Caralluma fimbriata
In
last week’s blog we
looked at substances that are claimed to assist in weight loss. One of those
substances was Caralluma fimbriata (C. fimbriata), a
cactus extract used for appetite suppression. Let’s take a deeper look at
this extract.
What is C. fimbriata?
1C.
fimbriata is an edible succulent cacti (family Asclepiadaceae)
commonly found growing wildly in India and Africa. It’s considered a famine
food due to its appetite suppressant features.
2Some
of the key active compounds found in C. fimbriata and their uses incude:
·
Pregnane glycosides – appetite suppression
·
Flavone glycosides – antioxidants
·
Megastigmane glycosides – anti-inflammatory
·
Polyphenols – antioxidants
·
Flavonoids – antioxidants
·
Saponins – immune system enhancers
·
Bitter principles – protection of digestive system and pancreas
Claims
3While
common uses for C. fimbriata include weight loss – burning fat, thirst
quenching and enhancing endurance and energy – 4some of its
other claims include:
·
Antimicrobial and antiparasitic activities
·
Improved brain function
·
Anxiety reduction
·
Muscle building
·
Prevention of hardened arteries
·
Improved digestion
·
Liver function protection
·
Improved kidney function
·
Testicular function protection
·
Antioxidant activity
·
Reduced blood sugar levels
This
is an impressive list! However it’s very important that you do your research
before taking any type of drug, get the facts, read the studies, consult with
your physician. Please see the list of studies and sources below.
Research Studies
Some
helpful research has been done and is being done on C. fimbriata and the claims
of weight loss, increased energy levels and digestion enhancement. 5Let’s
look at a few of those studies as they relate to these claims:
Fat
Burning
In
50 overweight patients (DB-RCT), intake of 1 gram of Caralluma fimbriata
extract per day for 60 days reduced waist perimeter and appetite.
However,
in 89 overweight patients (DB-RCT), 12 weeks of Caralluma fimbriata extract
failed to reduce weight or appetite.
Caralluma
fimbriata extract blocked the growth of fat cells. This effect was seen most at
high doses (over 100 μg/ml).
Increase
Energy
Fat
burning releases energy in form of ATP.
*Modulatory effects of Caralluma fimbriata extract against high-fat diet induced abnormalities in carbohydrate metabolism in Wistar rats.
*Modulatory effects of Caralluma fimbriata extract against high-fat diet induced abnormalities in carbohydrate metabolism in Wistar rats.
In
rats fed a high-calorie diet, intake of Caralluma fimbriata extract increased
the activity of the enzyme creatine kinase in muscles, thus enhancing the
efficient use and transport of energy.
Improve
Digestive System Function
Caralluma
fimbriata has high amounts of fiber (15%) and is a good source of this plant
component when eaten as a vegetable.
*Health effects of dietary fiber.
*Health effects of dietary fiber.
Fiber
has several health benefits, such as increasing the digestive transit,
facilitating nutrient uptake and digestion, and protecting from diseases.
Side Effects
Every
drug we take will have its benefits and its side effects. It is very important
that you know BOTH before taking any drug, be it manufactured or herbal. 5Here
are some of the more common side effects found with C. fimbriata:
·
Stomach bloating
·
Flatulence
·
Constipation
·
Stomach inflammation
·
Nausea
·
Palpitations
·
Tongue inflammation
·
Sleep deprivation
·
Generalized weakness
·
Increased blood pressure
As
you can see, this list (which is NOT exhaustive) has side effects ranging from
the irritating, not so important to the really serious and
health-threatening. 6C. fimbriata is an extract from the main
supplemented herb Caralluma adscendens var. fimbriata and is
also sold as Slimaluma (brand name). It is classified as a food product and
ayurveda.
Conclusion
The
claims revolving around C. fimbriata make it sound like one big magic bean. You
can lose weight, burn fat, increase your energy, build more muscle, increase
your endurance, decrease your anxiety, improve your sleep AND clear your
arteries all with one single drug! However, if you’re older than 16, you know
nothing can do everything, especially without any special effort on your part.
Wanting to lose weight, get in shape, be fit, be healthy and look good are not
bad goals to have, we all have them. But like anything else in life, it’s going
to take good old-fashioned work and effort on your part. Be smart – don’t take
drugs (and yes, herbal supplements ARE considered drugs) without doing your due
diligence: research the substance, read the studies, read what others have to
say, consult with your doctor or a pharmacist or registered dietician
beforehand.
And
tune in next week for more information on weight loss miracles!
(Disclaimer:
SplitFit does not endorse any supplement mentioned in its blogs. The information
is given for knowledge only.)
Research Sources
C.
fimbriata’s chemical composition:
..
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