The aim of this systematic review is to examine the efficacy of Garcinia extract, hydroxycitric acid (HCA) as a weight reduction
agent, using data from randomised clinical trials (RCTs). Electronic and nonelectronic searches were conducted to identify relevant
articles, with no restrictions in language or time. Two independent reviewers extracted the data and assessed the methodological
quality of included studies. Twenty-three eligible trials were identified and twelve were included. Nine trials provided data suitable
for statistical pooling. The meta-analysis revealed a small, statistically significant difference in weight loss favouring HCA over
placebo (MD: −0.88 kg; 95% CI: −1.75, −0.00). Gastrointestinal adverse events were twice as common in the HCA group
compared with placebo in one included study. It is concluded that the RCTs suggest that Garcinia extracts/HCA can cause shorttermweight
loss. The magnitude of the effect is small, and the clinical relevance is uncertain. Future trials should be more rigorous
and better reported.