Know in one minute about Garcinia cambogia
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Introduction
Garcinia cambogia (family Clusiaceae) is native to Southeastern Asia and Western Africa. It is a small fruit, green/yellow color, and pumpkin shaped. Because of its sweet and sour taste, it is mainly used for culinary purposes as a food preservative and flavoring agent. The weight loss property of the fruit skin makes it a popular over-the-counter supplement nowadays. Garcinia cambogia is available in various forms such as “purified” supplement pills (capsules, tablets, and powders), multivitamins, and even energy drinks. Hydroxycitric acid (20 to 60 %) helps in weight loss. It helps in suppressing appetite and body fat accumulation. Garcinia cambogia and its product which is sold as a Weight loss supplement are also linked with various side effects which can be severe and even fatal.
G. cambogia is a good source of secondary metabolites such as xanthones, flavonoids, benzophenones like Garcinol/camboginol and Isoxanthohumol. It also contains amino acids like gamma-aminobutyric acid which possess antioxidant properties (1).
Common name– Garcinia gummi-gutta, Malabar tamarind, Brindle berry, Red mango, Pot tamarind, Gambooge, and Kokum butter oil tree
Effect of Garcinia cambogia on obese people
Administration of Garcinia cambogia (500 mg), twice a day, and half an hour before lunch and dinner reduces weight by suppressing the appetite and food intake. Moreover, the consumption of Garcinia cambogia also improves glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels. It is also effective to decrease inflammation in people with overweight or obesity thus reducing abdominal fat accumulation (2).
Effect of Garcinia cambogia on other conditions
- G. cambogia is also effective for the treatment of depression, insomnia, migraine headaches, serotonin-deficient conditions, and obesity-related diseases (3).
- Hydroxycitric acid compound found in Garcinia cambogia reduces inflammation in the brain, intestines, kidney, and serum (4).
- Ingestion of G. cambogia extract (1000 mg HCA/day) does not affect serum sex hormone levels (testosterone, estrone, and estradiol levels) and blood parameters (5).
However, there are lots of controversies about the long-term effect of G. cambogia on humans as well as animals. Some studies supported that long-term consumption of Garcinia cambogia does not increase mortality or significant toxicity. Furthermore, the doses dosage of up to 2800 mg/day usually administered, does not cause any side effects or adverse events in health (6).
The recommended dosage of Garcinia cambogia
The recommended dose of Garcinia cambogia is 900 mg to 1,500 mg of HCA a day. Capsules should be taken on an empty stomach, 30 minutes to an hour before a meal.
Garcinia cambogia side effects
Garcinia cambogia may Induce Mania With Psychosis
Intake of G. cambogia for approximately 1 to 8 weeks developed mania and psychosis with symptoms like
- Expansive or irritable mood
- Unintentional and purposeless motions and restlessness (psychomotor agitation)
- Disorganized and pressured speech
- Flight of ideas
- Unrealistic sense of superiority (grandiosity)
- Delusions and auditory hallucinations
However, these symptoms are resolved with G. cambogia discontinuation but precaution should be needed before consumption (7).
Increase the risk of Hypomania (a milder form of mania)
A person who is suffering from hypomania or mild depression should not consume Garcinia cambogia. After consumption of Garcinia cambogia for 2 weeks may cause irritability, agitation, increase energy and decrease the need for sleep. However, these hypomania symptoms remit after discontinuation of the supplement (stabilize the mood) and take some medicine (8).
Garcinia cambogia may cause Acute Pancreatitis
Consumption of Garcinia cambogia as an appetite suppressant by an obese person may cause abdominal pain in the upper central region of the abdomen. It also induces inflammation of the pancreas (Acute Pancreatitis) that may be mild or life-threatening (9).
