Super CitriMax® Shown to Improve Brain Chemicals Involved in Appetite Suppression in Obese Zucker Rats
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Super CitriMax® is a novel calcium/potassium salt of (–)-hydroxycitric acid extracted from the dried fruit rind of the plant Garcinia cambogia, which is commonly consumed worldwide as a dietary weight loss supplement. Previous studies have shown that Super CitriMax® alters levels of brain serotonin (5-HT) and neuropeptide Y (NPY), neurotransmitters that are known to either suppress or enhance appetite, respectively, in normal rats. The following study evaluated the effect of Super CitriMax® on neurotransmitters, oxidative stress and insulin in genetically obese Zucker rats. Male rats (4-5 weeks old) were supplemented with Super CitriMax® (200 mg/kg/day in drinking water) or placebo for 6-7 weeks. Compared to controls, levels of serotonin and norepinephrine increased, while levels of dopamine and epinephrine decreased, in the brain cortex of the Super CitriMax®-treated rats. Further, Super CitriMax® supplementation decreased fasting plasma insulin by 25%, triglyceride levels by 17%, and insulin resistance by 16%. Oxidative stress in liver and kidney tissues also was significantly reduced in Super CitriMax®-treated rats. This study shows that Super CitriMax® may influence appetite suppression in obesity by modulating neurotransmitter levels, while reducing oxidative stress and insulin resistance.
Source: Ashgar D, Zeyssig R, Monjok G, et al. Effect of a novel hydroxycitric acid extract (HCA-SX) on oxidative stress, insulin resistance and brain serotonin level in obese zucker rats. Experimental Biology Annual Meeting. April 2006;20:Abs. 655.4.
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