Garcinia gummi-gutta is a fruit of tropical origin also known as Garcinia cambogia (former scientific name). It must not be confused with tamarind and Malabar nuts.

India and Southeast Asia are the homelands of Garcinia. It is a small, pumpkin-shaped yellowish fruit. Its peel contains a chemical called Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) which is thought to be its active ingredient.

Garcinia pulps have been used as a food preservative and food flavor for centuries. Its rind is used to extract HCA.

How does it work?

Garcinia is marketed as the " holy grail of weight loss". There are two possible mechanisms for Garcinia:

● Its active substance (HCA) causes the blockade of an enzyme known as citrate lyase which is used to produce fat in human body.

● It also causes the release of the happy hormone of our body called serotonin which is released normally after eating food. So, it makes your body feel less hungry.

Health benefits:

Several benefits of Garcinia are claimed by different researchers and it has gained a lot of media coverage since the late 90s.

• Weight Loss:

Garcinia may help in Weight loss by finishing your appetite and cutting your body fat.

 " According to a review published in the Journal of Obesity, it was found that those who took Garcinia had a weight loss of 2 pounds more than those who did not take it."

However, there are also some other studies showing that it has little to no effect on weight loss.

• Cholesterol Regulation:

Some researches have shown that Garcinia may help cholesterol regulation. It may increase the concentration of HDL (the "good" cholesterol) and decrease the concentration of triglycerides

and LDL (the "bad" cholesterol).

• Other Advantages:

Garcinia is also considered effective in: reducing Inflammation, athletic performance, severe diarrhea, improve blood-sugar control, and protection against peptic ulcers.

Conditions you should consult with your physician or pharmacist:

Pregnancy

Breast-feeding

Having any kind of medical conditions or taking medications



Drug interactions:

If you are consuming any medication, consult with your physician or pharmacist before taking Garcinia supplements. Some important possible drug interactions with Garcinia are as follows:

• Antidepressants:

Some antidepressant drugs may increase serotonin. It is also increased by Garcinia. Taking serotonin increasing drugs and Garcinia may increase serotonin too much and result in serotonin syndrome.

•  Antidiabetic Medications:

Garcinia lowers blood sugar level and if it is taken with antidiabetic medications then it can drastically lower the blood sugar.

References:

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-818/garcinia

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/garcinia-cambogia-weight-loss#091e9c5e80f72805-1-2

https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/things-you-didnt-know-about-garcinia-cambogia#5

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/garcinia-cambogia-weight-loss#091e9c5e80f72805-1-2

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/garcinia-cambogia-weight-loss

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/garcinia-cambogia-weight-loss#cholesterol

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-818/garcinia