Garcinia (Garcinia cambogia)

What is Garcinia?

Garcinia cambogia is the former scientific name of a tree native to India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and parts of Africa. The more current name for both the tree and its fruit is garcinia gummi-gutta, though it is sometimes known as Malabar tamarind, red mango or brindal berry.

The fruit is the part of the plant most useful for homeopathic purposes, and they range in size from that of a large tomato to that of a grapefruit. The garcinia cambogia fruit resembles a small pumpkin in its multi-lobed shape, but it is not typically orange. Most are green, yellow or red, and they are a commonly used in Indian cooking to flavor curry dishes⁴. Ayurvedic medicine has long recognized the digestive benefits of garcinia cambogia, employing it against intestinal disturbances and rheumatism¹.

How does it work?

The rind of the garcinia cambogia fruit contains a high amount of a substance called hydroxycitric acid, aka HCA, that is thought to help block the production of an enzyme your body needs to store fat. Scientists also think HCA may boost serotonin levels in the brain, lifting your overall mood – which may help curb certain behaviors counter to weight loss, like stress eating².

What are its benefits?

The HCA extracted from the garcinia cambogia fruit has shown promise in helping some study participants lose weight, at least in the short term, but its long-term benefits are still unclear². Another benefit that has potential for diabetic patients is the influence garcinia can have on glucose and insulin levels. There’s no clear evidence that the supplement can control diabetes or diabetic symptoms, but the connection is worth more study. There is also some evidence that garcinia can improve cholesterol levels, lowering triglycerides and raising HDL (“good”) numbers in some people².

Products featuring Garcinia cambogia:

EcoSlim™ for Balanced Metabolism

Practice Self Care

Native Remedies recommends you consult your doctor before introducing new remedies into your regimen. Always ensure you are buying high-quality, laboratory-tested supplements from a reputable supplier. At Native Remedies, we back all our products with a 100 percent money-back guarantee. If you’re not happy with your purchase after trying it for 30 days, simply send it back for a refund. Here’s to your good health!

The content provided is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have a health condition, please consult a medical professional and do not use this information to self-diagnose or self-treat.

Reviewed by Master Herbalist, Mary Ellen Kosanke