Nutraceutical, functional, and therapeutic properties of Garcinia cambogia: a review

Abstract

ABSTRACTGarcinia gummigutta, also known as Garcinia cambogia, has been shown to have excellent properties beneficial against many health conditions. The use of Garcinia cambogia in traditional medicine has involved treating gastrointestinal ailments, intestinal parasites, rheumatism, digestive disturbances, among other ethnobotanical applications. The fruit, which resembles a pumpkin in appearance, is presently most often used and heavily promoted as a supplement for weight loss. According to studies, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the main organic acid present in the fruit rind, has antiobesity properties that include lowering appetite and reducing body fat gain by regulating serotonin levels linked to satiety, increasing fat oxidation, and reducing de novo lipogenesis. HCA is a strong inhibitor of the enzyme adenosine triphosphate citrate lyase, which converts citrate to acetyl-coenzyme A, a catalyst for the synthesis of fatty acids, cholesterol, and triglycerides. In in vitro and in vivo models, the plant’s crude extract or components also have hepatoprotective, anti-cholinesterase, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effects. Studies on the phytochemistry of several plant components found that organic acids and xanthones, such as carbogiol and benzophenones, were also present. There are already several G. cambogia/HCA dietary supplements available for weight loss, however there are some safety concerns about the potential toxicity of continuous usage of these supplements. The majority of complaints have been in connection with multi-component formulations. G. cambogia has not been positively identified as a possibly harmful aggressor. In this paper, the scientific properties of G. cambogia are discussed in relation to pertinent botanical features, ethnobotanical applications, phytochemistry, biological activity, and toxicity. The study could be very helpful in emphasizing the therapeutic properties and mechanism of this plant and its applications.

Keywords

• Garcinia cambogia
• hydroxycitric acid
• garcinol
• anti-cancer
• anti-obesity