Evaluation of the genotoxicity of (-)-hydroxycitric acid (HCA-SX) isolated from Garcinia cambogia

J Toxicol Environ Health A. 2007 Mar 1;70(5):388-92. doi: 10.1080/15287390600882192.

Abstract

(-)-Hydroxycitric acid (HCA) is widely used as an ingredient for nutritional supplements aimed at reducing food intake, appetite, and body weight. In this study, the genotoxicity of HCA was evaluated using three tests: a bacterial reverse mutation assay (Ames test), an in vitro chromosomal aberration (CA) test, and an in vivo micronucleus (MN) test. HCA was negative by the Ames test in the presence or absence of a microsomal metabolizing system. HCA did not induce mutagenic activity in the Ames test, and no significant mutagenic potency was indicated by CA tests. However, HCA significantly and dose-dependently increased the number of MNPCEs (micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes/1000 polychromatic erythrocytes) and PCE/(PCE + NCE) ratios according to the MN test. These results suggest that HCA preferentially induce micronuclei.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Chromosome Aberrations / chemically induced
  • Citrates / chemistry
  • Citrates / toxicity*
  • Cricetinae
  • Cricetulus
  • Garcinia cambogia
  • Mice
  • Micronucleus Tests*
  • Mutagenicity Tests

Substances

  • Citrates
  • hydroxycitric acid