Garcinia cambogia tablets are one of the most popular healthcare supplements sold today in a variety of forms.
It comes from a tiny fruit that looks similar to a miniature pumpkin that can fit in the palm of your hand.
The inside looks much like an orange or grapefruit when opened.
While there are plenty of benefits found in the fruit itself, including antioxidants, it’s the rind or skin of the Garcinia cambogia fruit that contains some of the most potent components used today for the promotion of weight-loss and numerous other health issues.
In foreign cultures, Garcinia cambogia has been used to treat anything from open sores to hemorrhoids, ulcers, tumors, parasites, fever, and was often recommended in the treatment of dyspepsia, rheumatism, and to lower high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
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Garcinia cambogia extracts have been used as raw materials for cosmetics to preserving fish (especially in southeastern Asian cuisine).
According to the National Toxicology Program, the extract has many uses by itself or in other forms, often combined with other ingredients that promote weight loss.
Common combinations include two of the following: raspberry ketone and Garcinia cambogia and green coffee bean.
Some also take it with colon cleanse or slim fast.
Generally marketed as a weight-loss aid, marketers and Garcinia cambogia extract review sites claim it acts as an appetite suppressant and inhibits the production of lipids or fats, as well as burning fat due to increased metabolism in a process known as thermogenesis.
Interestingly, according to the program mentioned above, approximately 62% of adults in the United States are in the process of attempting weight loss at any time.
While Garcinia cambogia in any form is believed to be effective in these efforts, supporting evidence and research studies have only been performed on very small sample groups.
It should be noted that any weight-loss supplement should be used in conjunction with increased exercise and a balanced and nutritious diet that involves reduced caloric intake while still maintaining health and wellness.
Garcinia cambogia tea or supplements can also contain a variety of other appetite suppressant or weight-loss ingredients including l-carnitine and chromium picolinate.
Where Does Garcinia Cambogia Come From?
The tiny yet powerful fruit is indigenous to Southeast Asia. It comes in a variety of colors, depending on ripeness. It’s been used for centuries in a folkloric medicine to treat a wide variety of medical and health issues.
Belonging to the Clusiaceae family of plants and trees, the Garcinia cambogia plant is only one among dozens of different species that have been categorized into approximately 50 Genera.
Today, the Garcinia cambogia formula is found in over 600 supplemental and healthcare products in stores around the world, although it is known by many different names.
Some of the most common include hydroxycitric acid, Brindle berry, Mangostana cambogia and Garcinia gummi-guta, as well as HCA, depending on the brand, the manufacturer and the country in which it is formulated.
A number of compounds from specific species of Garcinia, in addition to hydroxycitric acid, include xanthones and xanthones derivatives.
Nevertheless, one of the components responsible for Garcinia cambogia benefits is the hydroxycitric acid found in the rind of the fruit.
This is collected through a process known as water extraction, according to the National Toxicology Project.
The crude form of the extract is compiled onto an anion exchange column that absorbs hydroxycitric acid and then is passed through what is called a cation column to produce the free acid.
Final forms of the extract contained approximately 54% hydroxycitric acid .
Garcinia cambogia seeds that are utilized in consumer forms and products generally undergo a process that extracts a potassium salt of hydroxycitric acid extract and involves a repeated process utilizing methanol.
Following the combining of extracts, they are treated with methanolic potassium hydroxide. The product is then filtered, dried, and packaged.
It should be noted that the only component of Garcinia cambogia extract that has been extensively studied in regard to pharmacokinetics is hydroxycitric acid (HCA).
It has been noted that the magnesium and calcium salts of (-)-hydroxycitric acid salts are commonly utilized in dietary supplements due to their ability to increase stability.
Although they are not very soluble and are typically not absorbed well in the gastrointestinal tract.
As mentioned in the introduction, Garcinia cambogia has been used for centuries in Southeast Asia, and gradually, around the world.
Originally, the fruit was used as a condiment in Indian and Thai cooking methods and cuisine.
Historically and culturally, especially in Southeast Asia, it’s also been used to treat intestinal parasites and worms, in the treatment of dysentery, for weight loss (and for bodybuilding), and rheumatism.
