Overview

Garcinia (Garcinia gummi-gutta) is a tree that grows in India and Southeast Asia. The fruit rind contains a chemical called hydroxycitric acid (HCA).

HCA used in dietary supplements usually comes from garcinia. It might prevent fat storage, control appetite, and increase exercise endurance. But it's unclear if these effects occur in humans.

People commonly use garcinia for obesity, athletic performance, joint pain, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse garcinia with gamboge, Malabar nut, mangosteen, or tamarind. These are not the same.



Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Garcinia overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if garcinia extracts are safe. There have been reports of serious liver problems in some people who have taken products containing garcinia. It's unclear if garcinia is the actual cause of liver problems or if it's due to other factors. The most common side effects include nausea, stomach discomfort, and headache.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if garcinia extracts are safe. There have been reports of serious liver problems in some people who have taken products containing garcinia. It's unclear if garcinia is the actual cause of liver problems or if it's due to other factors. The most common side effects include nausea, stomach discomfort, and headache.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if garcinia or a chemical found in garcinia, called hydroxycitric acid (HCA), are safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Bipolar disorder: Garcinia can worsen mania in bipolar disorder. Don't use if you have bipolar disorder.

Liver disease: Garcinia might harm the liver. This could worsen liver damage in people with liver disease. Don't use if you have liver disease.

Surgery: The HCA in garcinia might affect blood sugar levels and slow blood clotting. This might make it more difficult to control blood sugar and bleeding during and after surgery. Stop taking HCA at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications that can harm the liver (Hepatotoxic drugs) interacts with Garcinia

    Garcinia might harm the liver. Some medications can also harm the liver. Taking garcinia along with a medication that can harm the liver might increase the risk of liver damage.

  • Serotonergic drugs interacts with Garcinia

    Garcinia might increase a brain chemical called serotonin. Some medications also have this effect. Taking garcinia along with these medications might increase serotonin too much. This might cause serious side effects including heart problems, seizures, and vomiting.

  • Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with Garcinia

    Garcinia might lower blood sugar levels. Taking garcinia along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely.

  • Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with Garcinia

    Garicina might slow blood clotting. Taking garcinia along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of garcinia might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
View References

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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