BACKGROUND Pre-workout supplements (PWS) are advertised as popular wellness products, despite several “fat burners” being linked to hepatotoxicity. OxyShred thermogenic fat burner (OxyShred) is a PWS that has been rising in popularity and contains several hepatotoxic ingredients, including Garcinia cambogia . We present the first report of acute liver failure attributed to OxyShred use. CASE SUMMARY A 31-year-old woman with hypertension and obesity began using OxyShred as a PWS. After nine weeks, she was admitted with fatigue, emesis, and jaundice and found to have acute hepatocellular liver injury, which progressed to liver failure requiring transplantation. CONCLUSION Physicians should carefully screen for PWS use, caution against unregulated use, and advocate for increased regulation of herbal supplements.

Precise pH control and synergistic interaction of raw materials improve the quality of stewed beef: multi-omics analysis of tenderization mechanisms and flavor restructuring.

Lead poisoning is rarely seen in clinical practice nowadays. However, the widespread promotion of dietary supplements can lead to cases of lead toxicity, presenting with symptoms such as abdominal colic, neuropsychiatric issues, and anemia. Here, we present a case of a 28-year-old male who developed lead poisoning after consuming Garcinia cambogia for weight loss. Any unexplained symptom, such as abdominal pain, may be attributable to lead poisoning. The cornerstone of diagnosis of lead poisoning lies in meticulous history taking of any supplements and confirmation with blood lead levels. Discontinuing the offending supplement is the mainstay of management. Lead chelation with penicillamine should be considered for blood lead levels above 50 μg/dL.

Obesity is a major public health problem with a continuously increasing global prevalence and is associated with various chronic diseases and substantial social and economic burdens. As dietary modification and physical activity alone often have limited effectiveness in achieving sustained weight loss, dietary supplements intended for weight reduction are widely used. However, evidence on the efficacy and safety of these supplements is inconsistent, and consumer use intentions tend to be driven by subjective beliefs and insurance-like perceptions. Accordingly, this study reviewed recent evidence on L-carnitine, green tea extract, glucomannan, and Garcinia cambogia, supplements for which weight loss effects have been proposed, to assess their efficacy and safety and to highlight the importance of supplement selection aligned with consumer use contexts. PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar databases were searched for studies published between 1 January 2020 and 10 October 2025. Although some studies have reported improvements in weight and metabolic indicators, consistent scientific evidence has not yet been established. This review emphasized the need for purpose-driven supplement selection that integrates efficacy, safety, usage context, and evidence level, and the importance of consumers' critical information appraisal capacity, supported by structured information provision and education.

The novel edible antimicrobial gelatin film was developed with extracts of Garcinia cambogia (GC), Myristica fragrans rind (NM), and Allium sativum peel (GP) to extend the shelf life of Tuna. The strongest inhibition zone for of 20 mm was observed against Staphylococcus aureus and 22 mm against Escherichia coli with the extracts. Gelatin films containing 1%, 2%, and 3% (w/v) extracts were evaluated for physicomechanical properties and preservation efficacy. The 3% antimicrobial film exhibited the lowest oxygen transmission rate (324.76 ± 8.75d cm3/m2.24h.0.1 MPa), water vapor permeability rate (995.40 ± 15.4cg/m2.24h), highest tensile strength (3.36 ± 0.11d MPa) and elongation at break (138.54 ± 1.3d %). Tuna fillets packed with antimicrobial films were stored at −4 °C for 13 days. Tuna preserved with the 3%(w/v) extract film exhibited a slower rise in pH (6.49), higher water-holding capacity, and reduced lipid oxidation. TBARS values were observed as (2.01 mg MDA/100 mg) for 3% film and found to be increased upto 3.53 mg MDA/100 mg on day 13 for tuna without film. Microbial growth was effectively suppressed, with delayed yeast and mold development.

