Botanical Description:
Garcinia cambogia is a flowering evergreen tree, with drooping, soft, thin branches.
The fruit is yellow, oval in shape and resembles small pumpkins.
Garcinia is part of the same family as mangosteens; the fruit is harvested, dried and ground into a powder.
Leaves are oval in shape with dark green colour on the ventral surface and pale colour on the dorsal.
Flowering in the tree occurs in late winters and fruits come in late springs.
The flowers type is monecious, present in the form of bunches with 4- 8 in number.
Part of Plant Used:
Fruit
Rind
Main Uses:
Nutritionally beneficial source of hydroxy citric acid which helps prevent the storage of body fat converting the carbohydrates to glycogen which sends a satiety signal to the brain suppressing the appetite.
An effective slimming aid.
Contra-indications:
Allergy or hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients.
Avoid in patients with Alzheimer's disease and other dementia syndromes due to the theoretical possibility of forming acetylcholine in the brain.
Warnings:
Rated relatively safe when taken in appropriate quantities for short periods of time.
When taken for any ailment if symptoms persist for more than one week consult your doctor or herbal practitioner.
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation may be hazardous. Always consult with your doctor or herbal practitioner.
Interactions:
Many tinctures contain high levels of alcohol and may cause nausea or vomiting when taken with metronidazole (Flagyl®) or disulfiram (Antabuse®).
Taking hydroxycitric acid with statin medications, such as atorvastatin calcium (Lipitor®), may increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis (disease involving the degeneration of skeletal muscle).
An incidence of rhabdomyolysis was reported in a case report of a patient taking a weight-loss herbal medicine that contained 50% hydroxycitric acid.
Garcinia may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Taking hydroxycitric acid with statin medications, such as atorvastatin calcium (Lipitor®), may increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis (disease involving the degeneration of skeletal muscle). An incidence of rhabdomyolysis was reported in a case report of a patient taking a weight-loss herbal medicine that contained 50% hydroxycitric acid.
There are no other known interactions; however, with the proliferation of available drugs it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care professional before taking this or any other supplements.
Pregnancy & Lactation:
Not enough is known about the use of Garcinia during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Side Effects – Only With Mega Doses:
Garcinia appears to be safe for most people when used for 12 weeks or less. Long-term safety is unknown. Garcinia can cause nausea, digestive tract discomfort, and headache.
None other expected if you are beyond childhood, basically healthy and do not exceed recommended dosage and use for short periods, but always consult with your doctor before taking this or any medical drugs, herbs or nutritional supplements, particularly if suffering from a serious health condition or on any medication or treatment.
Over Dosage:
Accidental overdose such as child ingesting a whole bottle. As a safety precaution obtain immediate medical assistance.
