Super CitriMax®, a novel calcium/potassium (–)-hydroxycitric acid (HCA) extract, has been shown to inhibit body fat production and reduce food intake in laboratory studies, and to help control weight in human studies. The present paper offers a comprehensive review of the published literature related to the safety of HCA and Super CitriMax®. The dried fruit rind of Garcinia cambogia is a rich source of HCA, and has been used for centuries as a spice, flavor-enhancer, preservative and digestive aid throughout Southeast Asia. Thus, it has a long history of consumption in countries where the plant is native. Structurally, HCA is similar to the common food additive citric acid, which also occurs naturally in citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons. The high bioavailability of HCA from Super CitriMax® (60% HCA) has been demonstrated in humans. A primary mode of HCA action appears to be its ability to inhibit ATP-citrate lyase, an enzyme that helps to form the building blocks of fatty acids and cholesterol. Acute toxicity studies of CitriMax® (50% HCA) in animals demonstrate that it is virtually non-toxic. In a sub-chronic animal study, daily doses up to 2,500 mg per kg body weight (equivalent to 150,000 mg for a 132 lb. person) for 3 months reduced body weight and feed consumption without any adverse effects. Toxicity studies, as well as the structure of HCA, its mechanism of action and its historical use, indicate that Super CitriMax® is unlikely to cause reproductive developmental effects or genetic mutations. No treatment-related adverse effects were reported from 14 controlled trials administering up to 2,800 mg HCA daily to volunteers for up to 90 days. The reviewers conclude that the quantity and quality of scientific evidence is sufficient to support the safe, supplemental use of HCA at levels up to 2,800 mg daily (4,667 mg of Super CitriMax®).

Source: Soni MG, Burdock GA, Preuss HG, Stohs SJ, Ohia SE, Bagchi D, Safety Assessment of (–)-Hydroxycitric Acid and Super CitriMax, a Novel Calcium/Potassium Salt, Food and Chemical Toxicology, 42:1513-29, 2004.