Garcinia Cambogia Extract
Also known as: Garcinia gummi-gutta, hydroxycitric acid, HCA, Malabar tamarind, Super CitriMax (branded extract)
Garcinia cambogia is a small tropical fruit whose rind is rich in hydroxycitric acid (HCA). Extracts standardized to 60% HCA have been marketed for appetite and weight management for decades. The evidence is weak: systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized trials find small or inconsistent effects on body weight, and study quality is often low. Because of published case reports of liver injury associated with garcinia-containing products, formulators should handle it cautiously and avoid combining it with other liver-flagged ingredients.
Research summary
HCA inhibits ATP-citrate lyase in vitro; relevance of this to human fat metabolism is uncertain.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of extract.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 mg | 1,000–3,000 mg | — | — |
1,000 to 3,000 mg of 60% HCA extract per day (600 to 1,800 mg HCA), split before meals. Trials at the upper end used about 1,500 mg HCA daily. Liver injury case reports exist; evidence for benefit is weak.
Standardization: 60% hydroxycitric acid (HCA)
Source material: fruit rind extract
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Sour, hygroscopic salt; keep dry.
Formulation notes
Avoid stacking with other ingredients carrying liver cautions. Usually supplied as a calcium or potassium HCA salt, which adds mineral load.
Sources
- Effect of Garcinia cambogia supplement on obesity indices: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. (Golzarand M 2020)PubMed
- The effects of Garcinia cambogia on glycaemic control and liver enzymes in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. (Tavakoli S 2025)PubMed
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