Research
Research suggests hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is a principle component of the dried fruit rind of Garcinia cambogia, a plant native to Southeastern Asia. The dried rind has been used for centuries throughout Southeast Asia as a food preservative, flavouring agent and digestive aid.1
Research shows that Garcinia extract helps control satiety and support weight-loss by modulating serotonin levels and fat synthesis to suppress appetite. HCA helps stimulate serotonin release and inhibit reuptake in the body. Serotonin (5-HT) is a neurotransmitter involved in several behavioural functions within the body, including mood and appetite control. Studies show that serotonin impacts eating behavior and body weight; increased circulating levels are associated with lower food intake, reduced weight gain and increased energy expenditure.2,3,4 Therefore, increased serotonin levels can help address many of the emotional issues overweight people face.5,6
HCA has also been shown to be a competitive inhibitor of ATP-citrate lyase, a key player in the conversion of citrate into acetyl coenzyme A, a primary building block for fatty acid synthesis. Inhibiting ATP-citrate lyase directs carbohydrates away from fat synthesis and towards storing energy in the form of glycogen. Increased glycogen levels send satiety signals to the brain, ultimately leading to reduced food intake.7
A 2 week study showed that 500 mg of SuperCitriMax® decreases calorie intake and sustains satiety. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study, 24 overweight men and women consumed SuperCitriMax® an hour before lunch and dinner and two hours after dinner for two weeks. SuperCitriMax® significantly decreased 24-hour energy intake by 25% and snacking by 40% compared to placebo. SuperCitriMax® also decreased calorie intake at every meal, while satiety was sustained, and demonstrated a reduction in body weight of 1.1 pounds.8
Another randomized placebo-controlled study also demonstrated that 1500 mg of Garcinia Extract daily taken before meals for eight weeks resulted in 215% greater weight loss than placebo, and a significant reduction was in cholesterol and triglyceride levels was also observed.9
Resources
1 Soni, M. G., Burdock, G. A., Preuss, H. G., Stohs, S. J., Ohia, S. E., & Bagchi, D. (2004). Safety assessment of (−)-hydroxycitric acid and Super CitriMax®, a novel calcium/potassium salt. Food and Chemical Toxicology,42(9), 1513-1529.
2 Jena BS, Jayaprakasha JK, Singh RP, Sakariah KK, Chemistry and Biochemistry of (–)-Hydroxycitric Acid from Garcinia, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 50:10-22, 2002.
3 Leibowitz SF and Alexander JT, Hypothalamic Serotonin in Control of Eating Behavior, Meal Size, and Body Weight, Society of Biological Psychiatry, 44: 851-864, 1998.
4 Casper RC, Serotonin, A Major Player in the Regulation of Feeding and Affect, Society of Biological Psychiatry, 44:795-797, 1998.
5 Mauri MC, Rudelli R, Somasehini E, Roncoroni L, Papa R, Mantero M, Penati G, Neurobiological and Psychopharmacolgical Basis in the Therapy of Bulimia and Anorexia, Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, 20:207-240, 1996.
6 Wilding J, Widdowson P, Williams G, Neurobiology, British Medical Bulletin, 53:286-306, 1997.
7 Sullivan AC, Triscari J, Hamilton JG, Miller ON, Wheatley VR, Effect of (-)-Hydroxycitrate upon the Accumulation of Lipid in the Rat. I. Lipogenesis, Lipids, 9:121-128, 1974.
8 Westerterp-Plantenga MS, Kovacs EMR. The effect of (-)-hydroxycitrate on energy intake and satiety in overweight humans. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. 2002 June; 26(6): 870–872.
9 Ramos RR, Saenz JLS, Aguilar RJA, Extract of Garcinia cambogia in Controlling Obesity, Investigacion Medica Internacional. 22:97-100, 1995