Effectiveness of herbal medicines for weight loss: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Aim: To update the available evidence on the efficacy and safety of complementary medicines to assist in weight loss by conducting a systematic review and metaanalysis of herbal medicines for weight loss.Methods: Four electronic databases (Medline, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science) were searched from inception until August 2018. A total of 54 randomized placebocontrolled trials of healthy overweight or obese adults were identified. Meta-analyses were conducted for herbal medicines with ≥4 studies available. Weight differences of ≥2.5 kg were considered clinically significant.Results: As a single agent, only Phaseolus vulgaris resulted in a statistically significant weight loss compared to placebo, although this was not considered clinically significant. No effect was seen for Camellia sinensis or Garcinia cambogia. Statistically, but not clinically, significant differences were observed for combination preparations containing C. sinensis, P. vulgaris or Ephedra sinica. Of the herbal medicines trialled in ≤3 randomized controlled trials, statistically and clinically significant weight loss compared to placebo was reported for Irvingia gabonensis, Cissus quadrangularis, and Sphaeranthus indicus combined with Garcinia mangostana, among others, but these findings should be interpreted cautiously because of the small number of studies, generally poor methodological quality, and poor reporting of the herbal medicine interventions. Most herbal medicines appeared safe for consumption over the short duration of the studies (commonly ≤12 weeks). Some warrant further investigation to determine effect size, dosage and long-term safety.Conclusion: There is currently insufficient evidence to recommend any of the herbal medicines for weight loss included in the present review. K E Y W O R D Sherbal medicines, meta-analysis, systematic review, weight loss

Effects of Ephedrine-Containing Products on Weight Loss and Lipid Profiles: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

“…Another meta-analysis investigated the weight loss effects of complementary medicines and found that green tea-containing and garcinia-containing herbal medicines achieved 1.6 kg and 0.4 kg of weight loss, respectively. However, single preparations of each herbal extract were not associated with statistically significant changes [22]. Our study revealed that ephedrine-containing products were associated with around 2 kg of weight loss, which was greater than the extent of weight reduction associated with other herbal medicines but lower than that associated with weight loss drugs.…”

“…Several systematic reviews and meta-analyses have evaluated the effectiveness of herbal medicines for weight loss [21][22][23]. However, most studies have assessed the shortterm efficacy of herbal medicines or have focused only on body weight and fat mass changes.…”

Dietary supplements in therapy to support weight reduction in obese patients [pdf]

“…The anti-adipogenic activity of P. vulgaris extract in the process of preadipocyte differentiation and its lipolytic effect were also identified (Castillo et al, 2019). Short-term (up to 12 weeks) supplementation with white beans has been shown to have no side effects (Maunder et al, 2020). However, frequent consumption of bean seeds can cause an allergic and toxic reaction.…”

Comprehensive traditional East Asian medicine treatment strategy for obesity considering the therapeutic effects and adverse events

“…Traditional East Asian medicine (TEAM) treatment for obesity management not only includes pharmacological (traditional herbal medicine) therapy, but also acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, moxibustion, Qi-gong, cupping therapy, and other methods [9,20–24] . Herbal medicine using Ephedra sinica is a pivotal intervention that affects obesity-related clinical indicators such as weight, body fat mass, and abdominal circumference [25–27] …”