Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is an important medical condition. Recently, development of novel causality assessment tools has improved the diagnostic accuracy of idiosyncratic DILI, particularly RECAM (Revised Electronic Version of Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment [RUCAM]). RECAM was found to be better than RUCAM in difficult cases and increased the precision of the DILI diagnosis but needs further refinement. In recent years, there has been an increased incidence of DILI with drugs, such as oncological drugs and herbal and dietary supplements (HDSs). DILI is commonly associated with checkpoint-induced liver injury. Treatment with corticosteroids has been the standard of care in this type of liver injury, but its use is controversial and potentially harmful. With the help of liver biopsy, 60% of subjects can avoid corticosteroids. In recent years, a number of dietary supplements have been found to lead to DILI, such as turmeric, Garcinia cambogia, kratom and ashwagandha. HLA-B*35:01 has been identified as a risk factor for green tea extract-induced liver injury. International collaborative efforts have tried to find candidate biomarkers, but no biomarker has yet demonstrated superior performance to standard liver tests. FDA has recently approved the use of serum glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) as a biomarker to distinguish liver injury from muscle injury. Serum GLDH should be used alongside standard liver injury monitoring in patients without pre-existing liver disease. In the current review, recent findings in DILI are presented on diagnostic strategies, new agents such as checkpoint inhibitors and HDSs leading to DILI, biomarkers and new therapies.

Lead poisoning is rarely seen in clinical practice nowadays. However, the widespread promotion of dietary supplements can lead to cases of lead toxicity, presenting with symptoms such as abdominal colic, neuropsychiatric issues, and anemia. Here, we present a case of a 28-year-old male who developed lead poisoning after consuming Garcinia cambogia for weight loss. Any unexplained symptom, such as abdominal pain, may be attributable to lead poisoning. The cornerstone of diagnosis of lead poisoning lies in meticulous history taking of any supplements and confirmation with blood lead levels. Discontinuing the offending supplement is the mainstay of management. Lead chelation with penicillamine should be considered for blood lead levels above 50 μg/dL.

Breast cancer (BC), the most common cancer in women, is closely related to ferroptosis, which is an iron-dependent form of cell death. Gambogic acid (GA), the main active ingredient extracted from the dry resin secreted by Garcinia cambogia, can effectively induce ferroptosis in tumor cells. However, its application is limited by poor water solubility, short half-life, and vascular irritation. Moreover, the sensitivity of cells to ferroptosis is positively correlated with the concentration of intracellular iron ions, which based on transferrin (Tf)-Tf receptor (TfR) pathway. Increasing intracellular iron ions within tumor cells may enhance GA-induced ferroptosis. Based on the high expression of TfR in tumor cells, Tf can be both a tumor-target modification and an Fe3+ carrier. Therefore, GA-loaded Tf-modified liposomes (GA@Tf-Lip) with pH-responsive properties were developed. GA@Tf-Lip increased the intracellular iron ion content of MCF-7 cells, promoted the Fenton reaction to increase the level of ROS, downregulated the GSH content, and accelerated lipid peroxide accumulation. The distribution of the formulation by in vivo imaging experiments showed that the prepared GA@Tf-Lip had a higher drug accumulation at tumor sites and exhibited a good antitumor effect by promoting ferroptosis. Overall, GA@Tf-Lip exerted a good anti-BC effect, which is expected to provide a new strategy for the treatment of BC and the clinical transformation of GA.

Obesity is a major public health problem with a continuously increasing global prevalence and is associated with various chronic diseases and substantial social and economic burdens. As dietary modification and physical activity alone often have limited effectiveness in achieving sustained weight loss, dietary supplements intended for weight reduction are widely used. However, evidence on the efficacy and safety of these supplements is inconsistent, and consumer use intentions tend to be driven by subjective beliefs and insurance-like perceptions. Accordingly, this study reviewed recent evidence on L-carnitine, green tea extract, glucomannan, and Garcinia cambogia, supplements for which weight loss effects have been proposed, to assess their efficacy and safety and to highlight the importance of supplement selection aligned with consumer use contexts. PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar databases were searched for studies published between 1 January 2020 and 10 October 2025. Although some studies have reported improvements in weight and metabolic indicators, consistent scientific evidence has not yet been established. This review emphasized the need for purpose-driven supplement selection that integrates efficacy, safety, usage context, and evidence level, and the importance of consumers' critical information appraisal capacity, supported by structured information provision and education.

