Paula Viñas
José de Felippe Junior

A obesidade é uma epidemia, sendo já considerada pela OMS como a doença do século XXI.

Uma pessoa é considerada obesa quando possui peso 10% a 20% maior do que o peso médio ideal para o sexo e altura. Cerca de 13% das mulheres e 8% dos homens brasileiros sofrem de obesidade, ao mesmo tempo que, cerca de 40% da população sofre de excesso de peso. Em Portugal, os números são semelhantes: mais de metade dos indivíduos sofre de excesso de peso ou obesidade.

O excesso de gordura corporal não provoca sinais e sintomas diretos, salvo quando atinge valores extremos. É fator de risco para várias doenças como: hipertensão arterial, doenças cardio – vasculares, doenças cerebro – vasculares, diabetes mellitus tipo II, câncer, osteoartrite.

Chá Verde em cápsula (Arkogelules)

Sua administração pode promover perda de peso. Segundo o trabalho científico relacionado abaixo, após 15 dias, o grupo que realizou o tratamento (dieta + chá verde), perdeu o dobro de peso do grupo controle (placebo + dieta). Após 30 dias o grupo que utilizou chá verde e dieta perdeu 3 vezes mais peso do que o grupo controle.

Dose: 500mg no café da manha, 750 mg no almoço e 750 mg no jantar.

Experimental Double – blind Study : 60 obeses women aged 30-45 years were placed on an 1800 calorie diet and received either green tea capsules (Arkogelules) as noted above or placebo. After 15 days, the treatment gp. had lost twice as much weight as the placebo group (1,7 kg vs 0,85 kg). After 30 days, the treatment gp. had lost 3 times as much weight as the placebo gp. (2,9 kg vs 0,935 kg). Similarly, waist measurement reduction was twice as great in the treatment gp. after 15 days and 4 times as great after 30 days. In addition, there was a significant reduction of triglycerides in the treatment gp. No side effects were reported (Clinical study of weight loss using Arkogelules´green tea. Revue de L´association Mondiale de Phytotherapie, June, 1985)

Garcinia sp

É uma fruta amarela do tamanho de uma laranja e de pele fina, rica em ácido hidroxicítrico. É nativa do Sul da Índia onde e bastante utilizado em tratamentos sob a forma de fruta seca. Também é historicamente usada na medicina Ayurvedica no tratamento de obesidade.

A fruta seca contém 20 – 30 % de ácido hidroxicitrico (HCA).

Há diversos artigos científicos comprovando a eficácia da Garcínia no tratamento da obesidade e entre eles um autor resolveu testar em si próprio e reportou o seu caso (relacionado abaixo em “Case Report”): o autor relata que o fruto tem um sabor agradável e que um pouco menos de 1 grama antes de cada refeição foi bastante eficaz na redução do apetite. A autor perdeu por volta de 450 gramas por dia sem fazer qualquer tipo de dieta e ainda relata um aumento de energia. Notar que relatamos o efeito neste autor.

Dose recomendada: 500 mg , 3 vezes ao dia nas refeições .

Mecanismo de Ação : O HCA inibe a lipogenese interferindo na adenosina trifosfato (ATP) e na enzima que catalisa a quebra do citrato de oxalacetato e acetil CoA. (Watson JA, Fang M, Lowenstein JM. Tricarbal lylate and hydroxycitrate: substrate and inhibitor of ATP citrate oxaloacetate lyase . Arch Biochem Biophys 135:209-17, 1969). Como resultado o HCA reduz o nível de Acetil CoA, que é o precursor da lipogênese. (Watson JA, Lowenstein JM. Citrate and the conversion of carbohydrate into fat. J Biol Chem. 245:599, 1970)

Animal Experimental Study : HCA did not inhibit basal rates of brown – fat lipogenesis in starved rats but suppressed the increases in lipogenesis and glucose utilization observed in response to insulin. As basal rates of lipogenesis were not inhibited by (-)hydroxicitrate, it is suggested that acetate may be a lipogenic substrate for brown fat instead of citrate (Sugden MC et al. Brown – adipose – tissue lipogenesis in starvation: effects of insulin and (-) hydroxycitrate. Biosci Rep2(5):289-97,1982)

Review Article : Over 7 clinical studies with higher order animals have shown that food intake is reduced by up to 46% after an oral dosage of 3 mg/kg of HCA. No rebound eating stimuli was observed after discontinuation (Sergio W. A natural food, the Malabar Tamarind, may be effective in the treatment of obesity. Med Hypotheses 27(1):39-40,1988).

