Garcinia (Garcinia gummi-gutta) is a tree that grows in India and Southeast Asia. The fruit rind contains a chemical called hydroxycitric acid (HCA).
HCA used in dietary supplements usually comes from garcinia. It might prevent fat storage, control appetite, and increase exercise endurance. But it's unclear if these effects occur in humans.
People commonly use garcinia for obesity, athletic performance, joint pain, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse garcinia with gamboge, Malabar nut, mangosteen, or tamarind. These are not the same.
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using garcinia for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if garcinia extracts are safe. There have been reports of serious liver problems in some people who have taken products containing garcinia. It's unclear if garcinia is the actual cause of liver problems or if it's due to other factors. The most common side effects include nausea, stomach discomfort, and headache.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if garcinia or a chemical found in garcinia, called hydroxycitric acid (HCA), are safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Bipolar disorder: Garcinia can worsen mania in bipolar disorder. Don't use if you have bipolar disorder.
Liver disease: Garcinia might harm the liver. This could worsen liver damage in people with liver disease. Don't use if you have liver disease.
Surgery: The HCA in garcinia might affect blood sugar levels and slow blood clotting. This might make it more difficult to control blood sugar and bleeding during and after surgery. Stop taking HCA at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Garcinia might lower blood sugar levels. Taking garcinia along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Medications that can harm the liver (Hepatotoxic drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Garcinia might harm the liver. Some medications can also harm the liver. Taking garcinia along with a medication that can harm the liver might increase the risk of liver damage.
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Garicina might slow blood clotting. Taking garcinia along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Serotonergic drugs
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Garcinia might increase a brain chemical called serotonin. Some medications also have this effect. Taking garcinia along with these medications might increase serotonin too much. This might cause serious side effects including heart problems, seizures, and vomiting.
Herbs and supplements that might harm the liver: Garcinia might harm the liver. Taking it with other supplements that can also harm the liver might increase the risk of liver damage. Examples of supplements with this effect include greater celandine, green tea extract, kava, and kratom.
Herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar: Garcinia might lower blood sugar. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might lower blood sugar too much. Examples of supplements with this effect include aloe, bitter melon, cassia cinnamon, chromium, and prickly pear cactus.
Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting: Garcinia might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might increase the risk of bleeding in some people. Examples of supplements with this effect include garlic, ginger, ginkgo, nattokinase, and Panax ginseng.
Herbs and supplements with serotonergic properties: Garcinia increases a brain chemical called serotonin. Taking it along with other supplements that have this effect might cause serious side effects, including heart problems, seizures, and vomiting. Examples of supplements with this effect include 5-HTP, black seed, L-tryptophan, SAMe, and St. John's wort.
Taking garcinia with food might reduce how much hydroxycitric acid (HCA) the body absorbs from garcinia. But it's not clear how this might alter its effects.
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of garcinia might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
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