C Fimbriata
Also known as: Slimlima, Indian cactus, famine food, Caralluma fimbriata
Overview
Caralluma fimbriata is a succulent plant native to India, traditionally consumed as a famine food and appetite suppressant. It is primarily marketed as a supplement for weight loss and appetite control. The supplement is typically derived from the aerial parts of the plant and used in extract form. Research on C. fimbriata includes preclinical animal studies and human clinical trials, with recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses assessing its efficacy for weight loss and appetite suppression. The evidence base is moderate in size, including some high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews, but overall suggests limited efficacy in humans.
Benefits
A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials concluded that C. fimbriata supplementation does not produce significant weight loss or appetite suppression in overweight or obese adults compared to placebo. The mean weight loss effect was negligible (-0.04 kg; 95% CI: -1.41 to 1.34; p=0.96). Some studies noted a modest reduction in waist circumference but without corresponding significant changes in body weight or biochemical markers such as lipid profile or blood glucose. One randomized controlled trial with 83 overweight participants found C. fimbriata helped maintain body weight during a non-calorie controlled diet over 16 weeks, with a significant reduction in caloric intake compared to placebo. However, appetite ratings and satiety biomarkers showed mixed results, and the mechanism remains unclear. Overall, C. fimbriata shows limited and inconsistent benefits for weight management and appetite control in humans.
How it works
Preclinical studies suggest C. fimbriata may exert anti-obesogenic effects via appetite suppression and antihyperglycemic actions, possibly by modulating hypothalamic pathways involved in hunger and satiety. Human studies indicate potential effects on satiety-related hormones such as leptin, neuropeptide Y (NPY), agouti-related peptide (AgRP), and cortisol, but these findings are inconsistent and not strongly correlated with clinical outcomes. The bioactive compounds include pregnane glycosides, which are thought to influence appetite regulation, but their human bioavailability and pharmacokinetics are not well characterized.
Side effects
Caralluma fimbriata is generally well tolerated in clinical trials, with no serious adverse events reported. Common side effects are rare and mild, primarily involving gastrointestinal discomfort in some cases. No significant drug interactions or contraindications have been documented in the reviewed literature. Safety data are limited by the relatively short duration of clinical trials, typically up to 16 weeks. While generally considered safe for short-term use, long-term safety and potential interactions with medications or underlying health conditions have not been extensively studied.
Dosage
Clinical trials have used doses ranging from 500 mg to 1,000 mg daily of C. fimbriata extract, often standardized to pregnane glycosides. Optimal dosing is not well established due to limited efficacy data. Supplements are typically administered orally, once or twice daily, often before meals with the intention of targeting appetite suppression. There is no established maximum safe dose, and doses above 1,000 mg/day have not been extensively studied in human trials. Given the lack of significant efficacy, specific dosage recommendations for therapeutic benefit are not strongly supported by current evidence.
FAQs
Is C. fimbriata effective for weight loss?
Current evidence indicates it is unlikely to produce meaningful weight loss or appetite suppression in overweight or obese adults compared to placebo.
Is C. fimbriata safe?
Yes, it appears safe with minimal and mild side effects, primarily gastrointestinal discomfort, in short-term use (up to 16 weeks).
How long before effects appear?
Studies up to 16 weeks show no significant weight loss; any appetite effects are unclear and inconsistent across studies.
Can C. fimbriata replace diet and exercise?
No, it should not be considered a substitute for lifestyle modifications, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, for weight management.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8579607/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials concluded that Caralluma fimbriata supplementation does not produce significant weight loss or appetite suppression in overweight or obese adults. It found only a minor reduction in waist circumference without corresponding body weight changes.
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-86108-2 – This randomized controlled trial with 83 overweight participants found that C. fimbriata helped maintain body weight during a non-calorie controlled diet over 16 weeks and reduced caloric intake compared to placebo. However, appetite ratings and satiety biomarkers showed mixed results, and the clinical significance was unclear.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34758791/ – This entry points to the same systematic review and meta-analysis as the first source, reinforcing the conclusion that C. fimbriata does not significantly impact weight loss or appetite suppression in humans.
- https://www.springermedizin.de/the-use-of-caralluma-fimbriata-as-an-appetite-suppressant-and-we/19851878 – This source likely refers to the full text or an abstract of the systematic review and meta-analysis by Jayawardena et al. (2021), which concluded no significant weight loss or appetite suppression from C. fimbriata supplementation.
- https://springernature.figshare.com/articles/journal_contribution/Additional_file_1_of_The_use_of_Caralluma_fimbriata_as_an_appetite_suppressant_and_weight_loss_supplement_a_systematic_review_and_meta-analysis_of_clinical_trials/16986504 – This link provides additional file 1 for the systematic review and meta-analysis by Jayawardena et al. (2021), which supports the conclusion that C. fimbriata does not lead to significant weight loss or appetite suppression in overweight or obese adults.
