Efficacy of Garcinia Cambogia (HCA) in Reducing Body Weight in Overweight and Obese Adults: A Scoping Review

Aim: This scoping review investigates the weight loss claims made by listed products containing Garcinia Cambogia (from which hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is thought to be the active component). Examples include Garcinia Max (AUST L 266921) and Thinco Garcinia Supreme (AUST L 213557). Materials and Methods: Only studies which compared Garcinia Cambogia to placebo were included and the variables of weight change and BMI change were analysed. Double-blinded RCT’s and systematic reviews of RCT’s were included in the analysis. Results: Of the 14 included studies, all failed to demonstrate a clinically significant decrease in weight or BMI. Thus, none of the included studies provides sufficient evidence to support the claims made by listed weight-loss products containing Garcinia Cambogia (HCA). Conclusion: In addition, it is clear that there is a large problem with the standardisation of herbal products in general. Future trials, if done, need to have parameters matching those set out in the TGA evidence guidelines and the CONSORT guidelines for reporting randomised, controlled trials of herbal interventions.