Caralluma Fimbriata supplement by Ray Sahelian, M.D. Does Caralluma help with weight loss?

Caralluma is a succulent, an edible cactus, that has traditionally been eaten by tribesmen to stave off hunger during long hunts. Caralluma is from India. Caralluma supplements are now being marketed as appetite suppressants. I have not taken a caralluma supplement, so I don't know how well it works. One caralluma study done in India shows this cactus extract to be helpful as an appetite suppressant.
   If you would like to eat less consider a product called Diet Rx. This natural appetite suppressant works without stimulants. Diet Rx has no added caffeine, ephedra, ephedrine alkaloids, synephrine, hormones, guarana, ginseng, or stimulating amino acids.

Caralluma extract supplement 500 mg, Slenderluma
Source Naturals Slenderluma uses a trademarked caralluma extract called Slimaluma

Buy Caralluma extract supplement or get a FREE bottle of Diet Rx
Source Naturals Slenderluma supplement is promoted for healthy weight management. Source Naturals Slenderluma uses a trademarked caralluma extract called Slimaluma. Slimaluma is made by a raw material supplier named Gencor Pacific.
   This caralluma extract is a 12 to 1 concentration.

Benefits of Diet Rx
All natural appetite suppressant, decreases appetite so you eat less
Helps you maintain healthy blood sugar levels
Helps you maintain healthy cholesterol and lipid levels
Provides a variety of antioxidant from two dozen herbs and nutrients
Provides healthy fiber
Improves energy
Balances mood
Improves mental concentration and focus
Improves will power and choice of food selection

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Subscribe to a FREE Supplement Research Update newsletter.  Twice a month you will receive an email with several new studies on various supplements and natural medicine topics -- including caralluma side effects and benefits -- and their practical interpretation by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

Supplements that could suppress appetite or lead to weight loss
Green tea extract may be effective in some people as a weight loss pill.
Hoodia weight loss pill is a cactus plant extract from the Kalahari desert in South Africa that has been getting a lot of attention lately as a weight loss pill.
Citrus-Aurantium is a thermogenic appreciated by some people although it can increase body temperature and in very high doses can increase heart rate.
Caffeine is often found in weight loss pills but I personally don't like my patients taking extra caffeine since it can cause increased heart rate and anxiety. Most people already consume enough caffeine through coffee, tea, sodas, and chocolate.
Chitosan has not been found to be very helpful as a weight loss pill.
Ephedra is no longer available over the counter
Konjac is also known as glucomannan.
Kola Nut is the seed kernel of a large African tree grown commercially around the world. It's chief constituents are caffeine, theobromine, tannins and phenolics, kolatin, and kolanin. Kola nut has thermogenic and stimulant properties but is is not a healthy weight loss pill, there are better options.
Alpha lipoic acid may also reduce appetite but it is primarily used as an antioxidant.
5-HTP is a nutrient that helps curb appetite in some individuals . 5-HTP, by converting into serotonin, can be used temporarily to improve will power and decrease the urge to eat until more established weight loss habits are in place.
Acetyl-l-Carnitine may reduce appetite in some individuals. For more Acetyl-l-Carnitine information and products.

High Quality products formulated by a medical doctor
Mind Power Rx for better mental focus, concentration, and mood; Diet Rx which helps you eat less. It really does curb appetite; Good Night Rx for better sleep; Eyesight Rx for better vision, often within days; MultiVit Rx, a daily comprehensive multivitamin for more energy and vitality; Joint Power Rx for healthy joints; Prostate Power Rx for a healthy prostate gland; and Passion Rx for sexual enhancement, better libido, and improved performance and stamina in men and women.

Caralluma research
Effect of Caralluma Fimbriata extract on appetite, food intake and anthropometry in adult Indian men and women.
Appetite. 2007 May;48(3):338-44. Epub 2006 Nov 13. Division of Nutrition, Institute of Population Health and Clinical Research, St John's National Academy of Health Sciences, Bangalore 560034, India.
Caralluma fimbriata is an edible cactus, used by tribal Indians to suppress hunger and enhance endurance. The effect of Caralluma extract was assessed in overweight individuals by a placebo controlled randomized trial. Fifty adult men and women (25-60 years) with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25kg/m(2) were randomly assigned into a placebo or experimental group; the latter received 1 gram of Caralluma extract per day for 60 days. All subjects were given standard advice regarding a weight reducing diet and physical activity. At the end of 30 and 60 days of intervention, blood glucose and lipids, anthropometric measurements, dietary intake and assessment of appetite was performed. Waist circumference and hunger levels over the observation period showed a significant decline in the experimental group when compared to the placebo group. While there was a trend towards a greater decrease in body weight, body mass index, hip circumference, body fat and energy intake between assessment time points in the experimental group, these were not significantly different between experimental and placebo groups. Caralluma extract appears to suppress appetite, and reduce waist circumference when compared to placebo over a 2 month period.

Slimaluma Caralluma product and other carraluma products
Slimaluma is a patented Caralluma Fimbriata extract made by Gencor Pacific.
Slenderluma is a caralluma containing supplement marketed by Source Naturals

Caralluma supplement emails
Q. I got an email recently about this herb, it said, "Known as a “famine food” in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, Caralluma Fimbriata is taking its place as one of the most effective appetite suppressants available. Much like other natural appetite suppressants such as Hoodia and Jojoba, Caralluma offers a stimulant-free option for the next generation of weight loss products." is this true?
   A. I have not taken a caralluma supplement. One caralluma study in 2007 showed some benefit in appetite suppression.

Q. I received an email promotion of a caralluma supplement by Source Naturals. It said, "Source Naturals brings you the latest in healthy weight management - Slenderluma ™ - Natural Appetite Suppressant with Caralluma
Naturally suppresses appetite
Available in vegetarian capsules
Not a stimulant
Reduces food cravings
Slenderluma Sell Sheet.
   What is your opinion of this Source Natural caralluma supplement product?
   A. I have not had a chance to test caralluma supplements with patients to see if they are effective for weight loss.

This caralluma page was last updated June 2008.