HCA Garcinia Cambogia Ingredients & Drug Interactions
What is this page for?
First and foremost: checking HCA Garcinia Cambogia against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.
Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
HCA Garcinia Cambogia is a dietary supplement by Essential Source with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for weight loss, appetite suppression, curbing sugar and carb cravings.Based on those ingredients, 704 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Garcinia cambogia fruit powder extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.
Check Your Meds Against HCA Garcinia Cambogia by Essential Source
Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with HCA Garcinia Cambogia by Essential Source — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.
AI summaries are generated from our interaction database for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI
Ask the Pharmacist
A licensed pharmacist will answer your question by email — free, usually within 24 hours.
Got it — thank you!
A licensed pharmacist will answer within 24 hours. Keep an eye on your email (worth checking spam, just in case).
HelloPharmacist Scorecard of HCA Garcinia Cambogia by Essential Source
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.
What’s inside
Full disclosure
This product contains one active ingredient: garcinia cambogia fruit powder extract, which provides hydroxycitric acid (HCA)—the compound believed to be the main player in garcinia's effects. The liquid also includes water, 20% USP alcohol as a preservative, and natural flavor as inactive ingredients.
Does it work?
Not established
The evidence for garcinia in the conditions studied isn't established in our data. The product is labeled as lacking sufficient reliable evidence to rate for athletic performance, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), and obesity.
That doesn't mean it doesn't work—it means rigorous human studies haven't shown a clear benefit yet.
How safe is it?
Well-documented data
Garcinia is generally well tolerated short-term. The most common side effects are diarrhea, gastrointestinal discomfort, headache, and nausea.
Rare but serious concerns include liver injury (hepatotoxicity), mania, heart inflammation, and pancreatitis—so if you experience yellowing of the skin or eyes, severe mood changes, chest pain, or severe abdominal pain, stop and contact your healthcare provider right away. The safety data advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding due to insufficient information.
Meds to double-check
Moderate interaction found
Check with your doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you take serotonergic drugs like antidepressants (risk of serotonin syndrome), blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs like warfarin or aspirin (increased bleeding risk), medications that can damage your liver, or diabetes medications (risk of low blood sugar). All of these interactions are rated Moderate severity.
The bottom line
Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.
Garcinia cambogia may be worth considering if you're interested in its traditional uses, but the evidence for its effectiveness isn't yet established in our data. Before you start, check your medications—it interacts with blood thinners, antidepressants, diabetes drugs, and other medications that stress your liver.
Avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you.
Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI
Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Sep 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
General information
Key facts about HCA Garcinia Cambogia, straight from the product label.
| Brand | Essential Source |
|---|---|
| Barcode (UPC) | 696859028984 |
| Net contents | 2 fl. Oz. |
| Market status | On market |
| Date entered into DSLD | Sep 22, 2016 |
| DSLD ID | 64370 |
| Product type | Botanical |
| Supplement form | Liquid |
| Dietary claims / uses | All Other, Structure/Function |
| Intended target group(s) | Adult (18 - 50 Years) |
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 HCA Garcinia Cambogia by Essential Source, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.
Supplement Facts
| Ingredient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Garcinia cambogia fruit powder extract | 250 mg | -- |
Other ingredients: Water, 20% USP Alcohol, Natural flavor
Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.
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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions
Directions: Shake well before use. Take one dropper 2 times daily before meals. Dropper should appear half full. Drop liquid under tongue and allow 30-60 seconds for absorption, then swallow.
General Statements
- Suppress appetite - Block fat
Precautions
Warnings: Do not use when pregnant or nursing.
Not for use by persons under 18 years of age.
Do not use without consulting your health care professional, if you have any existing medical condition. Do not exceed recommended dosage.
Keep out of reach of children
FDA Disclaimer Statement
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
FDA Statement of Identity
Dietary Supplement
Seals/Symbols
Made in USA
Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.
