Evidence supporting the use of: Caralluma fimbriata
For the health condition: Appetite (excessive)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Caralluma fimbriata is a succulent plant traditionally used in India as a famine food and appetite suppressant. Its use for appetite control is rooted in traditional practices, but in recent years, several scientific studies have investigated its efficacy. The most notable evidence comes from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining Caralluma fimbriata extract's effect on appetite and weight management. For instance, a 2007 study in "Appetite" found that, compared to placebo, 1g/day of Caralluma extract for 60 days produced a modest reduction in appetite and waist circumference in overweight individuals, though weight loss itself was not statistically significant. Other trials have reported minimal to moderate appetite-suppressing effects, but results are inconsistent and often limited by small sample sizes, short study durations, and potential bias.
The mechanism is believed to involve inhibition of hunger pathways in the hypothalamus, possibly mediated by pregnane glycosides in the plant. While Caralluma fimbriata appears safe for short-term use, the overall quality of evidence is low to moderate, and most clinical guidelines do not endorse its use due to insufficient robust data. Thus, while there is some scientific validation for its traditional use in appetite suppression, the evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited and not conclusive.
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