Clinical trials

This is a discussion paper. It does not reflect the views of the Committee. It should not be cited.

71.             Several clinical trials have investigated the pharmacological effects of G. cambogia (Girola et al., 1996; Hayamizu et al., 2008; Heymsfield et al., 1998). Most patients either reported no adverse events or showed no significant difference from the control group.

72.             Cheng et al., (2012) assessed the effects of a single oral HCA supplementation on postprandial glycogen synthesis in skeletal muscle in physically active men. Eight men aged on average 22 years (mean BMI 25.2 kg/m²) and in apparent good health were dosed with 500 mg of HCA, immediately after exercise. They noted an increase in fat oxidation after HCA supplementation and suggested this may present a risk of increased ketosis in patients with severe diabetes.

73.             In another study (phase I observational study), 10 healthy men aged 26-56 years with no digestive disorders received 3,000 mg/day of HCA for 30 days.  Although the measured parameters: anthropometric indices, clinical examinations, and serum testosterone levels remained unchanged, two subjects experienced anorexia and a third reported a headache (Hayamizu et al., 2003).