Summary: Hydroxycitric acid (HCA)
Hydroxycitric acid (HCA), derived from the Garcinia cambogia fruit in a dose up to 2,800 mg of HCA divided in 3 equal doses per day taken for weight loss has been described as safe without side effects in 2 reviews focused on safety of the agent. However, results from the research reviewed has shown mixed results. 1 review and 1 double-blind randomized placebo controlled clinical trial found HCA did not differ significantly compared to a diet and exercise program alone. This result provided more credibility to diet and exercise than the HCA. 1 randomized placebo controlled clinical trial by Mattes RD reported a greater weight loss of 3.7 kg vs 2.4 kg with 1200 mg of HCA per day vs. placebo in obese patients but weight loss did not occur by appetite suppression, a hypothesis promoted by other research as the mechanism for action. The remaining research reviewed was less credible for supporting HCA for use in weight loss. More research is needed on HCA.