb.
Anatomical part for use
fruit
Human use
Weight Control
Summary
Garcinia gummi-gutta is a tropical species of Garcinia native to Indonesia. Common names include Garcinia cambogia (a former scientific name), as well as brindleberry, Malabar tamarind, Goraka (ගොරකා), and kudam puli (pot tamarind). The fruit looks like a small pumpkin and is green to pale yellow in color. Although it has received considerable media attention purporting its effects on weight loss, there are 6 reports of liver toxicity associated with the Hydroxycut commercial preparation containing the fruit extract, with clinical evidence indicating it has no significant effect on weight loss. (Source: Wiki)
Evidence Level
Level 2 (Independent reports from multiple medical centers)
Hepatotoxicity reports in literature
Hepatotoxicity Description
There have been at least a dozen reports of Garcinia induced liver injury in individuals taking multiingredient dietary supplements (MIDS) that contain Garcinia cambogia. In some instances, other known or suspected hepatotoxins were present in the MIDS products (such as with Exilis, Herbalife and Hydroxycut products). More recently, cases of acute liver injury have been identified in persons taking a product labelled as having Garcinia cambogia alone. The frequency of hepatic adverse reactions to Garcinia cambogia is not known but is likely uncommon and in less than 1:10,000 persons. Patients typically present with fatigue, nausea, elevations in serum aminotransferase levels, and jaundice 1 to 4 weeks after starting the product, although the latency to onset has been longer (3 to 12 months) in some cases. The pattern of enzyme elevations is hepatocellular, and immune features are not common. Some cases have been severe, resulting in acute liver failure and either death or need for urgent liver transplantation. Recurrence upon reexposure has not been clearly shown. (Source: LiverTox)