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Hydroxycitric acid (HCA)

The primary mechanism of action of HCA appears to be related to act as a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme ATP-citrate lyase, which catalyzes the conversion of citrate and coenzyme A to oxaloacetate and acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA). Hydroxycitric acid reduces the conversion of carbohydrate calories into fats. It does this by inhibiting the actions of ATP-citrate lyase, the enzyme which converts citrate into fatty acids and cholesterol in the primary pathway of fat synthesis in the body. The actions of HCA increase the production and storage of glycogen (which is found in the liver, small intestine and muscles of mammals) while reducing both appetite and weight gain. Hydroxycitric acid also causes calories to be burned in an energy cycle similar to thermogenesis. Hydroxycitric acid has been known to be beneficial for the control and reduction of mammalian body weight. In particular, the (-) hydroxycitric acid isomer and derivatives thereof are found to inhibit fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis. Hydroxycitric acid also increases the clearance of LDL cholesterol, reduces appetite, does not cross the blood-brain barrier, does not stimulate the central nervous system, does not cause insomnia, nervousness, depression, hypertension or rapid heart rate associated with most prescription and over the counter diet aids and can be combined with other nutrients to enhance benefits. HCA suppresses the fatty acid synthesis, lipogenesis and food intake thus leading to weight reduction. In addition to suppression of fatty acid and fat synthesis, CA is thought to suppress food intake via loss of appetite by stimulation of liver gluconeogenesis. Hydroxycitric acid prevents the conversion of excess carbohydrates to fatty acids by inhibiting the actions of cytoplasmic (cytosolic) ATP-citrate lyase enzyme which plays key role in the conversion of carbohydrates to fatty acids and cholesterol. HCA has been widely used for its weight control properties, fat burning properties, lipid level lowering effect, appetite regulation, metabolic rate increase and other effects. Hydroxycitric acid has been shown to reduce appetite, inhibit fat synthesis, and decrease body weight in persons consuming it, without stimulating the central nervous system of those persons. Therefore, ingestion of HCA will not cause nervousness, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, or insomnia associated with dietary stimulants such as ephedra (Ma Huang), caffeine or phenylpropanolamine.

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