Garcinia, particularly Garcinia cambogia (also known as Malabar tamarind), has been studied for various health conditions, primarily for weight loss and obesity. It has also been looked at for its potential effects on diabetes, lipid disorders, joint pain, and digestive health.
The efficacy of Garcinia in treating these conditions remains a subject of debate. Some studies suggest modest weight loss benefits, while others show little to no effect when compared to a placebo. Results concerning its impact on diabetes and lipid disorders are also mixed, with more research needed to draw definitive conclusions.
Garcinia is believed to offer health benefits such as reduced appetite, potential weight loss, increased fat metabolism, and improved blood sugar control. However, the extent of these benefits is not well established, and they may vary among individuals.
There are downsides to consider with Garcinia usage. Some people may experience digestive side effects like nausea, diarrhea, or headaches. Concerns have also been raised about possible liver toxicity with long-term use. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before using Garcinia, especially for those with pre-existing health conditions or those taking medications.
Research on the relationship between Garcinia and specific genetic variations is limited. Some preliminary studies suggest that genetic factors may influence an individual’s response to Garcinia, with certain genetic variations potentially moderating the effects on weight loss and metabolism. Nonetheless, these findings are not yet conclusive, and further studies are required to fully understand the genetic interactions.
This study tested the weight loss effects of hydroxycitric acid (HCA) from Garcinia cambogia in a 12-week trial with overweight participants on a low-energy diet. The subjects were split into two groups, with one receiving HCA and the other a placebo. The results indicated no significant difference in weight loss or fat mass reduction between the two groups, leading to the conclusion that Garcinia cambogia did not produce notable weight loss or fat mass loss over the placebo.
This research explored the impact of Garcinia cambogia extract (GCE) and Glycine max leaves extract (EGML) on weight loss and cholesterol levels over 10 weeks. Although neither supplement led to weight loss or significant changes in body fat percentage, EGML supplementation was associated with lower total cholesterol and higher HDL-C levels, potentially reducing atherosclerosis risk. Meanwhile, GCE showed no effect on cholesterol levels.
A double-blind study of 89 overweight women over 12 weeks investigated whether HCA from Garcinia cambogia could suppress hunger and aid in weight loss. While the HCA group lost more weight than the placebo group, there were no significant changes in hunger or other related variables. The study concluded that HCA does not significantly affect satiety.
A study with rats examined the effect of HCA on body weight regain after significant weight loss. Rats given diets supplemented with HCA showed reduced body weight regain and temporary decreases in food intake, especially with a high glucose plus fat diet. The results suggest HCA's effectiveness in reducing weight regain, likely through the inhibition of fat synthesis.
The effects of HCA on metabolism and glucose tolerance were tested on male rats after significant weight loss. The study found that HCA supplementation could suppress de novo lipogenesis and improve glucose tolerance without significantly affecting insulin levels or response. Initially, HCA reduced respiratory quotient and energy expenditure, indicating reduced fat production, but these effects did not persist over time.