Case Report : The author tried eating Malabar Tamarinds. The taste was ´quite delicious´ and as little as 1 gm before each meal was `extremely effective´ in reducing appetite. About 1lb. of weight was lost daily without dieting and there was a sustained increase in energy (Sergio W. A natural food, the Malabar Tamarind, may be effective in the treatment of obesity . Med Hypotheses 27(1):39-40,1988)

Animal Experimental Study : HCA produced a significant reduction in food intake, body weight, and serum triglyceride levels in rats compared to a control group. (Rao RN, Sakariah KK. Lipid – lowering and antiobesity effect of (-)hydroxycitric acid. Nutr Res 8:209-12, 1988)

Spirulina (Spirulina maxima)

A Spirulina é uma alga que vem sendo pesquisada por vários anos no Japão, França e Estados Unidos, e considerada uma grande descoberta no campo de alimentação naturalista. Ela é utilizada em dietas de emagrecimento por ser atuante em dois mecanismos de ação:

• Supressor de apetite devido a presença de relativamente alta de fenilalamina, que atua sobre o centro de apetite
• Quando ingerida com o estômago vazio reveste suas paredes produzindo sensação de saciedade.

Dose Recomendada: 2 a 3g, meia hora antes de cada refeição

A Spirulina auxilia em dietas de emagrecimento sem perdas nutriocionais Auxilia também na chamada “ rotina ideal para o emagrecimento: dieta + exercício físico”.

Além das ações para o combate a obesidade citadas acima, a Spirulina evita o aparecimento de cãibras durante o exercício físico

Referência bibliográfica: Teske , M; Trentini, M M A. Herbarium Compêndio de Fitoterapia. 2º ed. Curitiba: Herbarium, 1995. 262-263p.

Outras plantas

Effect of an indigenous herbal compound preparation 'Trikatu' on the lipid profiles of atherogenic diet and standard diet fed Rattus norvegicus.

Phytother Res;18(12):976-81, 2004 Dec. Sivakumar V; Sivakumar S

Resumo: Combating heart disease is one of the challenging problems of biomedical science today. Towards this goal an indigenous preparation 'Trikatu' (a herbal combination containing Piper longum (fruit), Piper nigrum (fruit) and Zingiber officinale (rhizome) dry powder) was fed to normal and cholesterol fed male Rattus norvegicus to ascertain its efficacy as a hypolipidaemic agent. Its effects on body weight, blood and tissue (aortic, cardiac and hepatic) lipids--total, free and esterified cholesterol, low density lipoprotein(LDL) and high density lipoprotein(HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids--and the atherogenic index were measured. It was found that 'Trikatu' by virtue of its ability to reduce triglycerides and LDL cholesterol and to increase HDL cholesterol can reduce the risk of hyperlipidaemia and atherosclerosis. Hence 'Trikatu' can be used as a potent hypolipidaemic agent and it can reduce the atherosclerosis associated with a high fat diet.

Inhibitive effect of Semen Cassiae on the weight gain in rats with nutritive obesity

Zhong Yao Cai;27(4):281-4, 2004 Apr. Junbao Y; Long J; Jiangbi W; Yonghui D; Tianzhen Z; Songyi Q; Wei L

Resumo: OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of water extract of Semen Cassiae on the weight gain of nutritive obesity rat. METHODS: Nutritive obesity model in rats was made by high nutritive diet. Various concentration water extracts of Semen Cassiae were drunk by the rats at physiological state. Weight, metabolism of glucose and lipids, and anti-lipid peroxidation of rats were observed. RESULTS: 6% concentration water extract of Semen Cassiae could significantly reduce the weight and Lee's index, lower the fasting serum levels of triglyceride, insulin and malondialdehyde (MDA). CONCLUSIONS: Water extract of Semen Cassiae could significantly inhibit the weight gain of high-nutriment-fed rats. The mechanism might be related with its metabolism regulating actions on glucose and lipids.

A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial of a product containing ephedrine, caffeine, and other ingredients from herbal sources for treatment of overweight and obesity in the absence of lifestyle treatment.

Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord;28(11):1411-9, 2004 Nov. Coffey CS; Steiner D; Baker BA; Allison DB

Resumo: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and side effects of an herbal formulation to promote weight loss, as compared to placebo. DESIGN: 12-week multicenter double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized parallel groups design. Study conducted at three clinical sites in New York State. Subjects were randomized to receive either the 'active' product or a 'placebo' supplement for 12 weeks. Minimal steps were taken to influence lifestyle changes with regard to diet or exercise. SUBJECTS: 102 overweight/obese

Efficiency of the vegetative tea in diet therapy for patients with obesity associated with diabetes mellitus type 2.

