Garcinia Cambogia
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Garcinia Cambogia (Garcinia gummi-gutta (Hydroxycitric acid source)) is a dietary supplement with 7 published peer-reviewed studies involving 1,780 participants, researched for Weight Management, Fat Inhibition, Appetite Control and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Weight Management
StrongFat Inhibition
ModerateAppetite Control
ModerateBlood Lipids
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Weight Management
To evaluate Garcinia cambogia extract supplementation for weight loss in overweight adults.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate Garcinia cambogia extract supplementation for weight loss in overweight adults.
Dose
1,500 mg/day Garcinia cambogia extract (60% HCA)
Participants
130 overweight adults
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Garcinia cambogia supplementation produced modest but significant weight reduction (-2.1 kg) compared to placebo (-0.4 kg). Waist circumference was also significantly reduced. Fat mass decreased more than lean mass.
How They Measured It
Body weight, BMI, waist circumference, fat mass (DXA)
To systematically evaluate Garcinia cambogia for weight loss.
Study Type
Meta-analysis
Purpose
To systematically evaluate Garcinia cambogia for weight loss.
Dose
1,500-4,800 mg/day (50-60% HCA)
Participants
Pooled from 12 RCTs
Duration
2-12 weeks
Results
Meta-analysis found a small but statistically significant difference in weight loss favouring Garcinia cambogia (-0.88 kg). Heterogeneity was high. The clinical significance is modest at current doses.
How They Measured It
Pooled body weight changes across RCTs
Fat Inhibition
To evaluate HCA from Garcinia cambogia on fat synthesis markers during weight loss.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate HCA from Garcinia cambogia on fat synthesis markers during weight loss.
Dose
2,400 mg/day HCA
Participants
89 adults on a caloric restriction programme
Duration
8 weeks
Results
HCA supplementation significantly reduced de novo lipogenesis markers and improved fat oxidation rate. The primary mechanism is ATP-citrate lyase inhibition, which impairs conversion of carbohydrates to fat.
How They Measured It
Respiratory quotient, de novo lipogenesis markers, body fat percentage
To characterise HCA's mechanism of ATP-citrate lyase inhibition.
Study Type
In-vitro study
Purpose
To characterise HCA's mechanism of ATP-citrate lyase inhibition.
Dose
Various HCA concentrations
Participants
Hepatocyte cell culture model
Duration
N/A
Results
HCA competitively inhibited ATP-citrate lyase with a Ki of ~10 µM, reducing acetyl-CoA production for fatty acid synthesis by 40-60% at physiologically relevant concentrations.
How They Measured It
ATP-citrate lyase enzyme kinetics, acetyl-CoA production, lipid synthesis rates
Appetite Control
To assess Garcinia cambogia supplementation on appetite and food intake.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To assess Garcinia cambogia supplementation on appetite and food intake.
Dose
1,500 mg/day HCA
Participants
78 obese adults
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Garcinia cambogia significantly reduced total food intake and appetite scores. Serotonin-mediated appetite suppression via tryptophan hydroxylase is proposed as a contributing mechanism.
How They Measured It
Food intake diary, appetite VAS, subjective satiety
Blood Lipids
To evaluate the effects of Garcinia cambogia on lipid profiles in dyslipidaemic patients.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate the effects of Garcinia cambogia on lipid profiles in dyslipidaemic patients.
Dose
1,500 mg/day (50% HCA)
Participants
95 adults with dyslipidaemia
Duration
12 weeks
Results
Garcinia cambogia significantly reduced total cholesterol (-6%), LDL-C (-10%), and triglycerides (-12%) compared to placebo. HDL-C was marginally increased. Lipid benefits are consistent with ATP-citrate lyase inhibition.
How They Measured It
Total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides
To investigate Garcinia cambogia effects on hepatic fat accumulation and lipid metabolism.
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To investigate Garcinia cambogia effects on hepatic fat accumulation and lipid metabolism.
Dose
5% dietary HCA
Participants
High-fat-fed rats
Duration
8 weeks
Results
HCA significantly reduced liver triglyceride accumulation, serum cholesterol, and lipogenic enzyme activity in high-fat-fed animals. HCA appears to target both hepatic and adipose lipid synthesis.
How They Measured It
Liver triglyceride content, serum lipids, lipogenic enzyme activity
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Garcinia Cambogia research
There are currently 9 peer-reviewed studies on Garcinia Cambogia (Garcinia gummi-gutta (Hydroxycitric acid source)), involving 1,780 total participants. Research covers Weight management, Fat inhibition, Appetite control and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Very Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Very Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (5 human studies, 1 animal study), and reported outcomes.
Garcinia Cambogia has been researched for: Weight management, Fat inhibition, Appetite control, Blood lipids. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 5 out of 9 studies are human trials. The remaining 1 is an animal study. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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