Dataset Information

The use of Caralluma fimbriata as an appetite suppressant and weight loss supplement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials

ABSTRACT:

Background

Obesity prevalence has increased during the past few decades, causing a pandemic with an influx in other co-morbidities. Many factors influence weight gain in an obesogenic environment therefore strategies for treating obesity may vary from conventional dietary and physical activity interventions to pharamacotherapy. A shift in unconventional strategies as herbal products for treating obesity have been investigated and one such plant extract is Caralluma fimbriata (C. fimbriata). Further, the studies included were systematically reviewed to gather evidence on potential effects of C. fimbriata as an appetite suppressant and weight loss supplement.

Methods

A systematic review of clinical trials reporting the effects of C. fimbriata as appetite suppression and anti-obesity supplement was reported according to PRISMA guidelines. Data were obtained by searching three databases: PubMed®, Web of Science® and SciVerse Scopus® for studies published until 30th April 2020.

Results

A total of 7 articles studying C. fimbriata satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were sourced from various countries including Australia (3), Cuba (1), India (2) and Spain (1). Almost all studies recruited adults who were overweight or obese with a BMI > 25 kg/m2 (n = 5), with the exception of two studies, one that recruited healthy adults with a BMI average of 26.5 kg/m2 and the second one utilised a population of children and adolescents with Prader-Willis Syndrome (PWS). Parameters assessing obesity, biochemical and appetite factors were analysed by carrying out a meta-analysis. Compared to placebo controlled group, C. fimbriata extract significantly reduced WC by 1.59 cm (95% CI, − 3.07 to − 0.10, p = 0.041) and WHR by 0.06 (95% CI, − 0.12 to − 0.01, p = 0.05) although no significant effects were seen on BW, BMI and HC. Biochemical and appetite parameters outcome on C. fimbriata consumption had no significant changes. Any side effects of individuals who ingested the extract were reported by few studies of which most common effects were constipation, diarrhoea, nausea and rashes.

Conclusion

Appetite parameters showed no significant changes and metabolic parameters did not improve with C.fimbriata supplementation therefore it is unlikely to recommend C. fimbriata as a weight loss supplement and an appetite suppressant.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-021-03450-8.

SUBMITTER: Jayawardena R

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8579607 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Similar Datasets

Project description:BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE:Diet-induced weight loss (WL) leads to a compensatory increase in appetite and changes in the plasma concentration of appetite-regulating hormones are likely to play a role. Whether these changes are transient or sustained remains unclear. This study aimed to assess if changes in subjective and objective appetite markers observed with WL are sustained after 1 year (1Y). SUBJECTS/METHODS:In total 100 (45 males) individuals with obesity (BMI: 37?±?4?kg/m2, age: 43?±?10 years) underwent 8 weeks (wks) of a very-low energy diet (VLED), followed by 4 wks refeeding, and a 1Y maintenance program. Fasting/postprandial subjective ratings of hunger, fullness, desire to eat, and prospective food consumption (PFC) were assessed, and plasma concentration of active ghrelin (AG), total peptide YY (PYY), active glucagon-like peptide 1, cholecystokinin (CCK), and insulin measured, at baseline, week 13 (Wk13) and 1Y. RESULTS:At Wk13, 16% WL (-18?±?1?kg, P?<?0.001) was associated with a significant increase in fasting and postprandial hunger ratings (P?<?0.01 and P?<?0.05, respectively), and postprandial fullness (P?<?0.01) combined with a reduction in PFC (P?<?0.001). These were accompanied by a significant rise in basal and postprandial AG concentrations (P?<?0.001, for both), a reduction in postprandial CCK (P?<?0.01) and in basal and postprandial insulin (P?<?0.001). At 1Y follow-up, with sustained WL (15%; -16?±?1?kg, P?<?0.001), fasting hunger and postprandial fullness ratings remained increased (P?<?0.05 for both), and postprandial PFC reduced (P?<?0.001). Basal and postprandial AG remained elevated and insulin reduced (P?<?0.001, for all), while postprandial CCK was increased (P?<?0.01) and PYY decreased (P?<?0.001). CONCLUSION:With a 15% sustained WL at 1Y, the drive to eat in the fasting state is increased, but this may be balanced out by raised postprandial feelings of fullness. To assist with WL maintenance, new strategies are required to manage increased hunger and drive to eat.

Project description:BackgroundDiet-induced weight loss (WL) is usually accompanied by increased appetite, a response that seems to be absent when ketogenic diets are used. It remains unknown if sex modulates the appetite suppressant effect of ketosis.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to examine if sex modulates the impact of WL-induced changes in appetite and if ketosis alters these responses.MethodsNinety-five individuals (55 females) with obesity (BMI [kg/m 2]: 37 ± 4) underwent 8 wk of a very-low-energy diet, followed by 4 wk of refeeding and weight stabilization. Body composition, plasma concentration of β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB) and appetite-related hormones (active ghrelin, active glucagon-like peptide 1 [GLP-1], total peptide YY [PYY], cholecystokinin and insulin), and subjective feelings of appetite were measured at baseline, week 9 in ketosis, and week 13 out of ketosis.ResultsThe mean WL at week 9 was 17% for males and 15% for females, which was maintained at week 13. Weight, fat, and fat-free mass loss were greater in males (P < 0.001 for all) and the increase in β-HB at week 9 higher in females (1.174 ± 0.096 compared with 0.783 ± 0.112 mmol/L, P = 0.029). Basal and postprandial GLP-1 and postprandial PYY (all P < 0.05) were significantly different for males and females. There were no significant sex × time interactions for any other appetite-related hormones or subjective feelings of appetite. At week 9, basal GLP-1 was decreased only in males (P < 0.001), whereas postprandial GLP-1 was increased only in females (P < 0.001). No significant changes in postprandial PYY were observed over time for either sex.ConclusionsKetosis appears to have a greater beneficial impact on GLP-1 in females. However, sex does not seem to modulate the changes in the secretion of other appetite-related hormones, or subjective feelings of appetite, seen with WL, regardless of the ketotic state. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01834859.