Garcinia

Christopher Hobbs:

“Also called Malabar tamarind, the herb has a long history of use in Ayurveda for obesity due to its appetite-lowering properties. It is currently being studied for its possible effectiveness in lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In India a decoction of the rind of the fruit is prescribed for rheumatism and bowel ailments, and the dried rind is commonly used to flavor foods in India and Ceylon because of its sour taste. The fruits of garcinia contain HCA, (-)-Hydroxycitric acid, and 500 mg of this substance are recommended taken at mealtimes.
Twenty years ago, Hoffmann-Laroche performed studies with human volunteers, demonstrating its weight-reducing properties. The company later discontinued the studies because they considered the effective dose of the substance was too high.

Garcinia has a taste of SWEET and SOUR, and a temperature of WARM.”

Historical Uses

Garcinia is a genus of plants that has been traditionally used in Southeast Asia and Africa for centuries. Historically, its fruit, particularly Garcinia cambogia, has been used for:

• Culinary: As a souring agent in curries and other dishes.
• Traditional medicine: To treat a variety of ailments, including digestive problems, fever, and even as an appetite suppressant.

Modern Clinical Uses (by Herbalists and Naturopaths)

Herbalists and naturopaths today commonly use garcinia, particularly G. cambogia, for:

• Weight loss: The extract is popular for its potential appetite-suppressing properties and claimed ability to inhibit fat storage by blocking an enzyme called citrate lyase.
• Digestive health: It’s used to improve digestion and treat gastrointestinal issues.
• Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory: Some use it for its potential antioxidant properties, though this is less well-documented in clinical settings.

Chemistry and Pharmacology

• Key Active Compound: Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is the main bioactive compound in G. cambogia. HCA is thought to inhibit citrate lyase, an enzyme involved in converting carbohydrates into fat, and may also increase serotonin levels in the brain, contributing to appetite suppression.
• Mechanism of Action: Primarily, HCA is believed to work by reducing fat storage and increasing fat burning. It also may help modulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.

Clinical Trials

• Weight Loss: Clinical trials on Garcinia cambogia for weight loss have had mixed results. Some studies show modest reductions in body weight, while others find little to no effect. For instance, a 2007 meta-analysis suggested that garcinia had a small but statistically significant effect on weight loss (about 2-3 pounds on average), but the clinical significance is debated.

Summary

Garcinia, particularly G. cambogia, is primarily used for weight loss and digestive health in modern herbal medicine. While there is some evidence for its effectiveness in modest weight loss, the results are mixed, and its long-term safety remains uncertain. The active compound HCA appears to work by inhibiting fat storage and suppressing appetite. The safety profile is generally favorable for short-term use, but caution is recommended in certain populations, and more research is needed to establish its efficacy and long-term safety.

Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Christopher Hobbs