This study employed an integrated multi-omics strategy to unravel the mechanisms of pH-optimized stewed beef quality. First, proteomic analysis revealed that stewing at pH 6.0 reduced COL1A1 and hemoglobin-α, activated calpain, alleviated oxidative stress, and upregulated COL1A2, collectively softening the protein matrix and improving water retention. Subsequently, flavoromic and metabolomic analyses were applied to evaluate two natural acidic ingredients, Garcinia cambogia and Solanum lycopersicum, as pH regulators. Garcinia cambogia uniquely enhanced 1-octen-3-ol, nonanal, and the umami peptide Pro-Asp-Trp, while Solanum lycopersicum enriched ethyl acetate, 2-octanone, and anserine. Critically, both ingredients promoted collagen dissociation and exposed hydrophilic groups, synergizing with the core proteomic mechanisms to further reduce shear force. This work provides a theoretical foundation for the precise, ingredient-informed pH regulation in stewed beef and lays the groundwork for targeted quality engineering.

The novel edible antimicrobial gelatin film was developed with extracts of Garcinia cambogia (GC), Myristica fragrans rind (NM), and Allium sativum peel (GP) to extend the shelf life of Tuna. The strongest inhibition zone for of 20 mm was observed against Staphylococcus aureus and 22 mm against Escherichia coli with the extracts. Gelatin films containing 1%, 2%, and 3% (w/v) extracts were evaluated for physicomechanical properties and preservation efficacy. The 3% antimicrobial film exhibited the lowest oxygen transmission rate (324.76 ± 8.75[d] cm3/m2.24h.0.1 MPa), water vapor permeability rate (995.40 ± 15.4[c]g/m2.24h), highest tensile strength (3.36 ± 0.11[d] MPa) and elongation at break (138.54 ± 1.3[d] %). Tuna fillets packed with antimicrobial films were stored at -4 °C for 13 days. Tuna preserved with the 3%(w/v) extract film exhibited a slower rise in pH (6.49), higher water-holding capacity, and reduced lipid oxidation. TBARS values were observed as (2.01 mg MDA/100 mg) for 3% film and found to be increased upto 3.53 mg MDA/100 mg on day 13 for tuna without film. Microbial growth was effectively suppressed, with delayed yeast and mold development.

Garcinia cambogia (Gambogic Acid, GA) is a natural xanthone compound extracted from the resin of GA fruit, renowned for its diverse biological activities and substantial therapeutic potential. GA, a principal bioactive component of Garcinia cambogia, possesses a distinctive cage-like molecular architecture centered on an α,β-unsaturated ketone moiety. This structure is not merely a chemical signature but the fundamental source of GA's broad and integrated pharmacodynamic profile. While the multi-target nature of natural products like flavonoids has been widely documented, GA's unique polycyclic caged structure confers a different mechanism of action and a broader spectrum of activity, particularly in epigenetic reprogramming and the activation of multi-modal cell death networks. This review moves beyond a mere compilation of GA's effects to provide a systematic and critical analysis of its pharmacological landscape. We deconstruct its mechanisms along three integrated dimensions: (i) a molecular-level characterization of GA-regulated signaling pathways, emphasizing its multi-target synergy; (ii) an empirical evaluation of its therapeutic efficacy across cancer and inflammatory diseases, critically appraising both promises and limitations of current evidence; and (iii) an evidence-based discussion on overcoming translational barriers, with a focal point on how innovative nanodelivery strategies are pivotal in resolving GA's pharmacokinetic challenges. By directly comparing GA with other natural products (e.g., flavonoids) in terms of structure-activity relationships and translational potential, we highlight its unique position in the natural product pharmacopeia. We conclude that the future of GA research lies in the integration of multi-omics approaches with precision drug delivery systems, a synergistic strategy that will effectively bridge the gap between its robust mechanistic underpinnings and successful clinical application.

