(-)-Hydroxycitric
Acid
Click here for HCA Products
Also known as: Garcinia cambogia,
HCA
What does it do?
(-)-Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is a fruit extract with a chemical composition similar to
citric acid (the primary acid in citrus fruits). Preliminary research, based on laboratory
experiments and animal research, suggests that HCA may be a useful weight loss aid.1
2 HCA has been demonstrated in the laboratory (but not yet in trials with people) to
reduce the conversion of carbohydrates into stored fat by inhibiting certain enzyme
processes.3 4 Animal research indicates that HCA suppresses appetite and
induces weight loss.5 6 7 8 One case report found that eating 1 gram of the
fruit containing HCA before each meal resulted in the loss of 1 pound per day.9
A double blind trial that provided either 1,500 mg of HCA or a placebo to 135 overweight
men and women who also were on a calorie-restricted diet found after twelve weeks that the
HCA supplementation did not produce a significant change in weight loss.10
Uncontrolled and/or preliminary evidence from several other human trials suggest the
possibility that weight loss might occur;11 however, none of these studies is
as methodologically strong as the negative trial previously mentioned.
Where is it found?
HCA is found in only a few plants, with the richest source being the rind of a little
pumpkin-shaped fruit called Garcinia cambogia, native to Southeast Asia.
Thai and Indian cuisines use this fruit (also called Malabar tamarind) as a condiment in
dishes such as curry.
Who is likely to be
deficient? Since it is not an essential nutrient, HCA is not associated with a
deficiency state. |
How much is usually taken?
Optimal levels of HCA remain unknown. Although dieters sometimes take 500 mg of HCA
three times per day (before each meal), this amount is far below the levels used in animal
research (figured on a per-pound body weight basis). The effect of HCA is enhanced when
used in conjuncture with a low-fat diet, because HCA does nothing to reduce the caloric
effects of dietary fat. HCA supplements are available in many forms, including tablets,
capsules, powders, snack bars, and chewing gum.
Are there any side effects
or interactions? HCA has not been linked to any adverse effects.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known
drug interactions with Hydroxycitric acid.
Also see Weight Loss and HCA
References:
1. Lowenstein JM. Effect of (-)-hydroxycitrate on fatty acid synthesis
by rat liver in vivo. J Biol Chem 1971;246(3):629–32.
2. Triscari J, Sullivan AC. Comparative effects of (-)-hydroxycitrate and
(=)-allo-hydroxycitrate on acetyl CoA carboxylase and fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis
in vivo. Lipids 1977;12(4):357–63.
3. Cheema-Dhadli S, Harlperin ML, Leznoff CC. Inhibition of enzymes which interact with
citrate by (-)hydroxycitrate and 1,2,3,-tricarboxybenzene. Eur J Biochem
1973;38:98–102.
4. Sullivan AC, Hamilton JG, Miller ON, et al. Inhibition of lipogenesis in rat liver by
(-)-hydroxycitrate. Arch Biochem Biophys 1972;150:183–90.
5. Greenwood MRC, Cleary MP, Gruen R, et al. Effect of (-)-hydroxycitrate on development
of obesity in the Zucker obese rat. Am Phys J 1981;240:E72–78.
6. Sullivan AC, Triscari J. Metabolic regulation as a control for lipid disorders. Am J
Clin Nutr 1977;30:767–76.
7. Sullivan AC, Triscari J, Hamilton JG, et al. Effect of (-)-hydroxycitrate upon the
accumulation of lipid in the rat: I. Lipogenesis. Lipids 1974;9:121–128.
8. Sullivan AC, Triscari J, Hamilton JG, et al. Effect of (-)-hydroxycitrate upon the
accumulation of lipid in the rat. II. Appetite. Lipids 1974;9(2):129–34.
9. Sergio W. A natural food, malabar tamarind, may be effective in the treatment of
obesity. Med Hypothesis 1988;27:40.
10. Heymsfield SB, Allison DB, Vasselli JR, et al. Garcinia cambogia (hydroxycitric acid)
as a potential antiobesity agent. JAMA 1998;280:1596–1600.
11. Seroy S. Response to JAMA HCA report. Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients Feb/Mar
1999:120–21 [letter/review].
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