Introduction
Garcinia a Herbal Fat Burner, a non-prescription alternative.  Garcinia Cam-bogia (Indica), also known as brindall berry, is (-)-hydroxyc-itrate. Its properties, according to available published scientific investigations, are such that it acts as an appetite suppressant and a lipid lowering agent. This alone could make it of value in the control of obesity and certain lipid disorders.

The mode of action of (-)-hydroxycitrate, i.e. the brindall berry extract (BBE), appears to center on its ability to slow the regeneration of acetyl CoA—the citrate cleavage enzyme outside the mitochondria in hepatic cells. The effect is to reduce the major source of carbon atoms available for the synthesis of triglycerides, cholesterol and storage of fat without reduction in energy output. Carbon atoms are instead directed to glycogen in the muscles and liver, resulting in more stamina and increased endurance, but not increased body weight. The properties of chromium (GTF) have been known for about 15 years, and I have used it extensively in my bariatric practice. It is a key natural mineral that “keeps insulin level in check by making the hormone more efficient at regulating blood sugar levels,” says the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.

FAMILY: Clusiaceae

DESCRIPTION : Garcinia is a medium to large evergreen tree. The fruit may resemble a small yellow or reddish pumpkin, or it may have a unique purple color. It has a distinctive sweet acid taste. When fully ripe it is too acid to eat fresh by itself. (It contains 16-30% (_)-hydroxycitric acid [(_)-HCA] by dry weight, as well as other fruit acids.) It is used as a spice either, sprinkled over food, or dried and used in curries in place of limes or tamarinds. Its addition is said to make the food more "filling and satisfying."  The fruit contains fruiting acids such as Citric acid, Tartaric acid,
Malic acid and Ascorbic acid that have an antioxidant activity.
 

INDICATIONS : One researcher tried the fruit and said that "as little as one gram before each meal was extremely effective in reducing my own appetite and weight, and resulted in a definite sustained increase in energy and a weight loss for me of about one pound per day without any dieting. However, my results may not be typical." Significant research has been done on the effects of the purified active ingredient, (_)-HCA, in its sodium salt form, is considerably more powerful than the crude powder and has important additional functions. (_)-HCA has been shown in animal experiments to suppress both appetite and the formation of fats and cholesterol in the liver. In addition it results in an increase in LDL receptor activity in liver cells that can pull LDL cholesterol out of circulation. If further research shows that other mechanisms do not increase LDL production enough to compensate, then (_)-HCA is likely to be adopted as a cholesterol-lowering agent. There is no reduction in protein or muscle tissue to detract from the reduction of circulating fatty acids and total lipid levels in the body. Furthermore, there is an increase in glycogen production that may be the cause of the perceived energy increase mentioned above. Finally, (_)-HCA does not speed up metabolism or produce the side-effects of amphetamines, and does not create strong aversions to foods. In animal studies, (_)-HCA retained its full effectiveness in reducing food intake for one month of sustained use, and for 80 days of interrupted use.