A Multi-Targeted Approach of Garcinol for Obesity Intervention: Mechanistic Insights and Possible Clinical Applications

Background Derived from Garcinia plants, garcinol has gained prominence for its versatile health benefits, ranging from antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to immunomodulation and anticancer effects. Notably, there is a growing interest in exploring its potential against obesity and related disorders. While hydroxycitric acid (HCA) has been linked to the anti-obesity effects of certain Garcinia fruits, recent research emphasizes the role of garcinol, either alone or in combination, in mediating these effects. Methods The review was conducted using the databases Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The search was performed using the keywords 'obesity’, 'overweight', 'garcinol', 'in vitro’, 'in vivo’ and 'clinical studies.' Discussions focused on the effect of garcinol on body weight, obesity and its related complications. Results The findings revealed that garcinol, distinct from HCA, plays a central role in anti-obesity effects. Inhibiting fatty acid synthase emerged as a key mechanism, disrupting fatty acid synthesis and facilitating weight control. Garcinol demonstrated effectiveness in appetite suppression, fat reduction, modulation of obesity-related factors, and metabolic enhancement, collectively contributing to weight loss. Furthermore, the study established the bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and biodistribution of garcinol, underscoring its anti-inflammatory properties as valuable in addressing obesity-associated inflammation. Conclusion While promising indications from cell, animal, and preliminary clinical studies highlight garcinol's anti-obesity potential, it is crucial to acknowledge that research in this domain is still in its early stages. To conclusively establish the effectiveness and safety of garcinol as an anti-obesity treatment, comprehensive studies, particularly involving human subjects, are imperative.