Determination of Selected Trace Elements in Dietary Supplements Containing Plant Materials.

Abstract

tea, Java tea, red tea, guarana and Opuntia humifusa Garcinia cambogia is a small fruit that resembles a miniature pumpkin. It is indigenous to India and parts of Asia, and an extract from its fruit and rind is popular in many natural slimming products. The hydroxycitric acid (HCA) which was found in the extract is claimed to suppress appetite and enhance fat-burning. Animal research supports these claims, but subsequent human trials have been equivocal. The theory behind Garcinia cambogia is that HCA inhibits an enzyme called citrate lyase that helps turn excess carbohydrates into fat. Epicatechin gallate, a component of green tea (Camelia sinensis (L.) Kuntze), is being researched as well because in-vitro experiments have shown that it can infl uence the catabolism of lipids in the liver