Effects of Long-term Administration of Garcinia cambogia extract on Visceral Fat Accumulation in Humans: A Placebo-controlled Double Blind Trial

(−)-Hydroxycitric acid (HCA), an active ingredient extracted from the rind of the Indian fruit Garcinia cambogia inhibits ATP-citrate lyase and is used for anti-obesity treatment. This study was conducted to examine the long-term effects of G. cambogia extracts on body fat accumulation in humans who are preobese or obese class 1 (body mass index from 25 to 35 kg/m2). A total of 40 subjects were randomized to either a G. cambogia (n=20, 1000 mg of HCA per day) or a placebo (n=20) group. The treatment period was 8 weeks. Each was subjected to computed tomography (CT) scan at the umbilical level before and after the treatment period, and blood samples taken to measure the clinical laboratory data every 4 weeks. As for a higher visceral fat area (VFA) in the subjects (with an initial VFA over 90 cm2), both the VFA and VFA/SFA (subcutaneous fat area) ratio in the G. cambogia group significantly decreased, compared to the placebo group (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively). Triacylglycerol was also reduced significantly in higher VFA subjects in the G. cambogia group, compared to the initial levels (p=0.05), but there were no significant difference between the groups in loss of body weight and the waist-hip ratio. No adverse effect was observed through out the test period. In conclusion, G. cambogia extract is useful for reducing body fat accumulation, especially visceral fat accumulation.