Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Garcinia HCA Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Irwin Naturals

Softgel Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Garcinia HCA is a dietary supplement by Irwin Naturals with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for flavoring and culinary use, digestive complaints like bloating and indigestion, boosting absorption of other supplements.Based on those ingredients, 1,242 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Bioperine Black Pepper extract, Ginger extract, Garcinia (Garcinia cambogia) extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Garcinia HCA by Irwin Naturals

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • “BioPerine Complex” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (3 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Garcinia HCA contains 3 active ingredients: black pepper extract (Bioperine), ginger extract, and garcinia fruit extract—the last of which is the garcinia cambogia source the product is named for. Black pepper is included to boost absorption of the other ingredients.

The softgel also contains several inactive ingredients to form and fill the capsule: flaxseed oil, gelatin, purified water, glycerin, soy lecithin, beeswax, annatto, titanium dioxide, St. John's Bread, silicon dioxide, and turmeric.

Does it work?

Not established
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: weight management and fat reduction.
  • We looked for evidence on: Obesity, overweight, metabolic health, body composition.
  • The closest evidence on file: Black Pepper is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Obesity (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Garcinia is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Obesity.
  • Also on file: Ginger is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Obesity.

The evidence we hold doesn't establish that any of these ingredients work for weight loss or the other claims that garcinia products often make. Black pepper, ginger, and garcinia each show insufficient evidence or mixed results across the conditions tested — athletic performance, various digestive and pain issues, and metabolic disorders.

Ginger does have possibly effective evidence for pregnancy-related nausea, period pain, and osteoarthritis, though the data we hold rates it as possibly ineffective for muscle soreness and chemotherapy-related nausea.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Black Pepper Ginger Garcinia

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 3 of the 3 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 3 of 3.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 3 of 3.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Black pepper is generally well tolerated in food amounts; concentrated supplements warrant more caution. Common side effects are burning aftertaste, heartburn, and reduced taste perception.

Ginger is generally well tolerated but may cause abdominal discomfort, burping, diarrhea, or heartburn, especially at doses above 5 grams per day — encapsulated ginger may cause fewer of these mild symptoms than powder. Garcinia is generally well tolerated short-term in studies, with common side effects being diarrhea, gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, and nausea; however, rare reports link garcinia to liver injury, mania, and pancreatitis.

During pregnancy, black pepper is likely safe and ginger is likely to possibly safe; garcinia safety data is insufficient and the product advises against use in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Black Pepper Ginger Garcinia

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 3 of the 3 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Black Pepper, Garcinia, Ginger.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 1,243 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking Garcinia HCA, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take anti-seizure drugs (especially phenytoin), heart medications (including beta-blockers, nifedipine, or losartan), blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, antidiabetes medications, antidepressants (especially serotonergic types), HIV antivirals, tuberculosis antibiotics, immunosuppressants, asthma or heart-rhythm medications, or any drug that your liver breaks down — the risk of interactions is moderate across all these types.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product combines three ingredients with a list of medication interactions you'll want to check before starting. If you take a prescription for seizures, heart rhythm, blood pressure, blood thinners, diabetes, an antidepressant, an immunosuppressant, or any cancer drug, run it through the checker here or talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist.

None of the three ingredients has strong evidence it helps with weight loss or the other marketed uses.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 3 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Apr 22, 2016.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Garcinia HCA, straight from the product label.

Brand Irwin Naturals
Barcode (UPC) 710363583347
Net contents 90 Liquid Softgel(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 22, 2016
DSLD ID 58510
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Softgel Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Garcinia HCA by Irwin Naturals, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
3 Liquid Softgel(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
3 Liquid Softgel(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
710363583347
IngredientAmount% DV
Bioperine Black Pepper extract0 NP--
BioPerine Complex3 mg--
Ginger extract0 NP--
Garcinia (Garcinia cambogia) extract1200 mg--

