The quest for weight loss solutions often leads many to explore a variety of supplements and herbal remedies, but not all that glitters is gold.

A recent safety alert from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has cast a shadow on a popular ingredient in many diet aids: Garcinia gummi-gutta, also known as Garcinia cambogia.

This ingredient is now linked to severe liver injury risks.


Garcinia gummi-gutta, a tropical fruit native to Indonesia, has been widely marketed for its potential weight loss benefits.

This is due to a compound it contains called hydroxy citric acid (HCA).

However, the TGA's latest warning suggested that the risks associated with this ingredient may outweigh its purported benefits.


The TGA's safety alert issued a review of scientific literature and case reports:

‘We have become aware of an increasing number of cases of liver injury reported in scientific literature by consumers who had taken products containing Garcinia gummi-gutta/HCA,’

‘Older literature reports mostly involved additional ingredients that may have contributed to the liver injury, but recently more cases have been published with Garcinia gummi-gutta, or Garcinia cambogia/HCA as the only suspected ingredient in the liver injury.’


While earlier reports often involved products with multiple ingredients, more recent cases have isolated Garcinia gummi-gutta or HCA as the sole suspect in these liver injuries.

The severity of these cases cannot be understated, with many requiring hospitalisation.

‘Many of these cases were severe and required hospitalisation.’ the TGA added.

‘Of particular concern, five cases resulted in liver transplantation, one of which was an Australian case.’

‘We are also aware of several cases of liver injury reported to regulators in other countries.’

‘We have also received a small number of reports of possible liver injury involving Garcinia ingredients.’


Alarmingly, five instances have led to liver transplantation, including one case in Australia. The TGA has also noted several reports of liver injury from international regulators, highlighting that this is not just a local concern.

Given the gravity of the situation, the TGA has concluded that there is a rare but real risk of liver injury from taking Garcinia gummi-gutta or HCA.

‘There are currently over 50 listed medicines in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods that contain one or more of these ingredients,’ the TGA continued.

‘If you take medicines or herbal supplements containing Garcinia-related ingredients, you should be aware of the possible risk for liver injury.’

‘While liver injury is a rare side effect, it can be severe.’


These products are readily available in supermarkets, health food shops, and pharmacies, often without a prescription or the guidance of a health professional.

The TGA urged caution for those currently using or considering Garcinia-related supplements.

While liver injury is a rare side effect, its severity can be life-threatening.

Consumers are advised to be vigilant for symptoms such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, nausea, vomiting, unusual tiredness, weakness, stomach or abdominal pain, and loss of appetite.

If you experience these symptoms, you must stop using the product immediately and seek medical advice.

The TGA's warning is particularly pertinent for individuals with existing liver problems, who are advised to avoid Garcinia-related supplements altogether as a precaution.


In related news, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has disclosed a connection between liver injury and curcumin, a component found in turmeric and other spices.

This risk is linked to medicinal doses of curcumin, not to the amounts typically consumed as part of a regular diet. For more details, click here.
Have you ever used Garcinia gummi-gutta or HCA-containing products? How do you approach using supplements for weight loss? Your insights could be invaluable to fellow members of our community.