Caralluma fimbriata is a cactus that is believed to have appetite suppressant properties and is used as a food in rural India. An extract of this cactus is used in the formulations of a number of weight loss supplements. Caralluma fimbriata also contains a range of pregnane glycosides which are believed to inhibit body fat accumulation. A proprietary Caralluma extract is currently being sold under the name Slimaluma®, although a clinical study on this ingredient indicates the weight/fat loss benefits are relatively modest.

Pros

• Caralluma Fimbriata is traditionally used in India as an appetite suppressant

Cons

• Few scientific studies or clinical trials have been carried out on Caralluma fimbriata
• There is no proof that Caralluma fimbriata is superior to other weight loss ingredients on the market

How does Caralluma fimbriata work?

Caralluma fimbriata is a succulent star shaped cactus plant that has been eaten in rural India for centuries. It is also known as a famine food because it is believed to suppresses hunger and appetite. Manufacturers of weight loss products are now incorporating Caralluma fimbriata into some weight loss supplements. Caralluma fimbriata contains pregnane glycosides which are believed to inhibit the function of citrate lyase thereby reducing the synthesis of body fat. In addition, Caralluma can also reduce the activity of another enzyme, malonyl coenzyme A. This also has the effect of reducing fat formation. Caralluma can also reduce hunger pangs by modulating the activity of the hypothalamus, a region of the brain that controls appetite.

Caralluma fimbriata clinical study

Caralluma extract was evaluated in overweight subjects in a placebo controlled randomized clinical study (Kuriyan R et al. Appetite. 2007;48(3):338-344). Fifty adult individuals with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25kg/m were randomly assigned into a placebo or treatment group; the latter receiving 1g of Caralluma extract per day for 60 days. At the completion of the study, blood glucose and lipids, anthropometric measurements, dietary intake and level of appetite were assessed. Waist size and appetite showed a significant decline in the Caralluma treatment group when compared to the placebo group. While there was a trend towards a greater decrease in body weight, body mass index, hip circumference, body fat and calorie intake in the treatment group, there was no significant difference with the placebo groups.

Caralluma fimbriata conclusion

Although there is some clinical evidence indicating the appetite suppressing benefits of Caralluma fimbriata, its weight loss promoting effects are modest.