The limitations of conventional cancer therapies, including toxicity and resistance, underscore the need for safer and more versatile alternatives that can either complement or substitute existing regimens. Garcinol, a polyisoprenylated benzophenone derived primarily from the rind and leaves of Garcinia indica and Garcinia cambogia, has drawn significant interest in recent decades. Although traditionally used to relieve inflammatory disorders, its biomedical relevance expanded considerably after reports in the late 20th century demonstrated antimicrobial and subsequently anti-cancer properties. A growing body of cell-based research, supported by a smaller set of animal experiments, now suggests that garcinol acts as a potent epigenetic modulator. Its activities include inhibition of histone acetyltransferases (HATs), a groundbreaking research followed by regulation of oncogenic microRNAs, and modulation of signaling pathways critical to tumor progression. This review integrates current findings on garcinol's dual role as a HAT inhibitor and regulator of oncogenic networks with updates on in vitro and in vivo studies with a more focused approach on in vivo animal models, highlighting its potential as an emerging therapeutic against malignancies and inflammatory diseases. Nonetheless, translation into clinical settings remains premature, as robust in vivo evidence is sparse and human trials are lacking. Moving forward, systematic investigations are required to clarify safety profiles, establish effective dosing strategies, and evaluate its efficacy across different cancer types.

The popularity of plant-based food supplements has risen all across the globe, supported by the assumption that anything natural is safe. However, these supplements usually consist of various plant mixtures, posing a problem for the detection of undeclared regulated plants. A combination of mass spectrometry (MS) and chemometrics is applied in this paper to provide an overview of the presence of regulated plants in plant food supplements across the illegal and legal markets in Belgium. Regulated plants, i.e. Aristolochia fangchi, Ilex paraguariensis, Garcinia cambogia, and Hoodia gordonii, which are popular for weight loss applications, were evaluated. After generating fingerprints and applying chemometric techniques, the dominating presence was found of two plants (Ilex paraguariensis and Garcinia cambogia) in both the illegal and legal markets. The prohibited plant, Aristolochia fangchi, could also be detected in some samples. This raises a matter of concern and necessitates stricter control regarding plant food supplements entering the Belgian market and sheds light on its importance for consumer's health.

Obesity is a global health problem associated with several metabolic disorders. Conventional dietary supplements such as Garcinia cambogia, catechin, and conjugated linoleic acid (GC complex) are widely used for weight loss but raise concerns about long-term efficacy and safety. Recent advances in nutritional research suggest that combining dietary mineral elements might enhance obesity therapeutic outcomes. The objective of this study is to investigate the potential synergistic effects of potassium in combination with GC complex in a mouse model of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity. When administered daily orally for 12 weeks, the HFD+GC+Potassium group exhibited synergistically reduced adipocyte size in both white and brown adipose tissue compared to the HFD group, indicating a reduction in fat storage. In addition, HFD+GC+Potassium group exhibited a marked improvement in metabolic profiles, characterized by reduced fasting glucose and total cholesterol levels without toxicity, compared with HFD group. Histological analyses confirmed the effectiveness of the treatment, showing marked reductions in hepatic steatosis and lipid accumulation, as evidenced by H&E and Oil Red-O staining in the HFD+GC+Potassium group. Significantly, the study showed that potassium supplementation in combination with GC complex improved lipid metabolism and energy expenditure by increasing the expression of phosphorylated acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (p-ACC1) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT1), while decreasing the levels of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1) through IGF1R/PI3K/AKT/GSK3β axis. These findings suggest that the combination of GC complex and dietary potassium may offer a synergistic effect and a safe strategy for managing obesity by reducing fat accumulation and enhancing metabolic health.

