Garcinia cambogia is a yellowish pumpkin shaped tropical tree fruit native to the country of India. In 1965, researchers identified HCA as the principle acid found in the fruit and rind of Garcinia cambogia. According to Indian folk tradition, Garcinia cambogia has been described for such ailments as rheumatism and bowel complaints. The rind and extracts are often used as ingredients in Indian curry dishes and as condiments. Both Garcinia cambogia and extracted HCA are widely available in North America as a component in many commercial dietary supplements.