Garcinia (Garcinia gummi-gutta) is a tree that grows in India and Southeast Asia. The fruit rind contains a chemical called hydroxycitric acid (HCA). HCA used in dietary supplements usually comes from garcinia. It might prevent fat storage, control appetite, and increase exercise endurance. But it's unclear if these effects occur in humans. People commonly use garcinia for obesity, athletic performance, joint pain, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Don't confuse garcinia with gamboge, Malabar nut, mangosteen, or tamarind. These are not the same.