Hydroxycitric acid does not promote inflammation or liver toxicity

Abstract

Garcinia cambogia extract (GC) with its active component consisting of hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is widely utilized for weight loss. Various HCA salts are available, including calcium, magnesium, potassium and mixtures of these. Experimentally, these salts exhibit different properties with some, but not all, improving glucose tolerance and blood pressure. Recently, obesity-prone C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD, 45 kcal% fat) with or without GC (1%, w/w) for 16 wk. The active arm reduced visceral fat, adipocyte size and serum glucose, yet purportedly also exhibited hepatic collagen accumulation, lipid peroxidation and increased mRNA levels of genes related to oxidative stress. The latter findings are at odds with a large body of animal and human studies that have been conducted on the safety and efficacy of HCA. This literature shows HCA to be protective against the liver toxicity associated with ethanol and dexamethasone administration, and to maintain serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase at near normal levels. In both animal and clinical literature, elevated intakes of HCA per se have not led to signs of inflammation or hepatotoxicity. The compound has been found to reduce markers of inflammation in brain, intestines, kidney and serum.

Dangerous dietary supplements:Garcinia cambogia-associated hepatic failure requiring transplantation

“…However, in the past several months, several cases of G. cambogia associated acute liver failure have been reported[18,19], reinforcing the toxic potential of this particular supplement. Agreement upon the actual liver toxicity of G. cambogia has been mixed, and the majority of evidence is drawn from rodent models[20]. The product can induce liver inflammation, fibrosis, and oxidative stress in mice.…”

Effect of orlistat alone or in combination with Garcinia cambogia on visceral adiposity index in obese patients

“…On the other hand, G. cambogia contains an active constituent called hydroxycitric acid (HCA) that plays an important role in weight reduction, which is a competitive inhibitor of citrate-lyase enzyme that catalyze extra-mitochondrial citrate into acetyl coenzyme A and oxaloacetate causing a significant reduction of acetyl coenzyme A pools that limiting the availability of substrate for lipogenesis through activation of glycogenesis [ 8 ]. A study has been revealed that HCA inhibits de novo fatty acid and cholesterol biosynthesis leading to significant reduction of subcutaneous and visceral fat accumulations subsequently; long-term therapy with G. cambogia leading to significant weight reduction [ 9 ].…”

Awareness on the possible adverse effects of Garcinia cambogia: A scientific approach

“…The information regarding the test compound was regarded as incomplete. 130 In the light of the statement made by Clouatre et al, the authors of this article would also like to mention that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity were already positively assessed. 59,62, [92][93][94][95][96][97][98] On sub-acute consumption of G. cambogia extract for about 18 days, the serum troponin levels of a 48-year-old woman was elevated.…”