Obesity and its associated comorbidities have become a major global public health concern, imposing a substantial burden on healthcare systems and socioeconomic structures. Although lifestyle modifications, including healthy dietary patterns, regular physical activity, and behavioral approaches, constitute the cornerstone of weight management, poor long-term adherence often leads individuals to seek alternative strategies. In this context, herbal supplements are widely used for their purported anti-obesity properties.This narrative review examines the mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety profiles of several commonly used herbal supplements. Ginger has been associated with thermogenesis and appetite regulation; however, current findings remain inconsistent. Dandelion exhibits antioxidant and antiadipogenic properties, yet human studies confirming these effects are limited. Garcinia cambogia may provide modest short-term weight loss, while concerns regarding hepatotoxicity persist. Guar gum and partially hydrolyzed guar gum may enhance satiety and improve lipid profiles; however, their roles in longterm weight control remain unclear. Guarana and yerba mate may offer metabolic and cardiovascular benefits due to their caffeine and polyphenol content, but further clinical evidence is required to substantiate these effects. Opuntia ficus-indica fiber extracts may promote modest weight reduction by increasing fecal fat excretion, although gastrointestinal adverse effects have been reported. Green tea, particularly its catechin epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), exerts multiple mechanisms affecting adipogenesis and energy metabolism, with hepatotoxicity mainly associated with concentrated extracts. Overall, while these supplements demonstrate various biological activities, evidence supporting their long-term effectiveness in weight management is limited. Sustainable lifestyle modifications remain the most reliable and effective strategy for obesity prevention and treatment.

Herb-induced liver injuries (HILI) are increasingly recognized as significant causes of hepatic dysfunction worldwide, driven in part by the growing consumption of herbal and dietary supplements. Traditionally valued plants such as Tinospora cordifolia, Withania somnifera, Aloe vera, and Garcinia cambogia are widely used for therapeutic purposes; however, emerging evidence associates them with varying degrees of hepatotoxicity. The underlying mechanisms may involve metabolic disturbances, immune-mediated reactions, or impairment of detoxification pathways within the liver. Histopathological examinations often reveal hepatocellular necrosis, cholestatic changes, and inflammatory infiltration. Poor quality control, contamination, and unregulated manufacturing practices further increase the potential for toxicity.

Synthesis and characterization of green-combustion derived novel CuNi0.5Mn1.5O4 nanoparticles using Garcinia cambogia seed powder for efficient photocatalytic dye degradation and colorless effluent remediation

The popularity of plant-based food supplements has risen all across the globe, supported by the assumption that anything natural is safe. However, these supplements usually consist of various plant mixtures, posing a problem for the detection of undeclared regulated plants. A combination of mass spectrometry (MS) and chemometrics is applied in this paper to provide an overview of the presence of regulated plants in plant food supplements across the illegal and legal markets in Belgium. Regulated plants, i.e. Aristolochia fangchi, Ilex paraguariensis, Garcinia cambogia, and Hoodia gordonii, which are popular for weight loss applications, were evaluated. After generating fingerprints and applying chemometric techniques, the dominating presence was found of two plants (Ilex paraguariensis and Garcinia cambogia) in both the illegal and legal markets. The prohibited plant, Aristolochia fangchi, could also be detected in some samples. This raises a matter of concern and necessitates stricter control regarding plant food supplements entering the Belgian market and sheds light on its importance for consumer’s health.

Obesity is a global health problem associated with several metabolic disorders. Conventional dietary supplements such as Garcinia cambogia, catechin, and conjugated linoleic acid (GC complex) are widely used for weight loss but raise concerns about long-term efficacy and safety. Recent advances in nutritional research suggest that combining dietary mineral elements might enhance obesity therapeutic outcomes. The objective of this study is to investigate the potential synergistic effects of potassium in combination with GC complex in a mouse model of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. When administered daily orally for 12 weeks, the HFD+GC+Potassium group exhibited synergistically reduced adipocyte size in both white and brown adipose tissue compared to the HFD group, indicating a reduction in fat storage. In addition, HFD+GC+Potassium group exhibited a marked improvement in metabolic profiles, characterized by reduced fasting glucose and total cholesterol levels without toxicity, compared with HFD group. Histological analyses confirmed the effectiveness of the treatment, showing marked reductions in hepatic steatosis and lipid accumulation, as evidenced by H&E and Oil Red-O staining in the HFD+GC+Potassium group. Significantly, the study showed that potassium supplementation in combination with GC complex improved lipid metabolism and energy expenditure by increasing the expression of phosphorylated acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (p-ACC1) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT1), while decreasing the levels of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1) through IGF1R/PI3K/AKT/GSK3β axis. These findings suggest that the combination of GC complex and dietary potassium may offer a synergistic effect and a safe strategy for managing obesity by reducing fat accumulation and enhancing metabolic health.

