Effects of garcinia cambogia on blood viscosity : A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Abstract EN

Background : Garcinia cambogia is a herbal remedy extracted from pumpkin like fruit used for treatment of various health conditions.

Hydroxycitrate, the principle ingredient of Garcinia cambogia, has been shown to be a powerful lipogenic inhibitor.

Blood viscosity regarded as an important factor for many diseases.

Many parameters are affecting the blood viscosity such as packed cell volume, fibrinogen and serum cholesterol.

Aim of the study : This study was conducted to determine the effects of Garcinia cambogia on blood viscosity profile.

Methods : This study was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, AL-Mustansirya University from September to December 2009.

Twenty healthy male volunteers aged between 20 and 22 years enrolled in this study.

Those volunteers randomly assigned equally, in a double-blind manner into two group ; group (A) take Garcinia cambogia oral tablets and group (B) take placebo tablets ,the duration of therapy was two weeks.

Blood viscosity, packed cell volume, plasma fibrinogen, and serum cholesterol were performed at day one and at the end of 1st and 2nd week of treatment.

Results : This study showed that after one week treatment with Garcinia cambogia there was significant reduction in blood viscosity and plasma fibrinogen.

Moreover two weeks treatment with Garcinia cambogia produced significant reduction in blood viscosity, plasma fibrinogen and serum cholesterol (P < 0.05).

An exception was the packed cell volume which is not altered (P > 0.05).

Conclusion : It can be concluded that Garcinia cambogia favorably affect blood viscosity.

Though further clinical studies are recommended, the use of Garcinia cambogia in treatment and prevention of diseases that related to high blood viscosity is promising.