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What is Garcinia Cambogia Extract?

Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Garcinia cambogia extract comes from the fruit of the Garcinia cambogia tree, which grows across Southeast Asia. Other common names for the tree include Brindall berry, Malabar tamarind, Uppagi, and Gamboge. The fruit contains hydroxycitric acid, which makes up the bulk of the extract. It has a wide range of purported uses, from medical, to cosmetic, to a condiment. Some believe it is an appetite suppressant, lipid inhibitor, fat burner, and that it can treat a wide variety of medical illnesses, though its medicinal effectiveness is controversial.

One of the main uses of this extract is as a dietary aid. People claim that it helps reduce a person’s appetite and can even burn fat. Scientific research seems to contradict those claims, however. One of the main studies that was conducted in 1998 showed that 42 people who consumed 3,000 mg of Garcinia cambogia extract every day did not lose any more weight than the people who consumed the placebo did. Many people still consume the extract in the hopes of dropping a few additional pounds.

Garcinia cambogia extract is typically taken as a weight loss supplement.
Garcinia cambogia extract is typically taken as a weight loss supplement.

People who study traditional Indian medicine have also touted the effectiveness of Garcinia cambogia in treating a wide range of medical problems. The list of illnesses that may be treated with the extract is seemingly endless, and includes tumors, parasites, diarrhea, constipation, fever, hemorrhoids, high cholesterol and high triglycerides, to name a few. Some claim it even increases the mucus production in the stomach to prevent gastric ulcers.

Unripe fruit growing on a garcinia cambogia tree.
Unripe fruit growing on a garcinia cambogia tree.

Beyond its use as a medical and dietary aid, it is also used as an ingredient in some cosmetics. In addition, the people of Southeast Asia use it as a condiment. For example, tamarind, one of the plant's other names, is familiar to many people who enjoy curry and other Southeast Asian menu items. Fish can also be preserved using the rinds of the fruit.

Mangosteen is the fruit of the Garcinia Cambogia tree.
Mangosteen is the fruit of the Garcinia Cambogia tree.

As with any herbal supplement, individuals should consult a medicalprofessional or herbalist before taking any new product. Some supplements can be harmful to certain groups of people, such as pregnant women, diabetics, and those with heart conditions. A number of people who have taken too much of ths extract have reported adverse symptoms, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and testicular atrophy. Women who are pregnant or who are breastfeeding are generally advised not to consume it.

Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to TheHealthBoard.

Learn more...
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to TheHealthBoard.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon344448

Filipinos used mangosteens for the past century. This is not a new wonder fruit as Dr. Oz pointed out.

anon336712

I'm looking and feeling really good now. I was skeptical at first but upon recommendation of a good friend, I've dropped several pounds in the first few weeks with this product from Elite Gold Solutions on Amazon. Great product!

anon331947

To find cambogia, just go to your local chinese grocery or supermarket and ask for "mangosteen" a round purple fruit size of a tennis ball. They may also carry the extract in their asian "pharmacy" counter.

SteamLouis
@turquoise-- I used to eat fresh mangosteens all the time when I was in Thailand. They're also very good for digestion and do improve the immune system in general.

It's hard to get them in the US because we don't grow any here. So all mangosteens and their extract has to be imported from outside.

My aunt uses the extract and she gets them online from a company who imports them. That's your best bet I think.

turquoise

I really want to try this extract because I heard from my friend that it's excellent for detox. Apparently, some doctors in Asia have also started giving this extract to their cancer patients to help them fight cancer.

The problem is that I can't find this extract anywhere. It's not available in any of the pharmacies and stores selling supplements. Why is it so hard to find this extract? Where are people who use them regularly getting them?

fBoyle

Malabar tamarind shouldn't be confused with regular tamarind. Tamarind is a completely different tree and the cooking ingredient comes from the ponds of the tree. Malabar tamarind and extract is made from the fruit of Mangosteen tree.

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    • Garcinia cambogia extract is typically taken as a weight loss supplement.
      By: Melpomene
      Garcinia cambogia extract is typically taken as a weight loss supplement.
    • Unripe fruit growing on a garcinia cambogia tree.
      Unripe fruit growing on a garcinia cambogia tree.
    • Mangosteen is the fruit of the Garcinia Cambogia tree.
      Mangosteen is the fruit of the Garcinia Cambogia tree.
    • Mangosteens.
      Mangosteens.
    • Garcinia cambogia extract comes from the fruit of the Garcinia cambogia tree.
      By: sriharun
      Garcinia cambogia extract comes from the fruit of the Garcinia cambogia tree.
    • Some people believe garcinia cambogia can effectively treat gastric ulcers.
      By: p6m5
      Some people believe garcinia cambogia can effectively treat gastric ulcers.