Aim: This scoping review investigates the weight loss claims made by listed products containing Garcinia Cambogia (from which hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is thought to be the active component). Examples include Garcinia Max (AUST L 266921) and Thinco Garcinia Supreme (AUST L 213557). Materials and Methods: Only studies which compared Garcinia Cambogia to placebo were included and the variables of weight change and BMI change were analysed. Double-blinded RCT’s and systematic reviews of RCT’s were included in the analysis. Results: Of the 14 included studies, all failed to demonstrate a clinically significant decrease in weight or BMI. Thus, none of the included studies provides sufficient evidence to support the claims made by listed weight-loss products containing Garcinia Cambogia (HCA). Conclusion: In addition, it is clear that there is a large problem with the standardisation of herbal products in general. Future trials, if done, need to have parameters matching those set out in the TGA evidence guidelines and the CONSORT guidelines for reporting randomised, controlled trials of herbal interventions.

The optimization for the extraction of bioactive compounds from Garcinia cambogia (GC) and Myristica fragrans (nutmeg rind (NM)) using Peleg’s kinetic model with Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was observed. The extraction efficiency was assessed through Total Phenolic Content (TPC), Total Flavonoids (TF), and Antioxidant activity. The effect of particle size, temperature, and solvent concentration on extraction performance was facilitated by RSM. The kinetics of both initial rapid solute release and eventual equilibrium phase were carried out using Peleg’s model. The model demonstrated high predictive accuracy of TPC values with R 2 = 0.985 and Root Mean Square Error (RSME) = 0.90 μg Gallic Acid Equivalence/mL (μg GAE/mL) and TF values with R 2 = 0.907 and RSME = 0.752 μg Quercetin Equivalence/mL (μg QE/mL) and R 2 = 0.961 and RSME = 0.316% for antioxidant activity for G. cambogia. Similarly, a satisfactory fit was observed for M. fragrans (R 2 = 0.971; RMSE = 11.19 μg GAE/mL), (R 2 = 0.0.571 and RSME = 0.266 μg QE/mL), and (R 2 = 0.923 and RSME = 0.511%), respectively. The close agreement between observed and predicted values supports the robustness of Peleg’s model and RSM in optimizing extraction parameters.

The rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Malaysia underscores the need for effective dietary strategies to manage postprandial glycemic control. This randomized, open-label, crossover study evaluated the glycemic responses and potential functional benefits of two novel protein bars; ActiSport Acti L2S Fitness Bar and Metabolic Sauver DGI Protein Bar, formulated to support glycemic management and fitness. Fourteen healthy adults consumed each test sample alongside a glucose reference, with blood glucose measured at multiple intervals over 120 minutes. Both protein bars elicited significantly lower incremental area under the curve (iAUC) and glycemic index (GI) values compared to the glucose control, classifying them as low-GI foods (Acti L2S: GI = 14.5 ± 10.0; DGI: GI = 29.7 ± 11.5). The Acti L2S bar’s superior glycemic modulation is attributed to lower carbohydrate content, higher dietary fiber, and the inclusion of plant extracts (Garcinia cambogia, white kidney bean, African mango) known for appetite regulation and fat metabolism. The DGI bar provided balanced macronutrients conducive to stable blood glucose and sustained energy release. These findings support the use of both protein bars as functional snacks for postprandial glycemic management, with Acti L2S offering additional slimming benefits. Incorporation of such low-GI, nutrient-dense products may aid individuals with diabetes or metabolic risk in achieving improved glycemic control and metabolic health.

Dihydromyricetin restores mucus hypersecretion in Air-Liquid interface cultures in COPD by targeting the SRC-MAPK signaling pathway.