Other ingredients: Flaxseed Oil, Gelatin, purified Water, Glycerin, Soy Lecithin, Beeswax, Annatto, Titanium Dioxide, St. John's Bread, Silicon Dioxide, Turmeric

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
General Statements

Fat Reduction Diet* Garcinia cambogia is a small, sweet and exotic fruit that has been used for centuries in traditional Asian diets. Although it was historically prized for its digestive health benefits, new research suggests that Garcinia can be an excellent weight loss aid.* How Does Garcinia Work? Garcinia supplies a unique compound called HCA (hydroxycitric acid) that targets fat production in the body.* Emerging research demonstrates that HCA inhibits a portion of the body’s citrate lyase (an enzyme responsible for converting carbohydrates into body fat).*

* When used in conjunction with exercise and a sensible diet, this product supports healthy weight management.*

What makes us different: Liquid Soft-Gels - The nutrients in these easy-to-swallow Liquid Soft-Gels are released fast. Other forms of delivery can contain binders and fillers that may cause stomach upset and offer no nutritional value. Advanced Liquid SoftGels provide an optimum delivery system.

We employ compliance testing to ensure purity and potency.

Global Responsibility - Over the years we have donated to organizations that support the environment and the health of our children.

QUESTIONS: Call Consumer Affairs 1-800-297-3273 Weekdays 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (PST)

Fat Reduction Diet

Standardized Pure Extract that Targets Fat Production and Carb Conversion in the Body

Full Disclosure Ingredient Panel

To join our Wellness Club and receive tips on how to improve your health, please visit us at www.IrwinNaturals.com/wellness1

Formula

What Makes This Product Unique? Garcinia HCA Fat Reduction Diet* includes a super-concentrated Garcinia extract that is standardized to 50% HCA. This guarantees 1200 mg of HCA per daily serving, which appears to be a critical threshold level for efficacy.*

Contains: Soy

FDA Disclaimer Statement

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease

Seals/Symbols

QUALITY TESTED ~ GUARANTEED PASS

Brand IP Statement(s)

Quality Assurance - Irwin Naturals is committed to providing the highest quality products for your health.

Patented BioPerine - BioPerine enhances the bioavailability, absorption and potency of many nutrients.*

BioPerine Enhanced Absorption!

BioPerine is a registered trademark of Sabinsa Corporation.

Precautions

Usage Warnings: Do not use if safety seal is broken.

Check with your doctor before using this product if you are using medication or have any medical conditions, including digestive disorders. Do not use if you may become pregnant, are pregnant or nursing.

Do not exceed recommended daily intake.

Not intended for use by persons under 18. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

WARNING: (State of California Prop 65) This product contains a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Contains: Soy

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

General

6586-LAB-08/15 IN038334 V2

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

DIRECTIONS: Take three (3) Liquid Soft-Gels twice daily, 30 minutes before mealtime.

Formulation

No preservatives added.

See for yourself

Garcinia HCA by Irwin Naturals label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Garcinia HCA by Irwin Naturals

These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size3 Liquid Softgel(s) Dosage formSoftgel Capsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

BioPerine Complex

3 mg per serving

Garcinia (Garcinia cambogia) extract

Interacts with
704 drugs
1200 mg per serving Form: HCA

Garcinia is a tropical fruit whose rind contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), widely marketed for weight loss and appetite control. The scientific eviden...

Garcinia (Garcinia cambogia) extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Flaxseed Oil, Gelatin, Purified Water, Glycerin, Soy Lecithin, Beeswax, Annatto, Titanium Dioxide, St. John's Bread, Silicon Dioxide, Turmeric. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Garcinia HCA by Irwin Naturals Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Garcinia HCA?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
1,242Drugs
1,186 Moderate 56 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Garcinia HCA with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Bioperine Black Pepper extract17 drug types · 1,019 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, black pepper might increase the risk of bleeding when taken with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
In vitro research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to inhibit platelet aggregation. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, black pepper might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Animal research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, can reduce blood glucose levels. Monitor blood glucose levels closely. Dose adjustments might be necessary.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