Effektivnost' dietoterapii s ispol'zovaniem rastitel'nogo chaia u bol'nykh ozhireniem v sochetanii s sacharnym diabetom 2 tipa.. Khrushcheva IuV; Mal'tsev GIu; Popova IuL; Vasil'ev AV

Vopr Pitan;72(4):12-6, 2003.

Resumo: The dynamic of glycemia, insulin, C-peptide, glycosylated hemoglobin, fructosamine, thyroid hormones, parameters of serum lipids, lipid peroxidation and system of antioxidant defense in 81 hospital patients and out-patients with obesity associated with diabetes mellitus type II was studied of influence of hypocaloric diet 9. Universal normalizing influence of hypocaloric diet 9 with vegetation tea was discovered on parameters of carbohydrate, lipid and oxidative metabolism and of patients clinical state of pateni. The additional criteria of evaluation of efficacy of food dietary supplements in complex treatment of patients with obesity associated with diabetes mellitus type II was offered on basis of study of influence vegetation tea on mechanisms of metabolic disorders in these patients.

Salacia reticulata and its polyphenolic constituents with lipase inhibitory and lipolytic activities have mild antiobesity effects in rats.

J Nutr;132(7):1819-24, 2002 Jul. Yoshikawa M; Shimoda H; Nishida N; Takada M; Matsuda H
Resumo: Salacia (S.) reticulata, a Hippocrateaceae plant distributed in Sri Lankan and Indian forests, has been used as a supplementary food in Japan to prevent obesity and diabetes. We examined the antiobesity effects of the hot water-soluble extract (SRHW) from the roots of S. reticulata using obese rat models and an in vitro study. Body weight (P = 0.07) and periuterine fat storage (P = 0.10) in female Zucker fatty rats (8-9 wk old) tended to be suppressed by oral administration of SRHW (125 mg/kg) for 27 d. Male rats fed a high fat diet were not affected by SRHW. Furthermore, SRHW inhibited porcine pancreatic lipase (PL), rat adipose tissue-derived lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH) activities with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC(50)) of 264 (95% confidence limits: 203-393) mg/L, 15 (12-18) mg/L and 54 (35-85) mg/L, respectively, but did not inhibit hormone-sensitive lipase activity in rat adipose tissue. Next, we examined the effects of polyphenols, di- and triterpenes and salacinol isolated from the roots of S. reticulata on lipid metabolizing enzymes and lipolysis. (-)-Epigallocatechin and (-)-epicatechin-(4beta-->8)-(-)-4'-O-methylepigallocatechin inhibited PL activity with IC(50) of 88 (not calculated) and 68 (26-122) mg/L, respectively. (-)-Epicatechin, 3beta, 22beta-dihydroxyolean-12-en-29-oic acid and the tannin fraction inhibited LPL activity with IC(50) of 81 (54-214), 89 (62-214) and 35 (24-62) mg/L. Only the tannin fraction inhibited GPDH activity with an IC(50) of 6.8 (3.4-10.9) mg/L. These constituents may be involved in the lipase and GPDH inhibitory activities of SRHW. On the other hand, SRHW at 100 mg/L tended to enhance lipolysis in rat adipocytes (P = 0.06). Significant lipolytic effects were exerted by mangiferin, (-)-4'-O-methylepigallocatechin and maytenfolic acid at 100 mg/L (P < 0.01). In conclusion, polyphenolic compounds may be involved in the antiobesity effects of SRHW in rats through inhibition of fat metabolizing enzymes (PL, LPL and GPDH) and enhanced lipolysis.

Medicinal plant and its related metabolic modulators

Nippon Yakurigaku Zasshi;118(5):347-51, 2001 Nov. Okuda H; Han LK
Resumo: We suggested a strategy for identifying anti-obesity drugs. The strategy aimed to prevent obesity through inhibiting intestinal absorption of dietary fat. Intestinal absorption of dietary fat was found to be reduced by tea saponin and chitosan through inhibiting pancreatic lipase activity, by chondroitin sulfate through inhibiting both pancreatic lipase activity and fatty acid absorption, and by lactosucrose through inhibiting beta-monoglyceride absorption. All these functional substances reduced plasma triglyceride levels previously elevated by oral administration of a lipid emulsion containing corn oil. Furthermore, these substances were found to cause reduction in perimetrial adipose tissue weight, which had been elevated by oral administration of a high fat diet (containing 40% of beef tallow) to female mice. Based on these results, a strategy for identifying anti-obesity drugs was discussed.

Capsaicin-like anti-obese activities of evodiamine from fruits of Evodia rutaecarpa, a vanilloid receptor agonist.

