Written by Jessica Patella, ND. Those taking a cactus extract lost 4.4 lbs in 60 days compared to no loss in the placebo group for those taking 1 gram per day of cactus extract.
Obesity is a major public health concern and a drain to the economy, costing an estimated $147 billion per year (1). Obesity also increases the risk for many health problems including diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) and cardiovascular disease (2). While physical activity and a nutritious diet are important, research shows controlling and/or suppressing appetite are likely useful in those who suffer from obesity (2). Appetite suppressants tend to be effective, but often have negative side effects (2). Recent research shows that an edible cactus, Caralluma fimbiata, is a safe and effective alternative (2).
Caralluma fimbiata is a native plant of India and is well known amongst tribal groups as a food to be used during famines. This is due to the plant’s appetite suppressant quality and the ability to quench thirst (2).
This is the first study to research Caralluma and its effects on appetite suppression. For the study, an extract was made from the above ground parts of the plant. A 40% aqueous alcohol solution was used (40 parts alcohol, 60 parts water). The solution was purified and then filled into capsules to deliver 500 mg of Caralluma extract. Two capsules were taken daily for a total of 1g Caralluma per day (2).
Fifty participants completed the study, with 25 participants in the placebo (inactive substance) group and 25 participants in the experimental Caralluma group. All participants had a body mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m2 or greater, indicating being overweight. The average BMI for all participants was 30.2 kg/m2, indicating obesity.
Dietary assessment was determined by using a 129-item food questionnaire developed specifically for the region of south India where participants lived. This questionnaire was given at baseline and at the end of the 60-day study.
A significant decrease in body weight over two months was only seen in the experimental group, which accounted for 2.5% (2kg or about 4.4 lbs; p<0.01) of the initial body weight (2). When compared to the placebo group, there was also a significant reduction in waist circumference for the experimental group of 3 cm or about 1.2 inches (96.9 +/-* 11.6 cm to 93.9 +/- 11.3 cm; p<0.001) (2). By the end of the study, the experimental group also had a 19.7% decrease in hunger levels (47.6 +/-22.6 to 27.9 +/-18.8% ;p<0.05) compared to no change in the placebo group.
Significant reductions (p<0.05)** in food intake at the end of the study were only observed in the experimental group and accounted for 188 kcal/day (8.2%), 20g (5.2%) carbohydrates, 4.7g (8%) fats and 3.6g (5.7%) proteins. An interesting observation was made when reviewing the research, showing the experimental group had a reduction in intake of refined sugars, sweets, cholesterol and saturated fats while intake of fruits, vegetables and fish remained unchanged (2).
In conclusion, this research was the first of its kind to show that Caralluma fimbriata has an appetite suppressing action and resulted in significant reduction in body weight, waist circumference and intake of less desirable food groups. Further research with more participants over a longer period of time is warranted.
*+/- means that the values found ranged by the number shown to maximum amounts above and below the stated value
** p is a number that reflects the likelihood that the results did not occur by chance. A value of .05 means that the chance this result would have occurred by chance is only 5 in 100. The lower the number, the less likely the results occurred by chance.
Source: Kuriyan, Rebecca, Tony Raj, S. K. Srinivas, Mario Vaz, R. Rajendran, and Anura V. Kurpad. “Effect of Caralluma fimbriata extract on appetite, food intake and anthropometry in adult Indian men and women.” Appetite 48, no. 3 (2007): 338-344.
© 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Posted November 9, 2011.
References:
- Economic cost of Obesity – see the Centers for Disease Control website.
- Kuriyan R, et al. Effect of Caralluma Fimbiata extract on appetite, food intake and anthropometry in adult Indian men and women. 2007 Appetite 48: 338-344.