The prevalence of overweight and obesity has reached epidemic levels in almost all regions of the world in recent decades. Confectionery products make a significant contribution to the problem therefore the creation of confectioneries is relevant in which, in addition to nutritional properties, paid attention to preventive properties. The purpose of the study was to develop a composition of chocolate mass and chocolate with increased nutritional value of the finished product, giving it a preventive property that helps stabilize body mass. The object of study was dark chocolate. It was proposed to introduce beetroot powder, which contains dietary fiber that accelerates the passage of food through the intestines, preventing the absorption of carbohydrates, and garcinia cambogia extract, containing hydroxycitric acid, which affects the metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids in the body, into the developed composition of the chocolate mass. The amount of beetroot powder (5.0-10.0 mass, %) required to be introduced into the chocolate mass to ensure the daily intake of dietary fiber and powder of garcinia cambogia extract (0.16-0.5 mass, %), ensuring the intake of the active substance - hydroxycitric acid into the body from an adequate to the upper permissible level of daily intake was established in the course of the conducted studies. Studies of the quality of the obtained chocolate masses showed that the mass fraction of moisture does not exceed standard requirements, the dynamic viscosity increases with an increase in the content of enriching additives in the composition, but its value is in the range of optimal values 40-90 sP. Beetroot powder enriches the flavor profile of chocolate and changes the color of the finished product, giving it a characteristic shade from light purple to purple. The introduction of powder garcinia cambogia extract does not affect the organoleptic properties of the finished product. A technological scheme for the preparation of chocolate has been developed, ensuring maximum preservation of the properties of the active components of the introduced food ingredients, which together give chocolate a preventive property that helps stabilize body mass.

We report a rare case of lead poisoning after taking a dietary supplement which was bought online. A woman in her 60s presented with symptomatic anaemia and hepatitis for 2 weeks. Bone marrow examination showed sideroblastic anaemia and subsequent blood tests confirmed lead poisoning. She was successfully treated with a course of the chelating agent succimer. Further history and investigations showed that she had taken a Garcinia cambogia (GC)-based multi-ingredients dietary supplement in the form of capsules for weight reduction and that the lead content within the capsules was very high. Our case illustrates that hepatotoxicity can be associated with the use of dietary supplements. Moreover, blood lead levels should be checked when there is associated sideroblastic anaemia.

Modulation of satiety, lipid metabolism, and insulin sensitivity by triphala and Garcinia cambogia in high-fat diet-induced obese rats

Evaluation of the Therapeutic Potential of Garcinia cambogia Alone or in Combination With Silodosin in the Management of LUTS/BPH: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study.

Garcinia cambogia, traditionally utilized for its medicinal properties, has garnered scientific interest for its potential health benefits. This study aimed to bridge the gap between traditional use and scientific validation by characterizing the phytochemical composition of G. cambogia hydro-alcoholic fruit extract and evaluating its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties.Phytochemical analyses identified numerous bioactive compounds within the fruit extract. The extract exhibited high total phenolic and flavonoid content, indicative of its potent antioxidant capacity. In antioxidant assays, the extract demonstrated significant activity, outperforming standard references. Enzyme inhibition assays revealed notable α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities, suggesting its antidiabetic potential. Furthermore, in an in vivo model, the extract significantly reduced inflammation, comparable to standard anti-inflammatory drugs.These findings support the therapeutic potential of G. cambogia in managing oxidative stress, inflammation, and diabetes, providing a scientific basis for its traditional medicinal use.

Obesity is a global health concern associated with various comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. Traditional interventions such as lifestyle modifications and pharmacotherapy, often have limited success due to side effects and poor patient adherence. Recently, interest in medicinal plants as alternative treatments for obesity has increased, driven by their potential effectiveness and lower risk of adverse effects. This review aimed to evaluate the efficacy and mechanisms of common medicinal plants used to manage obesity, focusing on appetite suppression and weight loss, as evidenced by clinical experiences and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, with keywords including "obesity," "appetite suppression," "medicinal plants," and "clinical trial." Studies evaluating the anti-obesity effects of medicinal plants were selected based on efficacy and safety. Several medicinal plants, including Garcinia cambogia, green tea, fenugreek, and Phaseolus vulgaris, were identified, which have shown promising results in reducing appetite, improving metabolic parameters, and promoting weight loss in clinical trials. However, some studies reported inconsistent or minimal effects, indicating a need for further investigation. Medicinal plants offer a promising alternative for obesity management due to their potential therapeutic benefits and lower side effects. However, long-term, well-designed RCTs are necessary to confirm their clinical applications and to optimize dosages for effective weight management.