Effect of Momordica charantia Administration on Anthropometric Measures and Metabolic Profile in Patients with Obesity: A Pilot Clinical Trial.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Momordica charantia (MC) administration on anthropometric measures in patients with obesity. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot clinical trial was carried out in 24 patients with obesity. Twelve patients randomly received MC (2000 mg/day) for 12 weeks, and 12 patients received placebo. Body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), body fat percentage, as well as clinical and laboratory determinations, were evaluated before and after the intervention. Results showed that while reductions in BW, BMI, WC, and body fat percentage were observed in the MC group, these differences did not reach statistical significance. Significant decreases in triglycerides (TG) (1.9 ± 0.6 mM vs. 1.7 ± 0.7 mM, P ≤ .05) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) (0.4 ± 0.1 mM vs. 0.3 ± 0.1 mM, P ≤ .05) levels were found after the intervention with MC. In contrast, significant increases in BW (83.0 ± 10.7 kg vs. 84.6 ± 9.1 kg, P ≤ .05) and BMI (31.9 ± 1.5 kg/m2 vs. 33.0 ± 1.3 kg/m2, P ≤ .05) were observed in the placebo group. In conclusion, no significant reductions in BW, BMI, WC, and body fat percentage were observed after MC administration; however, MC significantly decreased TG and VLDL levels. The protocol was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with the identifier NCT04916379.

Effect of Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa) on Metabolic Syndrome, Insulin Sensitivity, and Insulin Secretion.

To evaluate the effect of Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa) on metabolic syndrome (MetS), insulin sensitivity, and insulin secretion. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out in 24 patients with diagnosis of MetS according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Body weight, waist circumference, and blood pressure were evaluated. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and insulin concentrations were measured every 30 min during 2 h after a 75-g dextrose load. Lipid profile was determined before and after the pharmacological intervention. Twelve patients received Banaba (500 mg) twice a day, before breakfast and dinner for 12 weeks. The remaining 12 patients received placebo at the same dosage. Body mass index, area under the curve (AUC) of glucose and insulin, insulin sensitivity, total insulin secretion, and the first phase of insulin secretion were calculated. After Banaba administration, there were significant decreases in systolic blood pressure (SBP) (121.5 ± 12.9 vs. 116.3 ± 9.8 mmHg, P = .050), FPG (5.9 ± 0.4 vs. 5.7 ± 0.4 mmol/L, P = .034), triglycerides (TG) (2.3 ± 0.4 vs. 1.7 ± 0.5 mmol/L, P = .021), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) (0.5 ± 0.1 vs. 0.3 ± 0.1 mmol/L, P = .021), AUC of insulin (50,675 ± 14,309 vs. 37,983 ± 19,298 mmol/L, P = .017), and insulinogenic index (0.4 ± 0.2 vs. 0.3 ± 0.2, P = .047). Eight patients (67%) of the Banaba group showed remission of MetS. In the placebo group, there was a downward trend toward statistical significance in the Stumvoll index (910.3 ± 514.1 vs. 651.0 ± 405.2, P = .062). Banaba administration leads to remission of MetS and a significant decrease in SBP, FPG, TG, VLDL, AUC of insulin, and total insulin secretion. Clinical Trial Registration number: NCT02767869.