Intervention Study on the Efficacy and Safety of Platycodon grandiflorus Ethanol Extract in Overweight or Moderately Obese Adults: A Single-Center, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract

Platycodon grandiflorus root extract (PGE) has shown various properties, such as anti-hyperlipidemia, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesity, but mostly in animal studies. Therefore, we conducted a preliminary study on the anti-obesity effect of PGE in 108 Korean adults (aged 20–60 years, 30 kg/m2 ≥ body mass index ≥ 23 kg/m2). The participants were randomly assigned to four groups and were administered the placebo, PGE571 (571 mg as PGE), PGE1142 (1142 mg as PGE), and PGE2855 (2855 mg as PGE), independently, for 12 weeks. Body composition, nutrient intake, computed tomography scan, and plasma adipokines, as well as hepatic/renal function markers, were assessed. The PGE571 group revealed a significant decrease in body fat mass and body fat percentage when compared with the placebo group. Moreover, the total abdominal and subcutaneous fat areas were significantly decreased following PGE (PGE2855 group) supplementation. These results provide useful information on the anti-obesity effect of PGE for overweight and obese adult humans.

Fat-to-muscle ratio as a predictor for dyslipidaemia in transitional-age youth

“…Obesity, a crucial risk factor for chronic diseases, is progressively becoming a global health issue [1,2], with its prevalence increasing dramatically worldwide [3]. Obesity is associated not only with cardiovascular diseases in children [4] but also with vascular dysfunction and hormonal changes, leading to hypertension, dyslipidaemia and potential cardiovascular events in transitional-aged youth [5].…”

Could Natural Products Help in the Control of Obesity? Current Insights and Future Perspectives

“…Matured hop and Gambisan were believed to activate the nerve system [ 19 , 67 ]. PGE increased the expression of thermogenic-related genes, such as SIRT1 , PPARα , and PGC-1α [ 23 ]. Folate and hazelnut oil capsules lowered ADRB3 gene methylation levels [ 72 ].…”

“…Laboratory tests were left blank in the table when the obesity indicators were nonsignificant, the parameters were unrelated to obesity or lipid metabolism, or there were no serological indicators. Moreover, a few studies were the first clinical trials on their target compound [ 9 , 23 , 53 , 57 , 58 , 68 , 70 , 72 ]. Therefore, the drug dosage was determined based on the results of animal experiments since there were no human reference data, leading to relatively low confidence in their experimental results.…”

“…Rao et al reported that N. sativa (black seed or jintan hitam) and Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) supplemented chapatis (NFCs) also decreased BM, BMI, WC, HC, and the central obesity index [ 21 ]. Kim et al reported that P. grandiflorus (balloon flower) ethanol extract (PGE) reduced BFM and BF percentage (BFP) [ 23 ]. PGE571 (PGE at 571 mg) decreased leptin levels, BFM, and BFP and increased muscle mass.…”

Nutraceuticals and Nutrition Supplements: Challenges and Opportunities

“…We have invited international experts, researchers and authors to submit original research and review articles that address the progress and our current understanding of nutraceuticals/supplements from in vitro and in vivo studies, as well as from clinical trials describing the benefits/adverse effects with underlying mechanisms. This Special Issue presents a compendium of excellent laboratory and clinical studies using plant extracts [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 ], purified compounds [ 21 , 22 , 23 ], modified formulations [ 22 , 24 ], and probiotics [ 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ] to improve many health conditions, including metabolic disorders [ 17 , 20 ], cardiovascular disease [ 29 ], muscle metabolism [ 18 , 25 ], obesity [ 16 , 17 , 20 ], neurological disorders [ 30 ], infectious diseases [ 26 , 27 ], aging [ 23 ], and cancers [ 18 , 21 , 24 , 31 ].…”