HCA Garcinia Cambogia by Essential Source label
The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.
Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.
View the full label (PDF)The Ingredients in HCA Garcinia Cambogia by Essential Source
This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.
Serving size1 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.
Garcinia cambogia fruit powder extract
Interacts with704 drugs
Garcinia is a tropical fruit whose rind contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), widely marketed for weight loss and appetite control. The scientific eviden...
Garcinia cambogia fruit powder extract monograph & interactionsOther (inactive) ingredients: Water, 20% USP Alcohol, Natural flavor. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.
HCA Garcinia Cambogia by Essential Source Drug Interactions
HelloPharmacist Interaction Report
HCA Garcinia Cambogia by Essential Source interacts with multiple medication types through its single active ingredient, garcinia cambogia fruit powder extract.
The most serious concern is with serotonergic drugs (antidepressants and similar medications) — there's a case report of a patient who developed serotonin syndrome after combining garcinia extract with escitalopram, a common antidepressant. This is rated Moderate severity.
Read the full breakdown — every affected drug type, severity by severity
You'll also want to be careful with blood thinners and antiplatelet drugs (like warfarin or aspirin), since the active compound in garcinia may increase bleeding risk. Hepatotoxic drugs — medications that can stress your liver — pose another Moderate-severity concern if combined with garcinia, especially since rare cases of liver injury have been reported with garcinia alone.
Diabetes medications are a fourth category: garcinia may theoretically lower blood sugar further, raising the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Although we have interaction data for garcinia, we could not check the inactive ingredients in this liquid formulation (water, USP alcohol, and natural flavor) against our database. Altogether, these interactions span 705 individual medications.
Before you start this product, check your exact medications with the tool on this page.
Check your own medications below · Editorial policy · How we use AI
Want to check YOUR meds against HCA Garcinia Cambogia?
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 checkerIngredients driving the most interactions
Individual Drug Interactions
The ingredients in HCA Garcinia Cambogia interact with 704 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.
1 of the 1 ingredient in HCA Garcinia Cambogia interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Garcinia cambogia fruit powder extract
Acetaminophen, MethocarbamolRobaxacet
How Acetaminophen, Methocarbamol interacts with HCA Garcinia Cambogia — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder Extract + Acetaminophen, Methocarbamol interactionAcetaminophen, OrphenadrineOrfenagesic
How Acetaminophen, Orphenadrine interacts with HCA Garcinia Cambogia — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder Extract + Acetaminophen, Orphenadrine interactionAcetaminophen, OxycodonePercocet, Roxicet, Tylox, Xartemis XR
How Acetaminophen, Oxycodone interacts with HCA Garcinia Cambogia — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder Extract + Acetaminophen, Oxycodone interactionAcetaminophen, Pamabrom, PyrilamineMidol Max Strength PMS, Pamprin, Pamprin ES
How Acetaminophen, Pamabrom, Pyrilamine interacts with HCA Garcinia Cambogia — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder Extract + Acetaminophen, Pamabrom, Pyrilamine interactionAcetaminophen, PentazocineTalacen
How Acetaminophen, Pentazocine interacts with HCA Garcinia Cambogia — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder Extract + Acetaminophen, Pentazocine interactionAcetaminophen, Phenylephrine, ChlorpheniramineSuper Cold Tabs
How Acetaminophen, Phenylephrine, Chlorpheniramine interacts with HCA Garcinia Cambogia — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder ExtractSerotonergic Drugs, Hepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining garcinia with other serotonergic drugs might increase the risk of serotonergic side effects, including serotonin syndrome.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder Extract + Acetaminophen, Phenylephrine, Chlorpheniramine interactionAcetaminophen, PhenylpropanolamineTetra Caps
How Acetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine interacts with HCA Garcinia Cambogia — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder Extract + Acetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine interactionAcetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine, PhenyltoloxamineSinubid
How Acetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine, Phenyltoloxamine interacts with HCA Garcinia Cambogia — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder Extract + Acetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine, Phenyltoloxamine interactionAcetaminophen, PhenyltoloxaminePercogesic, Relagesic
How Acetaminophen, Phenyltoloxamine interacts with HCA Garcinia Cambogia — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder Extract + Acetaminophen, Phenyltoloxamine interactionAcetaminophen, Phenyltoloxamine, SalicylamideLobac
How Acetaminophen, Phenyltoloxamine, Salicylamide interacts with HCA Garcinia Cambogia — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder Extract + Acetaminophen, Phenyltoloxamine, Salicylamide interactionAcetaminophen, PropoxypheneDarvocet-N 100, Darvocet-N 50, E-Lor, Wygesic
How Acetaminophen, Propoxyphene interacts with HCA Garcinia Cambogia — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder Extract + Acetaminophen, Propoxyphene interactionAcetaminophen, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Sinus, Dristan N.D., Non-Aspirin Sinus, Ornex, Ornex-Max, Sinutab +5 more
How Acetaminophen, Pseudoephedrine interacts with HCA Garcinia Cambogia — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder Extract + Acetaminophen, Pseudoephedrine interactionAcetaminophen, Pseudoephedrine, TriprolidineActifed Plus ES
How Acetaminophen, Pseudoephedrine, Triprolidine interacts with HCA Garcinia Cambogia — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder Extract + Acetaminophen, Pseudoephedrine, Triprolidine interactionAcetohexamideDymelor
How Acetohexamide interacts with HCA Garcinia Cambogia — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs, Antidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder Extract + Acetohexamide interactionAcetylsalicylic AcidEntrophen
How Acetylsalicylic Acid interacts with HCA Garcinia Cambogia — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder ExtractAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the main active ingredient in garcinia, might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder Extract + Acetylsalicylic Acid interactionAdagrasibKrazati
How Adagrasib interacts with HCA Garcinia Cambogia — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder Extract + Adagrasib interactionAlbiglutideTanzeum
How Albiglutide interacts with HCA Garcinia Cambogia — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder ExtractAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the main active ingredient in garcinia, might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder Extract + Albiglutide interactionAldesleukinProleukin
How Aldesleukin interacts with HCA Garcinia Cambogia — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder Extract + Aldesleukin interactionAlectinib HydrochlorideAlecensa
How Alectinib Hydrochloride interacts with HCA Garcinia Cambogia — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder Extract + Alectinib Hydrochloride interactionAllopurinolCaplenal, Cosuric, Rimapurinol, Zyloprim, Zyloric
How Allopurinol interacts with HCA Garcinia Cambogia — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder Extract + Allopurinol interactionAlmotriptanAlmogran, Axert
How Almotriptan interacts with HCA Garcinia Cambogia — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder ExtractSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining garcinia with other serotonergic drugs might increase the risk of serotonergic side effects, including serotonin syndrome.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder Extract + Almotriptan interactionAlogliptinNesina
How Alogliptin interacts with HCA Garcinia Cambogia — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder ExtractAntidiabetes Drugs, Hepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the main active ingredient in garcinia, might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder Extract + Alogliptin interactionAlogliptin, MetforminKazano
How Alogliptin, Metformin interacts with HCA Garcinia Cambogia — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder ExtractAntidiabetes Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the main active ingredient in garcinia, might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder Extract + Alogliptin, Metformin interactionAlogliptin, PioglitazoneOseni
How Alogliptin, Pioglitazone interacts with HCA Garcinia Cambogia — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder ExtractAntidiabetes Drugs, Hepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the main active ingredient in garcinia, might have additive effects with antidiabetes drugs and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder Extract + Alogliptin, Pioglitazone interactionAlosetronLotronex
