Garcinia Cambogia
Garcinia gummi-gutta
藤黄果
Pinyin: Téng Huáng Guǒ
Plant Family
Clusiaceae
Part Used
Fruit rind
Origin
Southeast Asia, India (Kerala)
Safety Level
Caution
Overview
Garcinia cambogia is a small, pumpkin-shaped tropical fruit. The rind contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which became popular as a weight loss supplement after being featured on television. However, its effectiveness remains controversial and research is mixed.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Properties
Nature (四气)
cool
Flavors (五味)
sour
Meridians (归经)
stomach, spleen
Health Benefits
Traditional Uses
- Cooking (flavoring agent, preserves food)
- Weight loss (traditional medicine)
- Digestive aid
- Rheumatism and bowel complaints (historical)
Active Constituents
The key compounds responsible for this herb's therapeutic effects:
Usage & Dosage
How to Use
Used as capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts. Most effective when taken 30-60 minutes before meals. Should be combined with diet and exercise for best results.
Suggested Dosage
500-1000mg of HCA, 3 times daily before meals. Total daily dose: 1500-3000mg of HCA. Should be 50-60% HCA standardized extract.
Quality & Storage
Harvest Season
Year-round in tropical climates. Fruit is harvested when ripe, and the rind is dried and extracted.
Quality Indicators
Standardized extract should contain 50-60% HCA. Look for third-party testing. Calcium or potassium salt form may be more bioavailable. Avoid products with fillers or proprietary blends.
Storage
Store capsules in cool, dry place. Shelf life: 2-3 years.
Safety Information
Contraindications
Pregnancy and breastfeedingDiabetes (may lower blood sugar)Alzheimer's disease or dementia (HCA may increase acetylcholine)ChildrenEating disordersLiver disease (some concerns about liver toxicity with certain brands)
Possible Side Effects
- Generally well-tolerated short-term
- Digestive upset (nausea, diarrhea, headaches)
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Skin rash (rare)
- Liver toxicity (very rare, with certain contaminated products)
- Concerns about mania in bipolar patients
Drug Interactions
- Diabetes medications (may lower blood sugar)
- Statins (may increase risk of rhabdomyolysis - rare)
- Antidepressants (may increase serotonin)
- Warfarin (may affect INR)
- Pain medications (acetaminophen - liver risk)
- Alzheimer's medications (cholinesterase inhibitors)
Note: Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have medical conditions, or take medications.
References & Research
Information on this page is based on traditional herbal knowledge and modern scientific research. For a comprehensive list of references, please refer to our full citations page.
ℹ️ Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal supplements.
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