Food-effect on (-) – hydroxycitric acid absorption after oral administration of Garcinia cambogia extract formulation: a phase I, randomized, cross-over study

Abstract Garcinia cambogia extract (GCE)/(-) – hydroxycitric acid (HCA) has been identified as a potential antiobesity agent. However, controversial clinical trial results have been published on its biological effect and poor pharmacokinetic (PK) information increases its dubious efficacy. The aim of this study was to determine the main PK parameters of GCE/HCA in healthy women, and to evaluate food effects on HCA absorption. Healthy women ages 21–41 years with body mass index (BMI; kg/m2) 20.29–25.82 participated in a phase I, open-label, randomized, single-dose, cross-over study. In the fasted- and fed-conditions subjects received 1500/750 mg of GCE/HCA under 8 h of fasting. In the fed-period was given a high calorie breakfast (∼600 calories) after dosing. Plasma HCA concentrations were substantially reduced in fed-state. Peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve of time-concentration (AUC0-10h) were 3-fold and 2-fold lower (p