How Alosetron interacts with HCA Garcinia Cambogia — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder ExtractSerotonergic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, combining garcinia with other serotonergic drugs might increase the risk of serotonergic side effects, including serotonin syndrome.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder Extract + Alosetron interactionAlteplase, TpaActilyse, Activase
How Alteplase, Tpa interacts with HCA Garcinia Cambogia — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder ExtractAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the main active ingredient in garcinia, might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder Extract + Alteplase, Tpa interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin Codeine #2
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with HCA Garcinia Cambogia — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder ExtractAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the main active ingredient in garcinia, might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder Extract + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Codeine Phosphate, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium HydroxideAscriptin
How Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide interacts with HCA Garcinia Cambogia — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder ExtractAnticoagulant/antiplatelet Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the main active ingredient in garcinia, might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder Extract + Aluminum Hydroxide, Aspirin, Magnesium Hydroxide interactionAmbrisentanLetairis, Volibris
How Ambrisentan interacts with HCA Garcinia Cambogia — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder Extract + Ambrisentan interactionAminosalicylic AcidPaser
How Aminosalicylic Acid interacts with HCA Garcinia Cambogia — through 1 ingredient. Tap an ingredient for the detail:
Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder ExtractHepatotoxic Drugs Moderate
Interaction Summary
Theoretically, concomitant use with other potentially hepatotoxic drugs might increase the risk of developing liver damage.
Read the full Garcinia Cambogia Fruit Powder Extract + Aminosalicylic Acid interactionEach ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects
For each ingredient in HCA Garcinia Cambogia with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.
Garcinia cambogia fruit powder extract
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.
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.
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.
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.
Brand information
Manufacturer and brand details for HCA Garcinia Cambogia, from the product label.
Essential Source
See all Essential Source products- Name
- Essential Source
- Phone Number
- (877) 879-9966
- Web Address
- www.PleaseHelpMeLoseWeight.info
HCA Garcinia Cambogia by Essential Source: Common Questions
Does HCA Garcinia Cambogia by Essential Source interact with any medications?
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Where does this information come from?
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or nursing?
What are the side effects?
Does garcinia actually work for weight loss or other conditions?
Is this safe to take with my medications?
What is HCA, and why is it in this product?
Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy
Not sure if HCA Garcinia Cambogia is safe with your meds?
Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.
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.
The Full Monographs Behind HCA Garcinia Cambogia’s Ingredients
Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.
Sources & How We Checked
HCA Garcinia Cambogia'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.
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD) — The official product label on file for this supplement.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference behind the ingredient interaction data.
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 44 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.
Garcinia 44 references
- Heymsfield SB, Allison DB, Vasselli JR, et al. Garcinia cambogia (hydroxycitric acid) as a potential antiobesity agent: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA 1998;280:1596-600. PubMed
- Soni MG, Burdock GA, Preuss HG, et al. Safety assessment of (-)-hydroxycitric acid and Super CitriMax, a novel calcium/potassium salt. Food Chem Toxicol 2004;42:1513-29. PubMed
- Stevens T, Qadri A, Zein NN. Two patients with acute liver injury associated with use of the herbal weight-loss supplement hydroxycut. Ann Intern Med 2005;142:477-8. PubMed
- Willis SL, Moawad FJ, Hartzell JD, et al. Hypertensive retinopathy associated with use of the ephedra-free weight-loss herbal supplement Hydroxycut. MedGenMed 2006;8:82.
- Preuss HG, Bagchi D, Bagchi M, et al. 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 Obes Metab 2004;6:171-180.
