Evidence for the efficacy and safety of herbal weight loss preparations

Rising rates of obesity across the globe have been associated with an increase in the use of herbal preparations for weight control. However, the mechanisms of action for these substances are often not known, as is the potential for interaction with other herbal preparations or prescription pharmace...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of integrative medicine 2019-03, Vol.17 (2), p.87-92
Main Authors: Farrington, Rachael, Musgrave, Ian F., Byard, Roger W.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Complementary medicine
Hepatotoxicity
Herb-Drug Interactions
Humans
Obesity - drug therapy
Obesity - physiopathology
Phytotherapy
Plant Preparations - adverse effects
Plant Preparations - therapeutic use
Traditional Chinese medicine
Weight loss
Weight Loss - drug effects
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Rising rates of obesity across the globe have been associated with an increase in the use of herbal preparations for weight control. However, the mechanisms of action for these substances are often not known, as is the potential for interaction with other herbal preparations or prescription pharmaceutical drugs. To investigate the reported efficacy and safety of herbal weight loss preparations, we conducted a review of the literature focusing on herbs that are most commonly used in weight loss preparations, specifically, Garcinia cambogia, Camellia sinensis, Hoodia gordonii, Citrus aurantium and Coleus forskohlii. There was no clear evidence that the above herbal preparations would cause sustained long-term weight loss in humans in the long term. Serious illness and even death have occasionally resulted from the use of herbal weight loss preparations. Few clinical trials have been undertaken to evaluate the efficacy and/or safety of herbal weight loss preparations. In addition, potential issues of herb–herb and herb–drug interactions are often not considered. Regulation of these products is much less rigorous than for prescription medications, despite documented cases of associated hepatotoxicity.
ISSN:2095-4964
DOI:10.1016/j.joim.2019.01.009