The demand for alternative weight loss therapies has surged, with herbal medicinal products gaining popularity due to their natural origins, perceived safety, and accessibility. However, evidence regarding their therapeutic effects and safety for weight loss remains limited. Thefore, this study aimed to identify herbal medicines used for weight loss and their efficacy and safety. A scoping review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and LILACS databases (September 2023). Studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of herbal medicines for weight loss in individuals aged 18 years or older were included. Study selection and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers. A total of 74 studies involving 5508 participants were included. Most studies were double-blind randomized clinical trials (n = 50) and conducted in participants diagnosed with overweight and/or obesity (n = 70), predominantly in Asia (n = 40). The duration of interventions ranged from 10 to 613 days. The most frequently evaluated herbal medicines were Camellia sinensis (n = 16), Ephedra sp. (n = 13), Garcinia cambogia (n = 9), Citrus sp. (n = 5), and Glycyrrhiza sp. (n = 5). Five studies conducted post-intervention follow-ups. Only 10 studies did not report improvements in any parameter. Adverse events ranged from mild symptoms (e.g., headache) to severe reactions (e.g., increased blood pressure), with Ephedra sp. being linked to the most serious events. In conclusion, herbal medicinal products may offer benefits for weight loss. However, their use should be approached cautiously due to potential safety concerns.

The optimization for the extraction of bioactive compounds from Garcinia cambogia (GC) and Myristica fragrans (nutmeg rind (NM)) using Peleg's kinetic model with Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was observed. The extraction efficiency was assessed through Total Phenolic Content (TPC), Total Flavonoids (TF), and Antioxidant activity. The effect of particle size, temperature, and solvent concentration on extraction performance was facilitated by RSM. The kinetics of both initial rapid solute release and eventual equilibrium phase were carried out using Peleg's model. The model demonstrated high predictive accuracy of TPC values with R2 = 0.985 and Root Mean Square Error (RSME) = 0.90 μg Gallic Acid Equivalence/mL (μg GAE/mL) and TF values with R2 = 0.907 and RSME = 0.752 μg Quercetin Equivalence/mL (μg QE/mL) and R2 = 0.961 and RSME = 0.316% for antioxidant activity for G. cambogia. Similarly, a satisfactory fit was observed for M. fragrans (R2 = 0.971; RMSE = 11.19 μg GAE/mL), (R2 = 0.0.571 and RSME = 0.266 μg QE/mL), and (R2 = 0.923 and RSME = 0.511%), respectively. The close agreement between observed and predicted values supports the robustness of Peleg's model and RSM in optimizing extraction parameters.

We report a rare case of lead poisoning after taking a dietary supplement which was bought online. A woman in her 60s presented with symptomatic anaemia and hepatitis for 2 weeks. Bone marrow examination showed sideroblastic anaemia and subsequent blood tests confirmed lead poisoning. She was successfully treated with a course of the chelating agent succimer. Further history and investigations showed that she had taken a Garcinia cambogia (GC)-based multi-ingredients dietary supplement in the form of capsules for weight reduction and that the lead content within the capsules was very high. Our case illustrates that hepatotoxicity can be associated with the use of dietary supplements. Moreover, blood lead levels should be checked when there is associated sideroblastic anaemia.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous condition characterized by chronic respiratory symptoms due to bronchitis and emphysema, often leading to persistent airflow obstruction. Dihydromyricetin (DHM), a Garcinia cambogia extract, exhibited anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antioxidant effects without significant toxicity to normal cells in vitro and in vivo. This study aimed to investigate the effect of DHM on mucus hypersecretion in air-liquid interface (ALI) cultures in COPD and to explore the underlying mechanism. Bronchial epithelial cells from five COPD patients and five Non-COPD subjects were collected by bronchoscopy at ALI. ALI cultures from COPD and Non-COPD subjects, as well as airway organoids, were differentiated for 2 weeks subsequently treated with DHM (50 μM) for an additional 2 weeks. The potential molecular mechanisms of DHM were investigated using network pharmacology analysis and molecular docking techniques. DHM reduced mucus hypersecretion and increased cilia number in ALI cultures (Average fold change = 6.52, P = 0.0033; average fold change = 11.56, P = 0.0011) and airway organoids (average fold change = 1.68, P = 0.0096; average fold change = 1.60, P = 0.0130) from COPD patients. Network pharmacology analysis, supported by experimental validation, confirmed that DHM alleviated COPD-related mucus hypersecretion and improved ciliary morphology by binding to SRC and regulating autophagy-related proteins and the MAPK signaling pathway. These findings suggest that DHM could be a potential therapeutic agent for preventing mucus hypersecretion in COPD. This study is the first to combine network pharmacology analysis to investigate the mechanism of DHM in alleviating COPD-associated mucus hypersecretion.