Comparative bioavailability of (−)‐hydroxycitric acid from oral administration of HCA calcium salt and calcium‐potassium double salt in Albino Wistar rats

Abstract

(−)‐Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) derived from Garcinia cambogia is a popular nutraceutical product for management of obesity. Various HCA salts are available in the market thus we evaluated the oral bioavailability of calcium‐potassium double salt (HCA‐SX) and calcium salt (HCA‐Ca) in Albino Wistar rats. Rats were divided randomly into 2 groups (n=8). Rats were supplemented orally with a single dose (1000 mg/kg) of each HCA salt. Blood samples were collected before administration followed by 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3 and 5h after administration. Oral administration of HCA‐SX resulted in significantly better bioavailability compared to HCA‐Ca. Peak plasma concentration of HCA‐SX (37.3 μg/mL) is significantly (p = 0.031) higher than HCA‐Ca (12.93 μg/mL). HCA‐SX at 93.93% exhibited better bioavailability (AUC 65.55) compared to HCA‐Ca (AUC 33.80). Statistically significant improvement in peak plasma concentration was also observed in HCA‐SX compared to HCA‐Ca. In summary, the current study provides strong evidence to prove superior oral bioavailability of HCA‐SX compared to HCA‐Ca.