[So] Source: Planta Med;67(7):628-33, 2001 Oct. Kobayashi Y; Nakano Y; Kizaki M; Hoshikuma K; Yokoo Y; Kamiya T
Resumo: Evodiamine, a major alkaloidal principle of Evodia fruits (Evodia rutaecarpa, Rutaceae), showed vanilloid receptor agonistic activities comparable to capsaicin. The Chinese literature refers to Evodia fruits as a [quot ]hot nature[quot ] herb. In spite of the similarities in the actions of evodiamine and capsaicin in vitro, evodiamine has no perceptible taste, including a peppery hot taste. Therefore, the effectiveness of evodiamine and the extract of Evodia fruits in preventing obesity on male C3H mice, or male SD rats were examined. When evodiamine was supplemented at 0.03% of the diet and fed to mice for 12 days, the perirenal fat weight became significantly lower than in the control group. The epididymal fat mass was also decreased in the evodiamine diet group. When evodiamine was supplemented at 0.02% in the form of ethanol extract of Evodia fruits to the high-fat diet and fed to rats for 21 days, the body weight, the perirenal fat weight, epididymal fat weight, the levels of serum free fatty acid, total lipids in the liver, triglyceride in the liver, and cholesterol level in the liver were significantly reduced as compared with the control diet group. Furthermore, both lipolytic activity in the perirenal fat tissue and specific GDP binding in brown adipose tissue mitochondria, as the biological index of enhanced heat production, were significantly increased in the evodiamine fed rats. Fasting mice subcutaneously administered 1-3 mg/kg evodiamine showed decreased core body temperature by 1-2 degrees C. This hypothermic effect was prevented by the pretreatment of intraperitoneally administered 10 mg/kg capsazepine, a vanilloid receptor antagonist. On the other hand, food-sated mice subcutaneously administered 1-3 mg/kg evodiamine showed unchanged core body temperature and increased tail skin temperature by more than 5 degrees C, suggesting the increased energy expenditure by enhanced heat dissipation. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that a novel non-pungent vanilloid receptor agonist, evodiamine, mimics the characteristic anti-obese effects induced by capsaicin. Evodiamine would induce heat loss and heat production at the same time and dissipate food energy, preventing the accumulation of perivisceral fat and the body weight increase.

Effect of haidonghua powder(HDHP) on hypothalamic obesity in rats

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi;25(8):490-2, 2000 Aug. Wang W; Wang WX; Sun BH; Zhao DZ; Gao P
Resumo: OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of HDHP including Laminaria japonica Aresch. and Benincasa hispida(Thunb.) Cogn. etc. on antiobesity in rats with hypothalamic obesity. METHOD: A rat model of hypothalamic obesity induced by MSG was used and the relative indexes was observed. RESULT: HDHP(2.5 g.kg-1) could significantly reduce the Lee's index as well as the size of fat cells. HDHP did not influence the serum levels of T3 and T4, insulin and aldosterone, did not inhibited appetite not led to diarrhea. CONCLUSION: HDHP has the effect of anti-obesity, Without any influencing on the function of thyroid gland and metabolism of water and salt. The mechanism is related to the reduction of fat cell size and the accumulation of fat

Obesity and medicinal plants.

Fitoterapia;71 Suppl 1:S73-82, 2000 Aug. Moro CO; Basile G
Resumo: The effects of some medicinal plants (i.e. Fucus vesiculosus, Citrus aurantium) that are claimed to be useful in the treatment of obesity are reviewed. Alternative therapies: Part I. Depression, diabetes, obesity.

Am Fam Physician;62(5):1051-60, 2000 Sep 1. Morelli V; Zoorob RJ
Resumo: Natural supplements are widely used in the United States and, while claims of their therapeutic effects abound, medical research does not always support their effectiveness. St. John's wort acts as a weak selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor with fewer side effects. S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) has enough of an antidepressant effect to warrant further research. More human studies are needed before garlic, bitter melon, soy and fenugreek supplements can be recommended for the management of diabetes, although chromium may be a promising treatment in some cases. Alpha lipoic acid is used in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. The effects of ma huang/guarana combinations in obesity have not been well studied. These combinations may have potentially serious side effects but may also offer some benefit. The combination of hydroxycitric acid and garcinia has proved no more effective than placebo.

