The Use of a Stem and Leaf Aqueous Extract of Cissus quadrangularis (CQR-300) to Reduce Body Fat and Other Components of Metabolic Syndrome in Overweight Participants.

BACKGROUND: Previous work had shown the ability of an aqueous leaf and stem extract of Cissus quandrangularis (300 mg of CQR, CQR-300) to improve components of metabolic syndrome (MS) in overweight individuals. OBJECTIVE: This small pilot study aimed to confirm the efficacy of CQR-300 in reducing the percentage body fat measured using two different methods-bioelectrical impedance assay versus dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). DESIGN: The study was an 8-week double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial on 67 individuals who were requested by a dietary counselor to maintain their normal exercise and dietary routines. Participants were randomly divided into two groups, placebo (32 participants) and the CQR-300 group (35 participants), and received 300 mg of corn starch or CQR-300 daily. METHODS: Body fat was measured by bioelectrical impedance using a TANITA impedance meter and by DEXA, with blood samples taken at baseline and at 8 weeks for the measurement of lipid parameters. RESULTS: After 8 weeks of treatment, participants of the placebo group showed a 1.05% decrease in body fat as determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis, but no difference using DEXA. In the same time period, the CQR-300 group had an 8.9% and 12.8% decreases in the body fat as measured by impedance and DEXA, respectively. These values were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than the placebo. Compared with the placebo, the CQR-300 group demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) decreases in the waist and hip circumferences, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, total cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting blood glucose, as well as leptin levels. On the contrary, there were significant (p < 0.05) increases in HDL-cholesterol and adiponectin levels. CONCLUSION: CQR-300 administered as a single 300 mg dose daily was effective in reducing body fat as well as improving blood parameters associated with MS.

The Use of Cissus quadrangularis (CQR-300) in the Management of Components of Metabolic Syndrome in Overweight and Obese Participants.

We have previously reported a wide range of components from Cissus quadrangularis with in vitro effects on lipases and glycosidases. We now report that a preparation of the plant (CQR-300) administered at 300 mg daily was effective in reducing weight, as well as improving blood parameters associated with metabolic syndrome, as well as serotonin levels in obese and overweight individuals.

Tetrapleura tetraptera spice attenuates high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet-induced obese and type 2 diabetic rats with metabolic syndrome features.

BACKGROUND: Tetrapleura tetraptera, a seasoning and nutritive spice is also used in western African folk medicine in the management of wide variety of diseases including diabetes, inflammation and hypertension. Flavonoids and saponins are some abundant secondary metabolic constituents in the fruits of this plant. This study aimed at evaluating the potential therapeutic action of the polyphenol-rich hydroethanolic extract (HET) of this fruit in experimentally induced obese and type 2 diabetic rats (T2DM) with characteristic metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS: MetS was induced in rats by high-carbohydrate, high-fat diet and administration of low-dose streptozotocin. Then different oral doses of HET (200 and 400 mg/kg) were administered to T2DM rats for 28 days. A standard antidiabetic drug, metformin (300 mg/kg), was used for comparison. The body weight, systolic blood pressure, oxidative stress and metabolic parameters were then assessed to evaluate the effect of HET on MetS. RESULTS: HET reduced weight gain, fasting blood glucose and plasma insulin levels as well as homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and alleviated obesity and T2DM associated oxidative stress and hypertension in rats. Moreover, a significantly hypolipidemic property and an attenuation of liver injury and tissue steatosis was observed after HET administration. HET further demonstrated its anti-inflammation effect via down regulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), leptin and an increase in adiponectin. The HET exhibited dose-dependent effects which were comparable to that of metformin. CONCLUSIONS: The present study thereby demonstrates the anti-insulin resistance, antilipidemic, anti-obesity, hypotensive and anti-inflammatory properties of HET; hence it has the potential to be further developed for the management of MetS such as obesity, T2DM and hypertension.

The use of LeptiCore in reducing fat gain and managing weight loss in patients with metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: LeptiCore is a proprietary combination of various ingredients which have been shown to have properties which could be beneficial to weight loss in obese and overweight human subjects. This study evaluates the effect of Lepticore on bodyweight as well as parameters associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. METHODS: The study was an 8 week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design involving 92 obese (mean BMI > 30 kg/m2) participants (37 males; 55 females; ages 19-52; mean age = 30.7). The participants were randomly divided into three groups: placebo (n = 30), LeptiCore formula A (low dose) (n = 31) and LeptiCore formula B (high dose) (n = 31). Capsules containing the placebo or active formulations were administered twice daily before meals with 300 ml of water. None of the participants followed any specific diet nor took any weight-reducing medications for the duration of the study. A total of 12 anthropomorphic and serological measurements were taken at the beginning of the study and after 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: Compared to the placebo group, the two active groups showed statistically significant differences on all 12 variables by week 8. These included four anthropomorphic variables (body weight, body fat, waist and hip size) and eight measures of serological levels (plasma total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, blood glucose, serotonin, leptin, C-reactive protein). The two active groups also showed significant intra-group differences on all 12 variables between study onset and week 8. CONCLUSION: The LeptiCore formulation at both the low and high dosages appears to be helpful in the management of fat gain and its related complications. The higher dosage resulted in significantly greater reductions in body weight and triglyceride, blood glucose, and C-reactive protein levels, as well as increased serotonin levels.

Medicinal plants can be good source of antioxidants: case study in Cameroon.

Extracts of 42 medicinal plants used for the treatment of anaemia, diabetes, AIDS, malaria and obesity were screened for phytochemical substances and antioxidant potentials. The plant extracts were prepared as hydrolysed (for total antioxidant) and non-hydrolysed (for free antioxidant). Extracts were analysed using three different assay methods for antioxidant analysis: Folin (Folin Ciocalteu reagent), FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power) and DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl). The leaves of Alchornea cordifolia showed the highest antioxidant properties as determined by both Folin and FRAP free antioxidant, followed by Dacryodes edulis and Ocimum basilicum in FRAP and by Dacryodes edulis, Harungana madagascariensis for Folin and DPPH method. For total antioxidant activity, Alchornea cordifolia was ranked first followed by Dacryodes edulis, Harungana madagascariensis, Ocimum basilicum for the FRAP method while for the Folin method Harungana madagascariensis occupied the first position followed by Cylicodiscus gabunensis, Ocimum basilicum, Coleus coprosifolius, Alchornea cordifolia, Dacryodes edulis. All the plants show some antioxidant activity irrespective of the method used. The phytochemical studies revealed the presents of important bioactive constituents with antioxidant activity that may have some medicinal properties.

The use of a Cissus quadrangularis formulation in the management of weight loss and metabolic syndrome.

AIM: Once considered a problem of developed countries, obesity and obesity-related complications (such as metabolic syndrome) are rapidly spreading around the globe. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the use of a Cissus quadrangularis formulation in the management of metabolic syndrome, particularly weight loss and central obesity. METHODS: The study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design involving 123 overweight and obese persons (47.2% male; 52.8% female; ages 19-50). The 92 obese (BMI >30) participants were randomized into three groups; placebo, formulation/no diet, and formulation/diet (2100-2200 calories/day). The 31 overweight participants (BMI = 25-29) formed a fourth (no diet) treatment group. All participants received two daily doses of the formulation or placebo and remained on a normal or calorie-controlled diet for 8 weeks. RESULTS: At the end of the trial period, statistically significant net reductions in weight and central obesity, as well as in fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and C-reactive protein were observed in participants who received the formulation, regardless of diet. CONCLUSION: Cissus quadrangularis formulation appears to be useful in the management of weight loss and metabolic syndrome.