Theoretically, black pepper might increase blood levels of atorvastatin.
Animal research shows that taking piperine, a constituent of black pepper, 35 mg/kg can increase the maximum serum concentration of atorvastatin three-fold. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Theoretically, black pepper might increase the effects and side effects of cyclosporine.
In vitro research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, increases the bioavailability of cyclosporine. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

Theoretically, black pepper might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6.
In vitro research suggests that some constituents of black pepper inhibit CYP2D6. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, black pepper might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
In vitro research and pharmacokinetic simulation data suggest that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, as well as the pepper fruit seem to inhibit CYP3A4. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, black pepper might increase blood levels of lithium due to its diuretic effects. The dose of lithium might need to be reduced.
Black pepper is thought to have diuretic properties.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Nevirapine (Viramune)

Black pepper might increase blood levels of nevirapine.
Clinical research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, increases the plasma concentration of nevirapine. However, no adverse effects were observed in this study.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Theoretically, black pepper might increase levels of P-glycoprotein substrates.
In vitro research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to inhibit P-glycoprotein.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Pentobarbital (Nembutal)

Theoretically, black pepper might increase the sedative effects of pentobarbital.
Animal research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, increases pentobarbital-induced sleeping time.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Black pepper might increase blood levels of phenytoin.
Clinical research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to increase absorption, slow elimination, and increase levels of phenytoin. Taking a single dose of black pepper 1 gram along with phenytoin seems to double the serum concentration of phenytoin. Consuming a soup with black pepper providing piperine 44 mg/200 mL of soup along with phenytoin also seems to increase phenytoin levels when compared with consuming the same soup without black pepper.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Propranolol (Inderal)

Black pepper might increase blood levels of propranolol.
Clinical research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to increase absorption and slow elimination of propranolol.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Rifampin (Rifadin)

Black pepper might increase blood levels of rifampin.
Clinical research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to increase absorption and serum levels of rifampin.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Theophylline

Black pepper might increase blood levels of theophylline.
Clinical research shows that piperine, a constituent of black pepper, seems to increase absorption and slow elimination of theophylline.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox)

Theoretically, black pepper might increase the effects and side effects of amoxicillin.
Animal research shows that taking piperine, a constituent of black pepper, with amoxicillin increases plasma levels of amoxicillin. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Theoretically, black pepper might increase blood levels of carbamazepine, potentially increasing the effects and side effects of carbamazepine.
One clinical study in patients taking carbamazepine 300 mg or 500 mg twice daily shows that taking a single 20 mg dose of purified piperine, a constituent of black pepper, increases carbamazepine levels. Piperine may increase carbamazepine absorption by increasing blood flow to the GI tract, increasing the surface area of the small intestine, or inhibiting cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) in the gut wall. Absorption was significantly increased by 7-10 mcg/mL/hour. The time to eliminate carbamazepine was also increased by 4-8 hours. Although carbamazepine levels were increased, this did not appear to increase side effects. In vitro research also shows that piperine can increase carbamazepine levels by 11% in a time-dependent manner.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, black pepper might decrease levels and clinical effects of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
In vitro research suggests that black pepper induces CYP1A2. This has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Ginger extract14 drug types · 1,007 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Ginger may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. However, research is conflicting.
Laboratory research suggests that ginger inhibits thromboxane synthetase and decreases platelet aggregation. However, this has not been demonstrated unequivocally in humans, with mixed results from clinical trials. Theoretically, excessive amounts of ginger might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking ginger with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Animal and human research suggests that ginger might increase insulin levels and/or decrease blood glucose levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Ginger might increase or decrease the levels of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research and some case reports suggest that ginger inhibits CYP3A4 activity. Three case reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) adverse drug reaction database describe increased toxicity in patients taking ginger and cancer medications that are CYP3A4 substrates (imatinib, dabrafenib, and crizotinib). However, the causality of this interaction is unclear due to the presence of multiple interacting drugs and routes of administration.
Conversely, other in vitro research suggests that ginger induces CYP3A4 activity, leading to reduced levels of CYP3A4 substrates. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Losartan (Cozaar)