Therapeutic effect of Olea europea var. oleaster leaves on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in obese and prediabetic sand rats (Psammomys obesus)

Ann Pharm Fr;58(4):271-7, 2000 Jul. Bennani-Kabchi N; Fdhil H; Cherrah Y; El Bouayadi F; Kehel L; Marquie G
Resumo: Sand rats develop obesity, insulin-resistance, hyperlipidemia and prediabetes, when given a standard laboratory chow diet. We have used this model to demonstrate the beneficial action of olea europea var. oleaster leaves to regulate unbalanced metabolism. 32 sand rats fed on hypercaloric diet during 7 months, were divided into 3 groups: controls (n=10), treated by plant (n=13) and treated by simvastatin (Zoco); hypocholesterolemic drug. The plant decoction prepared at 10% was given orally at the rate of 1.5 ml/100g during 3 months. Results show that the plant presents a hypocholesterolemic effect (42%) related to decreases in LDL and VLDL cholesterol. In addition, hypoglycemic (16%) and antihyperglycemic (40%) effects were observed accompanied by a 27% decrease in insulin. Chronic treatment with Zocor reduced total cholesterol (32%), LDL and VLDL cholesterol. Both of treatments produced no significantly reduction in plasma levels of triglycerides and HDL cholesterol. No noxions effect of this plant have been observed in usual doses.

Anti-obesity effects of lipase inhibitor CT-II, an extract from edible herbs, Nomame Herba, on rats fed a high-fat diet.

Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord;24(6):758-64, 2000 Jun. Yamamoto M; Shimura S; Itoh Y; Ohsaka T; Egawa M; Inoue S
Resumo: OBJECTIVE: To investigate the inhibitory effects of CT-II, extract of Nomame Herba, on lipase activity in vitro and on obesity in rats fed a high-fat diet in vivo. DESIGN: The assay for the inhibitory effect of CT-II on lipase activity was performed by measuring released free fatty acids after the incubation of the medium with CT-II, porcine pancreatic lipase and triolein (experiment 1). In vivo experiments, lean rats or obese rats (570-718 g) were fed a high-fat diet containing 60% fat with or without CT-II for 8 weeks (experiment 2), for 14 days (experiment 3) or for 12 weeks (experiment 4), respectively. MEASUREMENT: The time course of body weight, food intake, organ weight (parametrial fat, liver, heart and kidney) and plasma parameters (triglyceride, total cholesterol, glucose, AST, ALT and insulin), fecal output of total fat and total cholesterol were measured. Hepatic histological examinations were also performed. RESULTS: CT-II inhibited the porcine lipase activity dose-dependently in vitro (experiment 1). Body and liver weight were reduced and hepatic histological examination showed an amelioration of fatty liver in CT II treated animals (experiment 2). CT-II significantly inhibited body weight gain and plasma triglyceride elevation in a dose-dependent manner, without affecting food intake in lean rats fed the high-fat diet. Elevated plasma AST and ALT were also decreased (experiment 3). When obese rats fed the high-fat diet were treated with CT-II for up to 6 months, body weight was initially reduced and thereafter weight gain was significantly suppressed. Total body fat was also significantly reduced and significant reduction of plasma AST and ALT was observed (experiment 4). CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrated that the lipase inhibitor CT-II is effective in preventing and ameliorating obesity, fatty liver and hypertriglyceridemia in rats fed a high-fat diet.

Cardiovascular and renal benefits of dry bean and soybean intake.

Am J Clin Nutr;70(3 Suppl):464S-474S, 1999 Sep. Anderson JW; Smith BM; Washnock CS
Resumo: Dry beans and soybeans are nutrient-dense, fiber-rich, and are high-quality sources of protein. Protective and therapeutic effects of both dry bean and soybean intake have been documented. Studies show that dry bean intake has the potential to decrease serum cholesterol concentrations, improve many aspects of the diabetic state, and provide metabolic benefits that aid in weight control. Soybeans are a unique source of the isoflavones genistein and diadzein, which have numerous biological functions. Soybeans and soyfoods potentially have multifaceted health-promoting effects, including cholesterol reduction, improved vascular health, preserved bone mineral density, and reduction of menopausal symptoms. Soy appears to have salutary effects on renal function, although these effects are not well understood. Whereas populations consuming high intakes of soy have lower prevalences of certain cancers, definitive experimental data are insufficient to clarify a protective role of soy. The availability of legume products and resources is increasing, incorporating dry beans and soyfoods into the diet can be practical and enjoyable. With the shift toward a more plant-based diet, dry beans and soy will be potent tools in the treatment and prevention of chronic disease.

Anti-obesity action of oolong tea.

Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord;23(1):98-105, 1999 Jan. Han LK; Takaku T; Li J; Kimura Y; Okuda H
Resumo: OBJECTIVE: Oolong tea is traditionally reported to have anti-obesity and hypolipidaemic effects. The present study was performed to clarify whether oolong tea prevented obesity induced in mice by the oral administration of a high-fat diet for 10 weeks. DESIGN: High-fat diet-induced obese mice were treated with oolong tea for 10 weeks. The effects of various active fractions isolated from oolong tea on noradrenaline-induced lipolysis were examined with isolated fat cells and a cell-free system consisting of lipid droplets and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL). RESULTS: The mean food consumption was not significantly different between high-fat diet-treated mice and high-fat plus oolong tea diet-treated mice. Oolong tea prevented the obesity and fatty liver induced by a high-fat diet. A water extract of oolong tea enhanced noradrenaline-induced lipolysis, and the active substance was identified as caffeine. Caffeine enhanced noradrenaline-induced lipolysis in fat cells without a concomitant increase in HSL activity and also accelerated the hormone-induced lipolysis in a cell-free system consisting of lipid droplets and HSL, but not in the cell-free system with sonicated lipid droplets and HSL. Oolong tea extract inhibited pancreatic lipase activity. CONCLUSION: It was demonstrated that the anti-obesity effects of oolong tea in high-fat diet-treated mice might be due partly to the enhancing effect of caffeine isolated from oolong tea on noradrenaline-induced lipolysis in adipose tissue, and to the inhibitory action of some other substance in oolong tea on pancreatic lipase activity. Caffeine was found to enhance lipolysis through acting on lipid droplets but not on HSL. The results suggest that oolong tea may be an effective crude drug for the treatment of obesity and fatty liver caused by a high-fat diet.

Effects of Olea europea var. oleaster leaves in hypercholesterolemic insulin-resistant sand rats.

Therapie;54(6):717-23, 1999 Nov-Dec. Bennani-Kabchi N; Fdhil H; Cherrah Y; Kehel L; el Bouayadi F; Amarti A; Saïdi M; Marquié G
Resumo: Sand rats fed a hypercaloric diet manifest obesity and diabetes. We have used this model to develop hypercholesterolaemia and describe the beneficial action of Olea europea var. oleaster leaves. Twenty-eight sand rats submitted to a high cholesterol diet for four months were assigned to control and treated groups. Plant decoction at 10 per cent was given orally for two months. Results showed that the control group exhibited hyperglycaemia, glucose intolerance, hypercholesterolaemia and moderate hyperinsulinaemia. Light microscopic study showed thickening of capillary walls in skin, pancreas and kidney. The treatment produced hypoglycaemic (43 per cent, p < 0.001), antihyperglycaemic (48 per cent, p < 0.001) and hypoinsulinaemic (39 per cent, p < 0.01) activities. In addition, the plant presented a hypocholesterolaemic effect (47 per cent, p < 0.001) accompanied by lowering of oxidized LDL (30 per cent, p < 0.01). Accordingly, capillary wall thickening was reduced in skin and pancreas and completely prevented in kidney. The data demonstrate that oleaster leaves possess at least two active compounds to treat hypercholesterolaemia and diabetes.

Novel weight-reducing activity of Galega officinalis in mice.

J Pharm Pharmacol;51(11):1313-9, 1999 Nov. Palit P; Furman BL; Gray AI
Resumo: Galega officinalis (galega, Goat's Rue, French Lilac) is well known for its hypoglycaemic action and has been used as part of a plant mixture in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. During pharmacological investigations of an ethanolic extract of a powdered mixture of equal proportions of G. officinalis, Cressa cretica, Mangifera indica and Syzygium jambolanum, a weight reducing effect of galega was discovered. In this study we have investigated the novel weight reducing effect of galega in mice. Galega herb (10% w/w in the diet) caused a significant reduction in body weight in both normal and genetically obese (ob/ob) animals treated for 28 days when compared with respective controls (P < 0.01). In normal mice, the weight loss was reversible and initially associated with a transient reduction in food intake but was then maintained even in the presence of increased eating above the control level. Pair-fed normal mice receiving galega for seven days also showed significant weight loss (P < 0.01, compared with the control) in the presence of increasing food intake. In sharp contrast, weight loss in galega-treated ob/ob mice was accompanied by a persistent reduction in food intake over the 28-day treatment period. Post-mortem examinations of all galega-treated mice revealed a striking absence of body fat. Serum glucose was significantly reduced in both strains of mice receiving galega for 28 days (P < 0.01), whereas serum insulin was significantly reduced only in obese mice (P < 0.01). In summary, together with its established hypoglycaemic effects, galega has a novel weight reducing action that, in normal mice, is largely independent of a reduction in food intake. The mechanism of the weight reducing action of galega is unclear but involves loss of body fat.

Four-week supplementation with a natural dietary compound produces favorable changes in body composition.