- Mansi IA, Huang J. Rhabdomyolysis in response to weight-loss herbal medicine. Am J Med Sci 2004;327:356-357. PubMed
- Lopez AM, Kornegay J, Hendrickson RG. Serotonin Toxicity Associated with Garcinia cambogia Over-the-counter Supplement. J Med Toxicol. 2014 Apr 4. [Epub ahead of print]. PubMed
- Michno A, Skibowska A, Raszeja-Specht A, Cwikowska J, Szutowicz A. The role of adenosine triphosphate citrate lyase in the metabolism of acetyl coenzyme a and function of blood platelets in diabetes mellitus. Metabolism 2004;53(1):66-72. PubMed
- Asghar M, Monjok E, Kouamou G, et al. Super CitriMax (HCA-SX) attenuates increases in oxidative stress, inflammation, insulin resistance, and body weight in developing obese Zucker rats. Mol Cell Biochem 2007;304(1-2):93-99. PubMed
- Wielinga PY, Wachters-Hagedoorn RE, Bouter B, et al. Hydroxycitric acid delays intestinal glucose absorption in rats. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2005;288(6):G1144-G1149. PubMed
- Leonhardt M, Balkan B, Langhans W. Effect of hydroxycitrate on respiratory quotient, energy expenditure, and glucose tolerance in male rats after a period of restrictive feeding. Nutrition 2004;20(10):911-915. PubMed
- Bunchorntavakul, C. and Reddy, K. R. Review article: herbal and dietary supplement hepatotoxicity. Aliment.Pharmacol.Ther 2013;37(1):3-17. PubMed
- Vasques CA, Schneider R, Klein-Júnior LC, et al. Hypolipemic effect of Garcinia Cambogia in obese women. Phytother Res 2014;28(6):887-91.
- Marquez F, Babio N, Bullo M, Salas-Salvado J. Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of hydroxycitric acid or Garcinia cambogia extracts in humans. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2012;52:585-94.
- Allen SF, Godley RW, Evron JM, et al. Acute necrotizing eosinophilic myocarditis in a patient taking Garcinia cambogia extract successfully treated with high-dose corticosteroids. Can J Cardiol 2014;30(12):1732 e13-1732 e15. PubMed
- Dara L, Hewett J, Lim JK. Hydroxycut hepatotoxicity: a case series and review of liver toxicity from herbal weight loss supplements. World J Gastroenterol. 2008 Dec 7;14(45):6999-7004. PubMed
- Sharma T, Wong L, Tsai N, Wong RD. Hydroxycut(®) (herbal weight loss supplement) induced hepatotoxicity: a case report and review of literature. Hawaii Med J. 2010 Aug;69(8):188-90.
- Rashid NN, Grant J. Hydroxycut hepatotoxicity. Med J Aust. 2010 Feb 1;192(3):173-4. PubMed
- Actis GC, Bugianesi E, Ottobrelli A, Rizzetto M. Fatal liver failure following food supplements during chronic treatment with montelukast. Dig Liver Dis. 2007 Oct;39(10):953-5. PubMed
- Corey R, Werner KT, Singer A, Moss A, Smith M, Noelting J, Rakela J. Acute liver failure associated with Garcinia cambogia use. Ann Hepatol. 2016 Jan-Feb;15(1):123-6. PubMed
- Melendez-Rosado J, Snipelisky D, Matcha G, Stancampiano F. Acute hepatitis induced by pure Garcinia cambogia. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2015 May-Jun;49(5):449-50. PubMed
- García-Cortés M, Robles-Díaz M, Ortega-Alonso A, Medina-Caliz I, Andrade RJ. Hepatotoxicity by Dietary Supplements: A Tabular Listing and Clinical Characteristics. Int J Mol Sci. 2016 Apr 9;17(4):537. PubMed
- Dehoney S, Wellein M. Rhabdomyolysis associated with the nutritional supplement Hydroxycut. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2009;66(2):142-8. PubMed
- Fong TL, Klontz KC, Canas-Coto A, et al. Hepatotoxicity due to hydroxycut: a case series. Am J Gastroenterol. 2010;105(7):1561-6. PubMed
- Hendrickson BP, Shaikh N, Occhiogrosso M, Penzner JB. Mania Induced by Garcinia cambogia: A Case Series. Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. 2016;18(2).
