The presence of two chiral centres in the molecule is exploited to construct molecular skeletons that are otherwise difficult to synthesize, thus demonstrating the lactones use as chirons.

Laboratory and animal studies of HCA have produced results that indicate a potential for modulation of lipid metabolism.

[4] However, a clinical study has demonstrated that HCA has no effect in terms of weight loss or reduction of fat mass.

[6] One isomer of HCA, known as (2S,3R)-HCA, inhibits pancreatic alpha-amylase and intestinal alpha-glucosidase, leading to a reduction in carbohydrate metabolism in vitro.

[8][9] Researchers at the University of Houston reported hydroxycitrate is capable of dissolving calcium oxalate crystals, a component of human kidney stones.