Adv Ther;15(5):305-14, 1998 Sep-Oct. Hoeger WW; Harris C; Long EM; Hopkins DR
Resumo: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a natural dietary supplement produced favorable changes in body composition during a 4-week diet- and-exercise program. The active compound contains a patented combination of chromium picolinate, inulin, capsicum, L-phenylalanine, and other lipotropic nutrients. A double-blind, weight-loss intervention design was used. Participants were randomly assigned to either a diet/exercise/supplement group (n = 56) or a diet/exercise/placebo group (n = 67). Caloric intake was reduced to 1500 kcal/d and participants walked for 45 minutes, 5 days a week, to attain between 60% and 80% of predicted maximal heart rate. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) showed significant differences (P < .05) between groups in percent body fat, fat mass, and fat-free mass; no significant differences were found (P > .05) in body weight, body mass index, or energy intake. Independent t tests showed no significant differences (P > .05) in diet composition between groups. Results indicate that the addition of a natural dietary supplement during a 4-week diet-and-exercise weight-loss program accelerates the rate of body fat loss and helps maintain fat-free mass (lean tissue), thereby producing favorable changes in body composition.

Effect of exercise and tepary bean type diet on body composition and fat accretion in obese Zucker rats.

Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord;22(8):751-7, 1998 Aug. Burch PE; Schemmel RA; VanHeest JC; Rodgers CD
Resumo: OBJECTIVE: The effectiveness of a tepary bean high fat type diet, compared to a purified type high fat diet and exercise, on body composition in fatty Zucker rats was determined. SUBJECTS AND DESIGN: Approximately 6-week-old female fa/fa Zucker rats were divided into four groups of 10 rats each: TE, fed the tepary bean type diet and exercised; TN, fed the tepary bean type diet and not exercised; CE, fed the purified type control diet and exercised; CN, fed the purified type control diet and not exercised. The exercise modality was treadmill running and the experiment lasted 13 weeks. MEASUREMENTS: Body weight, cumulative food intake, body composition, weights of adipose tissues and liver, heart and gastrocnemius muscle. RESULTS: At the end of the 13 week experiment, TE rats weighed 511 +/- 22 g and were significantly lighter than TN, 588 +/- 15 g; CE, 606 +/- 22 g; and CN, 660 +/- 27 g. All are means +/- s.e.m. The carcass of CN rats had 58, 20 and 13% more fat than TE, TN and CE rats, respectively; P < 0.01. Lean body mass was the same for all the groups of rats and ranged from means of 216-228 g. However, TE rats had significantly more fat free dry mass (FFDM) than CN rats; 68 +/- 4 vs 58 +/- 2 (means +/- s.e.m.) and tended to have more FFDM than TN and CE rats. Inguinal fat depots weighed 20-30% less in T than in C rats (diet comparisons) and also 20-30% less in E than in N rats (exercise comparisons). Perirenal/retroperitoneal fat depots weighed 25% less in TN than in CN rats and 38% less in TE than in CE rats. Exercise did not reduce perirenal/retroperitoneal fat depot weights. Parametrial fat depot weights were not influenced by diet or exercise. CONCLUSIONS: In diets which provided 37% of the energy from fat, the incorporation of tepary beans attenuated weight gain, and subcutaneous and visceral fat gain compared to a purified type diet. Exercised rats gained less weight and subcutaneous, but not visceral fat, than non-exercised rats.

Lipid accumulation in obese Zucker rats is reduced by inclusion of raw kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) in the diet.

Br J Nutr;79(2):213-21, 1998 Feb. Pusztai A; Grant G; Buchan WC; Bardocz S; de Carvalho AF; Ewen SW
Resumo: The effects of inclusion of different levels of raw kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) of high lectin content (27 g/kg meal) in a high-quality (lactalbumin) control diet were tested in nutritional trials on the growth and metabolism of obese Zucker (fafa) rats and their lean littermates in comparison with pair-fed controls. All diets contained 100 g total protein/kg and either 50 g lipids/kg (low fat) or 150 g lipids/kg (moderate fat). The growth of both obese and lean rats on bean diets was retarded by the daily bean intake in a dose-dependent manner. However, most of this was because bean-fed rats contained less body fat than the controls after 10 d. Thus, after feeding low-fat diets containing up to 130 g kidney bean/kg (lectin intake < or = 0.2 g/kg body weight (BW) per d) in both 10 d and 70 d trials, the bodies of obese rats contained less fat but not protein than their pair-fed controls. Moreover, by increasing the lipid content of the diet to 150 g/kg, the level of bean inclusion could be increased to 280 g/kg (lectin intake > or = 0.4 g/kg BW per d) without loss of body protein and skeletal muscle. Although these rats contained more body fat than those which were fed on low-fat diets, their weight reduction could be accounted for exclusively by reduced lipid content. In contrast, significant body protein loss occurred when the same diet of high lectin content was fed to lean littermates. Plasma insulin levels were significantly depressed in the obese Zucker rats on bean diets but the pancreas was not significantly enlarged nor its insulin content changed in 10 d trials. However, significant pancreatic growth occurred on long-term (70 d) bean feeding compared with pair-fed controls. The results suggest that, in addition to animal nutrition, it may also be possible to use the bean lectin as a dietary adjunct or therapeutic agent to stimulate gut function and ameliorate obesity if a safe and effective dose-range can be established for human subjects.