- Kaswala D, Shah S, Patel N, Raisoni S, Swaminathan S. Hydroxycut-induced Liver Toxicity. Ann Med Health Sci Res. 2014; 4(1):143-5. PubMed
- Lobb A. Hepatoxicity associated with weight-loss supplements: a case for better post-marketing surveillance. World J Gastroenterol. 2009;15(14):1786-7. PubMed
- Lunsford KE, Bodzin AS, Reino DC, Wang HL, Busuttil RW. Dangerous dietary supplements: Garcinia cambogia -associated hepatic failure requiring transplantation. World J Gastroenterol. 2016;22(45):10071-10076.
- Narasimha A, Shetty PH, Nanjundaswamy MH, Viswanath B, Bada Math S. Hydroxycut - Dietary supplements for weight loss: Can they induce mania? Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2013;47(12):1205-6. PubMed
- Shim M, Saab S. Severe hepatotoxicity due to Hydroxycut: a case report. Dig Dis Sci. 2009;54(2):406-8. PubMed
- Stohs SJ, Preuss HG, Ohia SE, et al. No evidence demonstrating hepatotoxicity associated with hydroxycitric acid. World J Gastroenterol. 2009;15(32):4087-9. PubMed
- Gavril A, Ribnikar M, Smid L, Luzar B, Stabuc B. Fat burner-induced acute liver injury: case series of four patients. Nutrition. 2018;47:110-114. doi: 10.1016/j.nut.2017.10.002. PubMed
- Bystrak T, Cervera-Hernandez ME, Reddy N, King Z, Bratberg J. Garcinia cambogia, diabetic ketoacidosis, and pancreatitis. R I Med J (2013). 2017 Oct 2;100(10):48-50. NO DOI
- Smith RJ, Bertilone C, Robertson AG. Fulminant liver failure and transplantation after use of dietary supplements. Med J Aust. 2016;204(1):30-2. PubMed
- Nguyen DC, Timmer TK, Davison BC, McGrane IR. Possible Garcinia cambogia-induced mania with psychosis: a case report. J Pharm Pract 2019;32(1):99-102. doi: 10.1177/0897190017734728.
- Yousaf MN, Chaudhary FS, Hodanazari SM, Sittambalam CD. Hepatotoxicity associated with Garcinia cambogia: a case report. World J Hepatol 2019;11(11):735-42.
- Mas Ordeig A, Bordón García N. Hepatotoxicity caused by Garcinia cambogia. Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020;43(3):134-5. DOI
- Cho HK, Han YS, Park JM. Ocular complications of Garcinia cambogia extract diet pills: case report. Eur J Ophthalmol 2019:1120672119872364. PubMed
- Ferreira V, Mathieu A, Soucy G, Giard JM, Erard-Poinsot D. Acute severe liver injury related to long-term Garcinia cambogia intake. ACG Case Rep J. 2020;7(8):e00429. PubMed
- Iqbal U, Anwar H, Siddiqui HU, Mehmood A. Acute Pancreatitis Secondary to Use of Appetite Suppressant: Garcinia cambogia. Cureus. 2019;11(5):e4676. PubMed
- Grigos A, Benmoussa J, Sandhu J, Chaucer B, Clarke M, SH Patel. Acute pancreatitis secondary to Garcinia cambogia; the unknown cost of herbal supplements. JOP. J Pancreas (Online) 2016; 17(3):316-317.
- Sidhu RLS, Labana S, Khehra L. Garcinia cambogia: a link between the "miracle" weight loss pill and acute pancreatitis. Am J Gastroenterol. 2016. 111:S560-S561. DOI
- Vuppalanchi R, Bonkovsky HL, Ahmad J, et al. Garcinia cambogia, Either Alone or in Combination With Green Tea, Causes Moderate to Severe Liver Injury. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021. PubMed
- Calaquian LL, Yau I. Garcinia cambogia-A Supplement-Related Liver Injury. Cureus 2022;14(2):e22225. PubMed
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