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Garcinia Cambogia Side Effects & Safety

Evidence:Emerging
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary — consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Safety Profile

Overall safety rating: Generally Safe

Potential Side Effects

  • Headache, GI discomfort, nausea
  • Rare cases of liver toxicity reported with high-dose combination products (Hydroxycut)
  • Mania/psychosis in rare case reports

Drug & Supplement Interactions

  • Diabetes medications — may affect blood sugar
  • Statins — rare hepatotoxicity reports in combination
  • SSRIs — theoretical serotonin interaction
  • Liver-toxic medications — avoid combining due to rare hepatotoxicity reports

Maximum Dose

Do not exceed: 2,800 mg/day HCA has been used in studies; liver toxicity reports exist at high doses in combination products

Full Garcinia Cambogia Guide

References

  1. Meta-analysisOnakpoya I, Hung SK, Perry R, et al. (2011). The use of Garcinia extract (hydroxycitric acid) as a weight loss supplement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials. Journal of Obesity. DOI PubMed
  2. RCTHeymsfield SB, Allison DB, Vasselli JR, et al. (1998). Garcinia cambogia (hydroxycitric acid) as a potential antiobesity agent: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. DOI PubMed
  3. Tavakoli S, Amini MR, Rabiee R, Salavatizadeh M, et al. (2025). The effects of Garcinia cambogia on glycaemic control and liver enzymes in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.. Journal of nutritional science. DOI PubMed
  4. Meta-analysisAmini MR, Rasaei N, Jalalzadeh M, Akhgarjand C, et al. (2024). The effects of Garcinia cambogia (hydroxycitric acid) on lipid profile: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.. Phytotherapy research : PTR. DOI PubMed
  5. Amini MR, Salavatizadeh M, Kazeminejad S, Javadi F, et al. (2024). The effects of Garcinia cambogia (hydroxycitric acid) on serum leptin concentrations: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.. Complementary therapies in medicine. DOI PubMed
  6. Meta-analysisGolzarand M, Omidian M, Toolabi K (2020). Effect of Garcinia cambogia supplement on obesity indices: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.. Complementary therapies in medicine. DOI PubMed
  7. RCTArefhosseini S, Tutunchi H, Nomi-Golzar S, Mahboob S, et al. (2022). The effect of hydroxy citric acid supplementation with calorie-restricted diet on metabolic, atherogenic and inflammatory biomarkers in women with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomized controlled clinical trial.. Food & function. DOI PubMed
Show 3 more references
  1. Mayer MA, Finlayson G, Fischman D, de Paz C, et al. (2014). Evaluation of the satiating properties of a nutraceutical product containing Garcinia cambogia and Ascophyllum nodosum extracts in healthy volunteers.. Food & function. DOI PubMed
  2. Astell KJ, Mathai ML, Su XQ (2013). Plant extracts with appetite suppressing properties for body weight control: a systematic review of double blind randomized controlled clinical trials.. Complementary therapies in medicine. DOI PubMed
  3. Márquez F, Babio N, Bulló M, Salas-Salvadó J (2012). Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of hydroxycitric acid or Garcinia cambogia extracts in humans.. Critical reviews in food science and nutrition. DOI PubMed