Serotonin Toxicity Associated with Garcinia Cambogia
The capsule of G. cambogia (1,000 mg, 3 times/day) to maintain weight loss increases the concentrations of serotonin in the brain. These higher levels of serotonin are responsible for serotonin toxicity with symptoms such as
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- High blood pressure (Hypertension)
- Faster heartbeats (tachycardia)
- Excessive sweating (diaphoresis)
- Impaired balance of nerves or muscles due to brain damage (ataxia)
- Uncontrollable shaking of hands, legs, face, head, or vocal cords
- Hallucinations and muscle rigidity (tremor)
- Abnormal involuntary of the eyeball in any direction (ocular clonus)
- Involuntary, rhythmic, muscular contractions and relaxations (lower extremity clonus) (10).
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Liver failure due to the ingestion of Garcinia cambogia
Intake of Garcinia cambogia extract and its products (Swanson Premium Brand) may cause liver failure due to the presence of hydroxy citric acid in them. Garcinia cambogia can induce inflammation in the liver, damage lung tissue (fibrosis), and oxidative stress. For this reason, the Food and Drug Administration in 2009 banned hydroxy citric acid found in weight-loss supplements (11).
Risk of hepatitis
Ingestion of Garcinia cambogia (GC) extracts regularly as an herbal weight loss supplement may cause acute hepatitis. However, this condition was solved after stopping Garcinia cambogia consumption (12).
Risk of testis injury
The Research study done on rats suggested that a high amount of Garcinia cambogia consumption may cause an adverse effect in testis. In short Garcinia cambogia may degenerate the germ cells which result in testicular injury thus affecting the reproductive organ (13).
Risk of eye complications
Intake of G. cambogia extract is more than the recommended dose may cause swelling in the eyes, decreased vision, and pain in the eyes. The presence of hydroxy citric acid in Garcinia cambogia also causes headaches, dizziness, muscle pain (myalgias), and nausea. Therefore, the person who is taking G. cambogia for obesity should not take an overdose of it. After ingestion of G. cambogia, if you feel any of these symptoms should see an ophthalmologist immediately (13).
Other complications induce by Garcinia cambogia
Long-term consumption of Garcinia cambogia (1000 mg) may cause a low-grade fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and dry mouth. It also causes a feeling of discomfort, abdominal pain, jaundice as well as fear of gaining weight (anorexia) which further leads to liver failure (14). Moreover, several adverse effects such as heartburn, diarrhea, gas, leg cramps, increased appetite, headaches, stomach burn, and menstrual disorders were observed associated with Garcinia cambogia ingestion.
Q&A
Does Garcinia affect your heart?
Yes, the consumption of Garcinia increases the serotonin level in the brain. High amounts of serotonin may cause many side effects including spikes in blood pressure (hypertension), faster heartbeats (tachycardia) shivering, and anxiety. Moreover, if you are already on medication, garcinia also interacts with the drugs. So consult your doctor before taking G. cambogia for possible side effects.
Is Garcinia cambogia dangerous?
Hydroxycitric acid, an active ingredient found in Garcinia cambogia lowers appetite hence prevents the body from storing food as fat. On the contrary, it also affects the liver, heart, brain, stomach, muscles, even the eyes. Garcinia may be dangerous for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If any person who is suffering from a medical condition such as diabetes, dementia, or heart disease and taking medications should consult their doctor before use.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2009 banned this hydroxy citric acid found in the weight-loss supplement. Moreover, the effect of Garcinia on weight loss and other therapeutic benefits is done in the animal. The benefits of humans are small and marginal as well as other agencies do not review or regulate their efficacy or safety. Therefore we cannot assure its long-term effect or outcomes on health.
Can Garcinia cause liver damage?
Yes, Garcinia may cause liver failure, jaundice, and even hepatitis.
Does Garcinia cambogia really work?
Garcinia cambogia is marketed as a “revolutionary fat buster” and a “magical ingredient that attracts people. Hydroxycitric acid present in it, therefore, regulates the serotonin levels related to satiety, suppresses fatty acid biosynthesis, and inhibits carbohydrates turning into fat. Thus Garcinia suppresses hunger, discourages the body from craving food as a stress response, and blocks the production of fat overall.