General Information
Brand Name: Garcinia cambogia
Application: Dietary supplement
System Components and Performance
Garcinia cambogia is one of the most widely used herbal supplements for weight loss. Many manufacturers include it in composition of their means for losing weight. Sometimes Garcinia is the only active substance. But more often it is contained in complex supplements for weight loss. Usually Garcinia cambogia extract is combined with other plant components.
Mechanisms of action:
- modulation of lipid metabolism. In laboratory studies, it has been proven that Garcinia cambogia can affect metabolism of fats. It accelerates process of their oxidation. Perhaps this property of Garcinia can accelerate weight loss by stimulating lipolysis.
- suppression of appetite. Very often this property of Garcinia cambogia is indicated by manufacturers of medicines for weight loss as the main mechanism of action.
- inhibition of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase. Laboratory studies have shown that hydroxycitric acid, the main active ingredient in Garcinia cambogia, is able to inhibit activity of digestive enzymes responsible for breakdown of carbohydrates. Thus, mechanism of fat burning action of this plant can be associated with blocking assimilation of calories.
Ingredients:
- Garcinia extract (GLA 60%) – 400 mg;
- magnesium (stearate);
- silicon (oxide);
- starch.
Garcinia cambogia reduces amount of new fat, cleans out deposits of cholesterol, positively influences well-being, reduces possibility of stress and appearance of depression, rejuvenates the body, restoring collagen cells.
Indications
- Access weight.
- Metabolism disorders.
Contraindications
Garcinia cambodia is contraindicated to patients suffering from:
- diabetes;
- Alzheimer’s disease;
- mental and neurological disorders;
- ischemia;
- hypertension;
- individual intolerance of components;
- allergies;
- weak stomach;
- pregnant and lactating women.
Not so significant for health, but still unpleasant surprise is that use of Garcinia cambogia gives purely temporary effect. That is why most often soon after stopping taking the drug, weight comes back again. That is, prolonged change in eating habits is not within competence of this miracle means.
Danger arises also if you take Garcinia on the background of low- or no-carbohydrate diets. This combination can cause a sharp drop in blood glucose (hypoglycemia). The first symptoms are dizziness, weakness in muscles, unreasonable nausea. At first sign of hypoglycemia, hot sweet tea will help. If after a drink and rest you will not feel better, consult a doctor.
Side effects
If you buy any drug containing Garcinia cambogia and look at instructions, you will not find any contraindications or side effects there. Why? Because the vast majority of supplements contain Garcinia cambogia in a low dose, which even theoretically is not capable of providing clinical effects. One pill usually contains 100 – 200 mg of active ingredient. This is too little, even if we assume that Garcinia cambogia accelerates weight loss.
Such low doses do not have side effects. They are safe for health. But if you independently increase dosage and increase the number of pills for single use, unwanted phenomena are possible. They do not develop immediately, but after a few months of regular intake. Given that obesity always requires long-term treatment, Garcinia cambogia in some cases may cause health problems.
The plant extract, according to clinical studies, has negative effect on liver function. In men, Garcinia cambogia can reduce function of testicles. This effect was revealed in studies on rabbits. And although there is no evidence of the same effect of plants on human testes, men should still take this supplement with caution.
Occasionally there are side effects such as:
- flatulence;
- diarrhea;
- abdominal pain;
- upset stomach;
- dizziness;
- dry mouth;
- headaches;
If you experience any of these symptoms after you start taking the supplement, stop taking it and consult a doctor.
Drug Interactions
Studies show that Garcinia cambodia can interact negatively with certain medicines. Among such medications there are medications for treatment of asthma, allergies and diabetes. According to research, garcinia makes these drugs less effective.
In addition, garcinia can adversely affect blood thinners, medications for treatment of mental illnesses, painkillers, iron preparations and statins to lower cholesterol.
Warnings
Garcinia cambogia increases level of hormone serotonin in human body. However, use of Garcinia with antidepressants from the group of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can cause serotonin syndrome. This can lead to neurologic symptoms, such as:
- stuttering;
- anxiety;
- agitation;
- loss of coordination;
- hallucinations;
- increased heart rate;
- increased blood pressure;
- fever;
- diarrhea.
Dosage
Recommended daily dosages range from 300 mg to 660 mg. But in studies of efficacy of Garcinia cambogia, it was prescribed in 1,5 – 3 g per day. However, independent increase in daily dose of Garcinia cambogia is associated with some risks and inconveniences:
- significant increase in the price of the course;
- increased possibility of side effects.
For comfortable and effective use, capsules are available from skin extract of Garcinia cambogia fruit.
Recommended maximum dosage of the drug is 520 mg/day (2 capsules of 260 mg). Take capsules 20 minutes before meal. Be sure to increase intake of purified water (up to 2 – 2,5 l/day).
Recommended duration of treatment is 30 days – during this time all metabolic processes are normalized. After the end of the course, you need to take a break for 14 days and, if necessary, repeat.
Supplied
60 pills of 250 mg in a blister pack.
Storage
Keep in cool dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Posted by RxMed