Caralluma Fimbriata Cactus Extract
Also known as: Caralluma, Caralluma fimbriata cactus extract, Caralluma fimbriata
Overview
Caralluma fimbriata is a wild edible succulent plant indigenous to India, historically consumed as a famine food and for its perceived appetite-suppressing qualities. It is primarily marketed as an appetite suppressant and weight loss supplement. The extract contains bioactive compounds such as pregnane glycosides, flavonoids, and antioxidants. While preclinical studies in animals have suggested anti-obesity and appetite-suppressing effects, human clinical evidence is sparse and mixed. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found it largely ineffective for significant weight loss or appetite control in humans, though some studies noted minor effects on waist circumference or satiety hormones. Its use as an effective anti-obesity supplement is not supported by current high-quality human data.
Benefits
Current high-quality human evidence indicates that Caralluma fimbriata does not significantly reduce body weight in overweight or obese adults. A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs found no significant weight loss (mean difference −0.04 kg, 95% CI: −1.41 to 1.34, p=0.96) and no significant effects on appetite control or biochemical markers like lipid profiles and blood glucose. However, this meta-analysis did report a small reduction in waist circumference. One 16-week RCT (n=83) observed that Caralluma fimbriata supplementation stabilized plasma leptin levels, a hormone involved in satiety, compared to a placebo group where leptin levels increased. Despite this, no significant changes in overall body composition or other metabolic markers were noted in that study. While preclinical data suggest potential antioxidant, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, and anticancer effects, these benefits remain unconfirmed in human studies.
How it works
The primary proposed mechanism of action for Caralluma fimbriata is appetite suppression, attributed mainly to its pregnane glycosides. These compounds are thought to modulate hypothalamic pathways that control hunger and satiety. Some research suggests it may influence satiety hormones like leptin and neuropeptide Y, although human evidence for this effect is inconsistent. Additionally, the plant's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, observed in animal models, might contribute to metabolic benefits. However, the oral bioavailability and specific pharmacokinetics of its active compounds in humans are not yet well characterized, making a precise understanding of its mechanism challenging.
Side effects
Caralluma fimbriata is generally considered safe when taken orally at doses up to 1000 mg daily for durations up to 12 weeks. The most commonly reported side effects are mild gastrointestinal symptoms, including constipation and increased gas. No serious adverse events or significant drug interactions have been reported in clinical trials to date. However, safety data for specific populations, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women and children, are lacking, and its use in these groups is not recommended without medical supervision. Individuals with pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions should exercise caution due to the potential for exacerbating symptoms.
Dosage
Clinical trials investigating Caralluma fimbriata have utilized daily doses ranging from 500 mg to 1000 mg. However, an optimal dosage has not been definitively established due to the limited and mixed efficacy data. Supplements are typically administered orally, most commonly in capsule form. There are no specific cofactors or absorption enhancers that have been identified or recommended to improve its efficacy or absorption. Given the lack of robust evidence for its effectiveness in weight management, there are no established upper limits or safety thresholds beyond the general safety profile observed in short-term studies. Users should adhere to product label instructions and consult a healthcare professional.
FAQs
Does Caralluma fimbriata cause weight loss?
Current high-quality scientific evidence, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses, indicates that Caralluma fimbriata does not produce significant or clinically meaningful weight loss in overweight or obese adults.
Is Caralluma fimbriata safe to take?
Yes, it is generally considered safe for short-term use (up to 12 weeks) at typical doses. Mild gastrointestinal side effects like constipation and gas are the most common adverse reactions reported.
How long does it take to see effects from Caralluma fimbriata?
Clinical studies have typically lasted between 8 to 16 weeks. Within these timeframes, no significant weight loss or consistent appetite suppression has been observed in human participants.
Is Caralluma fimbriata effective for appetite suppression?
Despite its traditional use and marketing claims, current human clinical evidence does not support a meaningful or consistent effect of Caralluma fimbriata on appetite suppression.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8579607/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluated the efficacy of Caralluma fimbriata for weight management. It concluded that Caralluma fimbriata was ineffective in significantly reducing body weight in overweight or obese adults, although a small reduction in waist circumference was noted. The study highlighted the limited number of high-quality RCTs available.
- https://www.springermedizin.de/the-use-of-caralluma-fimbriata-as-an-appetite-suppressant-and-we/19851878 – This source appears to be a duplicate or related publication to the first meta-analysis. It reinforces the finding that Caralluma fimbriata does not significantly impact body weight, appetite, or metabolic markers, despite some traditional uses and preclinical promises.
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-86108-2 – This double-blind randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of Caralluma fimbriata supplementation on overweight adults over 16 weeks. While it found no significant changes in body composition or most metabolic markers, it reported that supplementation stabilized plasma leptin levels, suggesting a potential, albeit limited, influence on satiety hormones.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2022/5720372 – This narrative review discusses the bioactive compounds found in Caralluma fimbriata and summarizes preclinical data suggesting potential metabolic benefits, including antioxidant and hypolipidemic effects. However, it acknowledges the significant gap between preclinical findings and confirmed clinical efficacy in humans, emphasizing the need for more robust human trials.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1160/caralluma – This source provides a general overview of Caralluma fimbriata, including its traditional uses, proposed mechanisms, and safety profile. It notes that the supplement is generally considered safe for short-term use but highlights the lack of strong scientific evidence to support its effectiveness for weight loss or appetite suppression in humans.