Around the world today, it’s commonly used in the treatment of weight-loss, obesity, and enhanced exercise performance, partially thanks to it’s recent celebrity endorsement by Oprah and Dr. Oz.
The National Toxicology Project, in conjunction with the National Cancer Institute and National Institutes of Health prepared an interesting extract regarding Garcinia cambogia in relation to further exploration of the supplement.
They looked at the benefits and analysis on pure hydroxycitric acid, as well as its use in weight reduction, with specific data to be assessed regarding concerns over used by pregnant or breast-feeding women including developmental issues, and fetal size.
It should be noted that the changes and functions of Garcinia cambogia and HCA in the human body are not yet fully researched.
A number of studies in small animals (rats, mice, and guinea pigs) have shown some benefits of these components when it comes to weight loss, fat composition and synthesis, and reduction of a visceral (belly) fat.
One study, written up in the Singapore Medical Journal (2009 Mar;50(3): 295-9) “Effects of Garcinia atroviridis on blood serum profiles and atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta of guinea pigs fed a high cholesterol diet,” stated the following.
Supplements of Garcinia atroviridis combined with a cholesterol diet could decrease levels of lipid profiles, and histological analysis showed a reduction in fat deposits in the aortas of animals ingesting a high- cholesterol diet compared to those who were fed a high cholesterol diet alone.
Therefore the conclusion of that study determined that dietary Garcinia atroviridis does have the potential to decrease lipid composition levels in blood serum and reduce fat deposits in the aorta.
Preliminary studies involving the benefits of hydroxycitric acid (HCA), one of the major components of Garcinia cambogia, has shown that it may also increase endurance during exercise.
In addition, there is some evidence that it may help to promote weight loss for those who are trying to lose some weight, but may not be as effective for the severely overweight or obese.
One study of Garcinia cambogia results involving mildly overweight women who took the extract for 12 weeks did see a slight weight decrease, although it did not act as an appetite suppressant.
Another study involved moderately obese individuals who took a combination of hydroxycitric acid as well as other supplements prior to eating. These subjects did show some decreased weight over an eight week period of time.
In relation to both these studies, further research, assessment, and larger groups need to be analyzed before definitive evidence that Garcinia cambogia and/or hydroxycitric acid is solely responsible for this capability.
It should be noted that when seeking weight-loss, it’s important to always combine any supplements or products that claim to promote weight loss with a lower calorie diet, increased exercise, and when necessary, modifications in lifestyle and behaviors.
While Garcinia cambogia before and after, when taken as directed for the duration it’s recommended, is considered relatively safe, some users may experience hydroxycitric acid side effects.
Some of the most common side effects of Garcinia cambogia extract supplements in any form include but are not limited to sensations of nausea, upset stomach, and discomfort in the digestive tract that ranges from complaints of gas to cramps. Other people can experience headaches.
Not everyone experiences these side effects. A number of factors should be taken into consideration when discussing side effects: age, other medications or supplements being taken, weight, and current health status.
It should be noted that because studies are lacking regarding side effects in either short-term or long-term use, Garcinia cambogia HCA products or supplements in any form or milligram strength should be avoided by women who are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
The same warning applies to additional supplements as well.
Does Garcinia Cambogia Work Or is it a Hoax?
Just because Garcinia cambogia pills and HCA are considered relatively safe when taken according to label instructions and when using caution not to exceed the daily recommended dosage.
It is also possible for Garcinia cambogia and HCA in any form or amount (depending on product, brand and manufacturer), to potentially interact with other herbal supplements as well as prescription medications.
A number of drug interactions have been noted. One of those is with antidepressants, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors known as SSRIs.
Antidepressants known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs are also at risk of creating interactions. These include Marplan (isocarboxazid) and Nardil (phenelzine), among others.
Combinations of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors known as SNRIs may also cause interactions with Garcinia cambogia and hydroxycitric acid.
Also classified as antidepressants, common drugs include Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Effexor (venlafaxine).
Note – Garcinia cambogia is contraindicated for diabetics as well as men or women diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or any other type of dementia.
A number of herbal supplements as well as over-the-counter cold and cough medicines and additional medications such as anti-nausea medications may also initiate adverse reactions and interactions with Garcinia cambogia.
