Super CitriMax®, a highly bioavailable source of (–)-hydroxycitric acid (HCA), is reported to decrease body weight and has demonstrated safety in standard toxicity tests. The present study assessed the effects of Super CitriMax® on weight change and other variables in 60 moderately obese individuals. The subjects were randomly assigned to receive 4,667 mg of Super CitriMax® (2,800 mg HCA) daily, or the Super CitriMax® combined with 400 mcg chromium (ChromeMate®) plus 400 mg of Gymnema sylvestre extract (patent-pending), or placebo. All three groups received a 2,000 Kcal diet and participated in supervised exercise. After 8 weeks, both body weight and body mass index (BMI, an indicator of healthy body weight) decreased by 5% in the Super CitriMax® group. A 15.9% reduction in appetite (as measured by unconsumed food) was also observed, while urinary fat metabolites (a marker of fat breakdown) rose significantly. The Super CitriMax® group showed significant reductions in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides of 7.2%, 13.2% and 5.9%, respectively. Additionally, levels of beneficial HDL increased by 8%. The combination group experienced even greater results in all parameters tested, while only marginal or non-significant effects were observed in all parameters for the placebo group. These results show that Super CitriMax® alone, and to a greater degree when combined with ChromeMate® and gymnema, is a safe and effective dietary ingredient for promoting weight control and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.

Source: Preuss HG, Bagchi D, Bagchi M, Rao CVS, Dey DK, Satyanarayana S, Effects of a Natural Extract of (–)-Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA-SX) and a Combination of HCA-SX Plus Niacin-Bound Chromium and Gymnema Sylvestre Extract on Weight Loss, Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism, 6:171-180, 2004.