Garcinol

PhytochemicalPolyisoprenylated benzophenoneBest with a meal

What is it

Garcinol is a polyisoprenylated benzophenone found mainly in the fruit rind of Garcinia indica (kokum) and Garcinia cambogia. It is studied for anti-inflammatory and potential anti-cancer activity, mostly in preclinical settings.

Evidence for 1 use

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

Any clinical condition

Mixed Evidence

Activity has been observed in preclinical models. No controlled human trials have established clinical benefit.

How it works

In laboratory studies, garcinol inhibits histone acetyltransferases (such as p300/CBP), which affects gene expression. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in cell models and in some animal studies of inflammation and metabolic disease. Human clinical evidence is sparse. Most data come from in vitro studies and animal models, and translation to human benefit at typical supplement doses is unclear.

Dosage

There is no established human dose. Supplement products vary, often providing 100-500 mg of garcinol-enriched kokum extract per serving. Clinical research on isolated garcinol is limited.

When and how to take it

No evidence-based timing recommendation. Often taken with meals.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Kokum (Garcinia indica) fruit rind extract

Sold in some specialty supplement products.

Natural source containing garcinol; concentration varies.

Safety

Garcinol-enriched kokum extracts are generally well tolerated at typical doses in short-term use. Garcinia cambogia products have been associated with rare liver injury reports, though it is unclear whether garcinol itself is the cause. Long-term human safety has not been formally established.

Who should be cautious

Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to lack of safety data. People with liver disease should be cautious with concentrated extracts.

Interactions

Theoretical interactions with histone acetyltransferase-modulated medications, with antidiabetic drugs (mixed glucose effects in animal studies), and with hepatotoxic agents. Specific clinical interaction data are sparse.

Food sources

Kokum (Garcinia indica) fruit

Amount
Variable
%DV
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Frequently asked questions

Is garcinol the same as hydroxycitric acid (HCA)?⌄

No. They are different compounds from related Garcinia species. HCA is the active ingredient in weight-loss-marketed Garcinia cambogia products; garcinol is a separate benzophenone.

Does garcinol help me lose weight?⌄

There is no human evidence that isolated garcinol produces meaningful weight loss. Marketing claims outpace clinical evidence.

References

Garcinol on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Garcinol (PubChem CID 174159) — PubChem link

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

Research on Garcinol (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.