Theoretically, ginger might increase levels of losartan and the risk of hypotension.
In animal research, ginger increased the levels and hypotensive effects of a single dose of losartan. It is not clear if ginger alters the concentration or effects of losartan when taken continuously. Additionally, this interaction has not been shown in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Nifedipine (Procardia)

Ginger may have antiplatelet effects and increase the risk of bleeding if used with nifedipine.
Clinical research shows that combined treatment with ginger 1 gram plus nifedipine 10 mg significantly inhibits platelet aggregation when compared to nifedipine or ginger alone.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Ginger might increase the absorption and blood levels of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrates.
In vitro research and case reports suggest that ginger inhibits drug efflux by P-gp, potentially increasing absorption and serum levels of P-gp substrates. Two case reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) adverse drug reaction database describe increased toxicity in patients taking ginger and cancer medications that are P-gp substrates (trametinib, crizotinib). However, the causality of this interaction is unclear due to the presence of multiple interacting drugs and routes of administration.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenprocoumon (Marcoumar, Others)

Ginger might increase the risk of bleeding with phenprocoumon.
Phenprocoumon, a warfarin-related anticoagulant, might increase the international normalized ratio (INR) when taken with ginger. There is one case report of a 76-year-old woman with a stable INR on phenprocoumon that increased to greater than 10 when she began consuming dried ginger and ginger tea.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Ginger might increase the risk of bleeding with warfarin.
Laboratory research suggests that ginger might inhibit thromboxane synthetase and decrease platelet aggregation. In one case report, ginger increased the INR when taken with phenprocoumon, which has similar pharmacological effects as warfarin. In another case report, ginger increased the INR when taken with a combination of warfarin, hydrochlorothiazide, and acetaminophen. A longitudinal analysis suggests that taking ginger increases the risk of bleeding in patients taking warfarin for at least 4 months. However, research in healthy people suggests that ginger has no effect on INR, or the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of warfarin. Until more is known, monitor INRs closely in patients taking large amounts of ginger.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Calcium Channel Blockers

Theoretically, taking ginger with calcium channel blockers might increase the risk of hypotension.
Some animal and in vitro research suggests that ginger has hypotensive and calcium channel-blocking effects. Another animal study shows that concomitant administration of ginger and the calcium channel blocker amlodipine leads to greater reductions in blood pressure when compared with amlodipine alone.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Theoretically, when taken prior to cyclosporine, ginger might decrease cyclosporine levels.
In an animal model, ginger juice taken 2 hours prior to cyclosporine administration reduced the maximum concentration and area under the curve of cyclosporine by 51% and 40%, respectively. This effect was not observed when ginger juice and cyclosporine were administered at the same time.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, ginger might increase the levels of CYP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research shows that ginger inhibits CYP1A2 activity. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2B6 (Cyp2B6) Substrates

Theoretically, ginger might increase the levels of CYP2B6 substrates.
In vitro research shows that ginger inhibits CYP2B6 activity. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, ginger might increase the levels of CYP2C9 substrates.
In vitro research shows that ginger inhibits CYP2C9 activity. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Metronidazole (Flagyl)

Theoretically, ginger might increase levels of metronidazole.
In an animal model, ginger increased the absorption and plasma half-life of metronidazole. In addition, the elimination rate and clearance of metronidazole was significantly reduced.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Garcinia (Garcinia cambogia) extract4 drug types · 704 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the main active ingredient in garcinia, might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
HCA inhibits platelet aggregation in vitro. The inhibitory effect seems to be greater in platelets extracted from diabetic subjects than non-diabetic subjects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the main active ingredient in garcinia, might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
HCA reduces fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels in animal models, theoretically by delaying glucose absorption. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
There have been reports of acute hepatitis with elevated liver enzymes associated with garcinia, when taken alone or in combination with other ingredients. Case reports collected from the Drug Induced Liver Injury Network suggest this risk may be greater in people who carry the HLA B*35:01 allele.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, combining garcinia with other serotonergic drugs might increase the risk of serotonergic side effects, including serotonin syndrome.
In one report, a patient experienced serotonin syndrome after taking garcinia extract (60% hydroxycitric acid) 1000 mg daily in combination with escitalopram 20 mg, which had been taken for a year. The patient was switched to sertraline 50 mg daily and again experienced serotonin syndrome.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Garcinia HCA, from the product label.