It is believed that interactions between Garcinia cambogia and hydroxycitric acid with such drugs can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome or serotonin toxicity. Serotonin syndrome is a very serious condition.
Serotonin is a very valuable hormone produced by the brain. Serotonin is known as the happy or feel-good hormone because it promotes a sense of well-being in the body.
Serotonin is also required by the nerve cells and brain cells for optimal function. Nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord synthesize or encourage the production of serotonin.
Serotonin is known to regulate not only our behaviors, but focus our attention as well as help in the regulation of body temperature. Serotonin is also produced by the digestive system, mainly the intestines.
Serotonin in the digestive tract helps to regulate digestive processes, breathing rate, and blood flow. While serotonin is a good thing, too much of it can be deadly. For example, mixing migraine medications with an antidepressant may trigger side effects and interactions.
Many weight loss supplements and prescription weight-loss drugs have this effect on the production or synthesis of serotonin in the brain, which can act to control appetite, suppress cravings, and reduce behavioral eating issues such as “comfort eating”.
According to the Mayo Clinic, serotonin syndrome is defined as a situation that may occur when a combination of medications (over-the-counter or prescription) creates extremely high levels of serotonin in the body.
This accumulation can cause toxic reactions. Mild reactions can include symptoms like diarrhea, to severe reactions including seizures.
Note – Serotonin syndrome can be fatal if not treated immediately.
An exact recommended dosage of Garcinia cambogia or HCA has not yet been determined. However, based on scientific evidence that includes both human and animal data, it is believed that up to 2,800 mg of hydroxycitric acid supplements taken on a daily basis is safe for humans.
However, it should be noted that these studies have not exceeded 12 weeks, and while this the dosage did not determine any adverse effects, extended use and side effects or adverse effects have not yet been determined.
Other recommendations (by distributors) regarding dosage claim that between 4,500 and 6,000 mg is safe. However, use with caution.
Consumers should be aware that no guidelines or standards for allowable levels of Garcinia cambogia extract have been recommended.
Also be aware that labeling, especially in the United States, must follow rules and regulations found under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA).
All claims on labels must be substantiated, but that even these claims must specify that the FDA has not evaluated their efficacy.
Different brands and manufacturers recommend different dosage depending on milligram strength.
Capsules generally have a lower milligram strength than tablets, but not because they are any less effective. Because caplets dissolve faster, less amount of the supplement or extract is needed before it’s assimilated into the body.
Tablets take a little longer to dissolve, so they generally contain a stronger milligram strength than capsule forms.
Extract is available in a number of strengths, again depending on brand and manufacturer.
When looking for original Garcinia cambogia chews, liquid, gummies, drops, extracts, powder, tablets, or capsules, purchase products that are as pure as possible.
Some brands promote products that are claimed to be 100% pure. However, always read the labels and look at the list of components and determine the presence of any fillers or binders that may be used.
Garcinia cambogia pure extract should contain high levels of hydroxycitric acid in order to be effective. A recommended percentage of hydroxycitric acid (HCA) in a Garcinia cambogia for men or women should be at a minimum 50%.
Many brands recommend a daily dose of 1,600 mg, but also remember that in products with lower than 50% levels of HCA, the ingredients may be a less active.
The best Garcinia cambogia brand is debatable and depends on customer reviews, but some of the products listed here are up there: Garcinia Cambogia Premium, Plus, XT, Ultra, Complex, Pro, Supreme, Max, Gold, Miracle, and Cleanse.
When taking Garcinia cambogia for weight loss, weight management, or any other reason, consult with the pharmacist or your primary care provider in regard to safety, interactions, and dosage recommendations.
The product you choose may also make a difference in recommended dosage, depending on quality and manufacturing standards as well as the presence of other ingredients, supplements, or binders and fillers in the product itself.
Look to purchase the top Garcinia cambogia on GNC and Vitamin Shoppe shelves.
Garcinia cambogia at Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, Costco, and on Amazon also has a high enough quality product for sale and is often at a lower price. If you’re looking where to find it in stores, look in the weight loss section.
If you buy online, they may offer a free trial in case you find it’s not working (but make sure you read the terms and conditions first to ensure you can cancel at anytime).