THE EFFECTS OF Garcinia atroviridis (ASAM GELUGUR) EXTRACTS ON BODY COMPOSITION IN RELATION TO WEIGHT MANAGEMENT: A SCOPING REVIEW

Abstract

Introduction: In developed countries, the extract of G. atroviridis (or locally known as asam gelugor) has been widely used as supplement for weight loss. Despite being found in abundance and used every day for food preparation, the awareness about the plant’s anti-obesity effect is still low in Malaysia. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to identify the potential role of Garcinia atroviridis (or locally known as asam gelugur) in weight management by studying its effect on body composition (body mass index and waist circumference). The current study also intended to explore the functional dosage of G. atroviridis extracts required to alter body composition status. This study focused on two extracts of this fruit: hydroxycitric acid (HCA) and flavonoids. Methods: A scoping review was conducted to analyze the data found in five databases using these keywords: garcinia extract OR garcinia atroviridis OR garcinia Hydroxycitric acid OR HCA OR flavonoids AND body composition OR body mass index OR body weight OR waist circumference AND weight loss OR weight maintenance OR weight management OR weight OR anti-obesity NOT garcinia cambogia. The populations of intervention included in this study comprised of human and animal. A total of nine journals were finalised and mapped onto an evidence table. Results: From the review, the extracts of G. atroviridis appears to affect body composition status. The HCA extract should be consumed below 1000 mg/day to reduce bodyweight, but no data was found on flavonoids.  In human, the dose of flavonoids should be lower than 500 mg. Conclusions: With the ingestion of appropriate amount, the Garcinia atroviridis extracts (HCA and flavonoids) might be helpful in managing weight. In future, further research can be conducted to determine the appropriate dosage of G. atroviridis for human consumption.

KEYWORDS: Garcinia atroviridis, body mass index, waist circumference, weight management