Irwin Naturals

See all Irwin Naturals products
Name
Irwin Naturals
Street Address
5310 Beethoven Street
City
Los Angeles
State
CA
ZipCode
90066
Web Address
www.IrwinNaturals.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Garcinia HCA by Irwin Naturals: Common Questions

Does Garcinia HCA by Irwin Naturals interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Garcinia HCA has a known interaction with 1,242 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Garcinia HCA contains 3 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Does this have garcinia in it?
Yes. The product contains garcinia cambogia extract as one of three active ingredients. Black pepper extract is added to help your body absorb it, and ginger extract rounds out the formula.
What side effects might I get from taking this?
Most common are mild: heartburn, burping, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, headache, and nausea. A burning sensation in your mouth or throat is possible from the black pepper and ginger. Rare serious side effects linked to garcinia include liver injury, mania, and heart problems — stop and seek medical attention if you notice signs of liver damage (yellowing skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools), sudden mood changes, or chest pain.
Is this safe if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
Black pepper and ginger are likely to possibly safe in pregnancy, but garcinia is not — the product's own data advise against it. Ginger and black pepper are likely safe while breastfeeding, but garcinia has insufficient safety data. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this during pregnancy or while nursing.
Does this actually help you lose weight?
The data we hold doesn't establish that garcinia, black pepper, or ginger reliably works for weight loss. All three show insufficient evidence for the metabolic and weight-related claims often made about them.
Why is black pepper in a garcinia supplement?
Black pepper extract (piperine) is added to boost absorption of the other ingredients and their potential effects. It's a common addition to herbal and supplement formulas for this reason.
Is this safe for someone with liver disease?
No — garcinia has rare but documented links to liver injury, so you should avoid this product if you have liver disease. Also check with your doctor or pharmacist about the black pepper, ginger, and other ingredients if your liver function is compromised.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Garcinia HCA label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Garcinia HCA's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 137 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Black Pepper 29 references
  1. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
  2. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
  3. Bano G, Amla V, Raina RK, et al. The effect of piperine on pharmacokinetics of phenytoin in healthy volunteers. Planta Med 1987;53:568-9. PubMed
  4. Bano G, et al. Effect of piperine on bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of propranolol and theophylline in healthy volunteers. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1991;41;615-7. PubMed
  5. Cohle SD, Trestrail JD III, Graham MA, et al. Fatal pepper aspiration. Am J Dis Child 1988;142:633-6. PubMed
  6. Bhardwaj RK, Glaeser H, Becquemont L, et al. Piperine, a major constituent of black pepper, inhibits human P-glycoprotein and CYP3A4. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2002;302:645-50. PubMed
  7. Velpandian T, Jasuja R, Bhardwaj RK, et al. Piperine in food: interference in the pharmacokinetics of phenytoin. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet 2001;26:241-7. PubMed
  8. Pattanaik S, Hota D, Prabhakar S, et al. Pharmacokinetic interaction of a single dose of piperine with steady-state carbamazepine in epilepsy patients. Phytother Res 2009;23:1281-6.
  9. Munakata, M., Kobayashi, K., Niisato-Nezu, J., Tanaka, S., Kakisaka, Y., Ebihara, T., Ebihara, S., Haginoya, K., Tsuchiya, S., and Onuma, A. Olfactory stimulation using black pepper oil facilitates oral feeding in pediatric patients receiving long-term en
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Ginger 64 references
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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