Asam gelugor

Botanical

What is it

Asam gelugor (Garcinia atroviridis) is a sour Southeast Asian fruit, related to Garcinia cambogia (Malabar tamarind). The dried fruit rind is used as a souring agent in Malay and Indonesian cooking and is marketed as a weight-loss supplement.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Weight loss

Mixed Evidence

Human trials of HCA-containing Garcinia supplements show small, inconsistent weight-loss effects; meta-analyses suggest at most a few pounds versus placebo with poor reliability. Asam gelugor specifically has even less direct trial data.

How it works

Like other Garcinia species, asam gelugor contains hydroxycitric acid (HCA), which in animal studies inhibits ATP-citrate lyase, an enzyme in lipogenesis. The theoretical effect is reduced fatty acid synthesis from carbohydrates. Animal data is more promising than human trials, where weight-loss effects have been modest and inconsistent. It also contains organic acids that contribute to its sour taste and possible mild appetite-suppressing effects.

Dosage

There is no established evidence-based dose. Garcinia cambogia trials commonly used 1,500–2,800 mg of HCA-standardized extract per day. DSLD label data does not provide a usable median for asam gelugor specifically.

When and how to take it

If used as a weight supplement, typically taken before meals. Culinary use is part of cooked dishes.

1 commercial form

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Dried fruit rind extract

Used in cooking and supplements.

HCA absorption is variable; salt form (potassium, calcium) affects uptake.

Safety

Generally well tolerated at culinary doses. Concentrated Garcinia supplements have been associated with rare cases of liver injury; FDA has issued warnings about certain Garcinia products. Some users report headache and GI upset.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. People with liver disease or on statins should avoid concentrated Garcinia supplements. Discontinue if jaundice, dark urine, or right upper quadrant pain develops.

Interactions

Theoretical interactions with statins (rhabdomyolysis case reports), antidiabetic medications (hypoglycemia), and serotonergic drugs.

Food sources

Asam gelugor (dried slices, culinary)

Amount
Small amounts in soups and curries
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Does asam gelugor help with weight loss?⌄

Evidence is weak and inconsistent. Any benefit is small and unreliable in human trials.

Is it safe for the liver?⌄

Culinary use is fine. Concentrated Garcinia supplements have been linked to rare liver injury; people with liver disease should avoid.

References

Asam gelugor on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Asam gelugor on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Asam gelugor (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.