Thermogenic, anti-obesity effects of bofu-tsusho-san in MSG-obese mice.

Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord;19(10):717-22, 1995 Oct Yoshida T; Sakane N; Wakabayashi Y; Umekawa T; Kondo M.
Resumo: OBJECTIVE: To investigate the hypothesis that anti-obesity action of bofu-tsusho-san (TJ-62) works via activating the brown adipose tissue thermogenesis and inhibiting the phosphodiesterase activity. DESIGN: MSG obese mice and lean controls were fed a diet including 1.4% or 4.7% TJ-62 of weight of food for 8 weeks. Another group of MSG obese mice were fed with 1-ephedrine (1-E) + d-pseudoephedrine (d-PE) of equivalent amounts as contained in TJ-62 (4.7%) for 8 weeks. Yet another group of MSG obese mice were further supplemented with Glycyrrhizae Radix (GR) extract + Forsythiae Fructus (FF) extract + Schizonepetae Spica (SS) extract (that inhibited phosphodiesterase activity) of amounts contained in TJ-62 (4.7%) for 8 weeks. MEASUREMENTS: The following were measured: The concentration of ephedrine and its congeners in TJ-62; the inhibitory effect of TJ-62 on phosphodiesterase activity; body weight; food intake; retroperitoneal white adipose tissue (RWAT) weight; interscapular brown adipose tissue (IBAT) weight; mitochondrial protein content in IBAT; cytochrome c oxidase activity in IBAT; guanosine-5'-diphosphate (GDP) binding in IBAT mitochondria. RESULTS: One gram of TJ-62 contained 3.33 mg of 1-E and 0.73 mg of d-PE. One mg of TJ-62 was equivalent to 2.5 mg of caffeine in the inhibitory effect on phosphodiesterase activity. After feeding with TJ-62, GDP binding was significantly increased in a dose dependent manner. Body weight and RWAT weight decreased in both MSG obese mice and lean controls. Food intake was not changed by TJ-62. Feeding with 1-E + d-PE produced responses of about 70% of those of TJ-62. These responses were, furthermore, enhanced by the addition of the three extracts to the levels that were similar to those produced by TJ-62. CONCLUSION: Bofu-tsusho-san (TJ-62) works via activating the BAT thermogenesis and inhibiting the phosphodiesterase activity in mice.

Conceptual and methodologic challenges of assessing the short-term efficacy of Guggulu in obesity: data emergent from a naturalistic clinical trial.

J Postgrad Med;41(1):5-7, 1995 Jan-Mar. Bhatt AD; Dalal DG; Shah SJ; Joshi BA; Gajjar MN; Vaidya RA; Vaidya AB; Antarkar DS
Resumo: An open comparative trial was conducted in 58 adult obese patients (Body Mass Index > or = 25 kg/square metre). Group I (n = 27), non-drug, was advised diet (1200-1600 cals) and a brisk walk for 30 minutes. Group II, in addition, received Guggulu (Medohar) 1.5-3 gms/day for 30 days. Mean difference in weight loss between Guggulu and non-drug group was 0.32 kg (ns) on day 15 and 0.58 kg on day 30 (ns). The mean weight reduction in patients (> 90 kgs) was 1.92 kg (ns) and 2.25 kg (ns) higher in Guggulu group. All patients weighing > 90 kg lost weight in Guggulu group whilst 3 in non-drug group did not lose weight. Guggulu was tolerated well. The data from this pilot study suggest a synergistic diet-Guggulu interaction over 30 days in patients weighing > 90 kgs which needs to be confirmed in a large placebo controlled study.

Effect of jiang-zhi jian-fei yao on gastro-intestinal movement and adipose cell of abdominal wall

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi;14(4):230-1, 198, 1994 Apr. Jin HM; Jiao DH
Resumo: Jiang-Zhi Jian-Fei Yao (JZJFY), an obesity-reducing drug, its active principle is the refined Rhubarb, the mechanism of its obesity-reducing effect was studied. JZJFY was injected intragastrically. The results showed that there was no significant increased of body weight, but a reduction of food intake, prolongation of stomach evacuation time, acceleration of intestinal movement 6 days after medication in rats. Meanwhile the adipose cells in abdominal wall were varied in size, and with Sudan III stain the color of adipose cells was light. Authors suggest that the obesity-reducing effect of JZJFY was relevant to above-mentioned changes.