Plant extracts with appetite suppressing properties for body weight control: a
systematic review of double blind randomized controlled clinical trials.
Author(s): Astell KJ(1), Mathai ML, Su XQ.
Affiliation(s): Author information:
(1)College of Health and Biomedicine, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia.
Publication date & source: 2013, Complement Ther Med. , 21(4):407-16
OVERVIEW: As obesity has reached epidemic proportions, the management of this
global disease is of clinical importance. The availability and popularity of
natural dietary supplements for the treatment of obesity has risen dramatically
in recent years.
AIMS: The aim of this paper was to assess the current evidence of commonly
available natural supplements used to suppress appetite for obesity control and
management in humans using a systematic search of clinical trials meeting an
acceptable standard of evidence.
METHODS: The electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar,
ScienceDirect, and MEDLINE with full text (via EBSCOHost) were accessed during
late 2012 for randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) using natural plant
extracts as interventions to treat obesity through appetite regulation. A quality
analysis using a purpose-designed scale and an estimation of effect size, where
data were available, was also calculated. The inclusion criteria included the
following: sample participants classified as overweight or obese adults (aged
18-65 years), randomized, double blind, controlled design, suitable
placebo/control intervention, sample size >20, duration of intervention >2 weeks,
have measurable outcomes on appetite or food intake and anthropometry, and full
paper in English.
RESULTS: There were 14 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The findings from
published double blind RCTs revealed mostly inconclusive evidence that plant
extracts are effective in reducing body weight through appetite suppression.
Caralluma fimbriata extract and a combination supplement containing Garcinia
cambogia plus Gymnema sylvestre were the only exceptions.
CONCLUSION: According to the findings from this systematic review, the evidence
is not convincing in demonstrating that most dietary supplements used as appetite
suppressants for weight loss in the treatment of obesity are effective and safe.
A balance between conclusive findings by double blind RCTs and advertisement is
required to avoid safety concerns and dissatisfaction from consumers.
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