Acute liver injury following Garcinia cambogia weight-loss supplementation: case series and literature review

Abstract

Herbal weight-loss supplements are sold as self-medication products, and are often used under the misconception that their natural origin guarantees their safety. Food supplements are not required to provide any benefit/risk profile evaluation before marketing; however, possible risks associated with use of herbal extracts in food supplements are becoming more and more documented in the literature. Some herbs are listed as the leading cause of herb-induced liver injury, with a severe or potentially lethal clinical course, and unpredictable herb-drug interactions. Garcinia cambogia (GC) extract and GC-containing products are some of the most popular dietary supplements currently marketed for weight loss. Here, we present four cases of acute liver failure in women taking GC extract for weight loss, and a literature review of clinical evidences about hepatic toxicity in patients taking dietary supplements containing GC extract.

Adverse events following cannabis for medical use in Tuscany: An analysis of the Italian Phytovigilance database

“…Spontaneous reports of suspected AEs to natural health products (including galenic preparations containing herbals) are collected in Italy within the Italian Phytovigilance system coordinated by the National Institute of Health …”

A clinical and computational study on anti-obesity effects of hydroxycitric acid

“…Excessive production of ketone bodies under such conditions may lead to diabetic ketoacidosis 37,38 resulting in drop of pH levels leading to damaging effect on other organs like kidney, liver and muscle in the long run. [39][40][41] As a precaution it should be noted that HCA consumption should not be accompanied with high fat diet in order to prevent side effects like hepatic ketogenesis. 42 Moreover, the increase in glycogen and protein synthesis 17 can result in increased muscle mass in the body or an increase in plasma nitrogen levels (in the form of urea (BUN) or amino acids) depending on the presence or absence of exercise in lifestyle.…”

Awareness on the possible adverse effects of Garcinia cambogia: A scientific approach

“…143 Furthermore, two review articles that were published in the same year reviewed and discussed an array of G. cambogia induced liver injury. 144,145 A clinical investigation of a 82-year-old male, after the consumption of G. cambogia, revealed that the patient had fats deposited around the pancreas that was well-matched with acute pancreatitis. 146 Moreover, a report suggested that a 35-year-old female consumed G. cambogia and soon developed nausea, headache, dizziness and swelling of the eyes.…”