Medically CitedOverview
Losing weight is a challenge for many people, which is why the market abounds with multiple supplements promising to slim you down to your goal. Caralluma Fimbriata is a plant extract that is gaining some popularity for its potential appetite suppression, weight loss, and other health benefits.
Native to India, this tasty cactus has been included in Indian cuisine since ancient times and was used historically to curb hunger. Is it the answer to your weight loss struggles, and can it benefit you in other ways? Read on as we look at the evidence and answer all of your questions about Caralluma Fimbriata.
What is Caralluma Fimbriata?
Caralluma Fimbriata is an edible cactus in the Asclepiadaceae family that has grown abundantly in India for centuries, and it is included in preserves and popular dishes raw or boiled. Today, it also flourishes in some parts of the Middle East, Africa, and the Canary Islands.
In North America and other parts of the world, it is often taken as a supplement, in particular for its ability to support weight loss as we said in our review of Kaya Naturals Caralluma Fimbriata.
Rich in bioactive glycosides and fiber, this extract helps curb appetite, speed up fat-burning, and block fat production. It also contains other essential nutrients like iron, zinc, copper, and manganese.
Paul Clayton, PhD and chief scientific advisor at Gencor ingredients supplier explains, “Together with its scientifically validated ability to reduce fat and suppress appetite, Caralluma Fimbriata offers both safety and efficacy (1).”
Many people swear by the Caralluma Fimbriata weight loss benefits, and some studies show that it may also help support liver health, lower blood pressure, and balance blood sugar. Is Caralluma the best supplement for your weight loss and health journey? Let’s look at the plant in detail, and see if the research backs its impressive reputation.
Does Caralluma Fimbriata Help With Weight Loss?
Can Caralluma Fimbriata extract help you lose weight? This cactus contains flavenoids and natural compounds called pregnane glycosides that help suppress appetite, and it also has fiber to fill you up and curb cravings. In addition, Caralluma inhibits key enzymes to block fat production, and it may help speed up fat burning. What does the evidence say?
While results vary, overall, the research shows support for the hunger-curbing and weight-loss benefits of this plant. A 12-week pilot study of obese and overweight adults in Complementary Therapies and Medicine concluded that supplementation with Caralluma twice daily helped control appetite and may be beneficial in managing obesity and other metabolic parameter (2).
In addition, a 16-week 2021 study published in Scientific Reports found that orally-dosed Caralluma Fimbriata helped decrease weight, BMI, waist circumference, and fat mass in overweight adults (3).
Should you try Caralluma Fimbriata for weight loss? Science leans towards its slimming and hunger-curbing benefits, and this natural cactus plant also supports other parameters of health.
What Other Health Benefits Does Caralluma Fimbriata Have?
The Caralluma Fimbriata extract benefits extend beyond weight loss, as this herb supports other aspects of health and well-being. Other advantages include:
Supporting Liver Health
The antioxidants and bioactive agents in Caralluma Fimbriata help repair damage to liver cells, decrease inflammation, and protect them from damage. This supports its weight loss properties, as enhanced liver health may improve fat processing, speed up fat-burning, and improve body detoxification.
Much of the research is on animals at present, and a study of rats with liver damage published in Advances in Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences demonstrated the hepatoprotective effects of Caralluma Fimbriata (4).
Supporting Healthy Blood Sugar Levels
One of the liver’s main functions is to support healthy blood sugar levels, and by ensuring its health, Caralluma Fimbriata helps promote optimal balance. This cactus plant may improve insulin sensitivity, reduce insulin resistance, and enhance glucose uptake, potentially helping to manage the symptoms of type 2 diabetes.
A research study published in Pharmacognosy Magazine examined the properties of the plant and concluded that it has antihyperglycemic properties (5). In addition, a 28-day study of rats published in Toxicology Research concluded that the antioxidants in Caralluma effectively decreased blood glucose (6).
Helping to Lower Blood Pressure
There is some support for Caralluma’s potential to lower systolic blood pressure levels when combined with dieting and regular exercise, especially in individuals who are overweight or obese. This is strongly related to its ability to curb hunger and promote healthy weight loss.
Blood pressure benefits are often highlighted as a parameter in studies on the weight loss effects of the plant. In the Complementary Therapies and Medicine study mentioned earlier, participants also showed a decrease in blood pressure along with anti-obesity results (2).
Is Caralluma Fimbriata Safe?
When taken according to label instructions or the direction of a healthcare provider, Caralluma is safe and well-tolerated by most people.
Some individuals may experience mild Caralluma Fimbriata side effects like stomach upset, gas, or constipation. In most cases, these issues only last for a few days. If symptoms persist, try lowering the dosage, or consult a healthcare provider for advice.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and people with low blood pressure should stay away from Caralluma extract. Before taking a supplement, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare practitioner.
Form and Dosage Recommendations
In India and other parts of the world, the Caralluma Fimbriata cactus is eaten raw, boiled, or cooked into a variety of recipes with vegetables, spices, and other ingredients, and is also included in preserves like chutney or pickles.
You can buy Caralluma Fimbriata supplements as capsules or powder, and the extract is often included as an ingredient in natural weight loss formulas. The typical dosage is 500 mg up to twice daily for up to 2 months, but it’s important to follow the directions on the label and consult with a healthcare practitioner before use.
FAQs About Caralluma Fimbriata
Q: Who should take Caralluma Fimbriata?
A: Adults who want support with appetite suppression and slimming down may consider taking Caralluma Fimbriata or a weight loss supplement that includes it as an ingredient. There is also support for its ability to help lower blood pressure and support liver and metabolic health.
Q: Where can I buy Caralluma Fimbriata?
A: You can purchase Caralluma Fimbriata appetite suppressant supplements in powder or capsule form online and in natural food stores. In addition, it is often included as an ingredient in natural weight loss supplements along with other extracts.
Q: Who should not take Caralluma Fimbriata?
A: Caralluma Fimbriata may not be safe for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and individuals with low blood pressure should also avoid this plant. If you want to supplement, see a healthcare practitioner for approval and advice.
Q: Does Caralluma Fimbriata raise blood pressure?
A: No, there is little if any evidence that Caralluma Fimbriata will raise blood pressure – in fact, research shows it may decrease levels when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Q: Will Caralluma Fimbriata help me lose weight?
A: While results vary based on metabolism, lifestyle, and other individual factors, evidence supports the Caralluma Fimbriata health benefits in curbing appetite and helping to decrease weight, BMI, and waist circumference.
Conclusion
The cactus plant Caralluma Fimbriata has long been known for its appetite-suppressing and weight-loss benefits, and modern evidence supports its slimming and craving-curbing properties. This edible plant also offers Caralluma Fimbriata advantages, including supporting liver health, balancing blood sugar, and lowering blood pressure.
Safe and well-tolerated by most people and widely available in supplement form, Caralluma may be the solution that helps you meet your weight loss and health goals. Read about some of the best Caralluma Fimbriata supplement products on the market, and consult a healthcare practitioner for usage and dosing advice.
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11 Sources
We review published medical research in respected scientific journals to arrive at our conclusions about a product or health topic. This ensures the highest standard of scientific accuracy.
[2] A Pilot Study Investigating the Effect of Caralluma Fimbriata Extract on the Risk Factors of Metabolic Syndrome in Overweight and Obese Subjects: A Randomised Controlled Clinical Trial:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23642949/
[3] The Effect of an Orally-Dosed Caralluma Fimbriata Extract on Appetite Control and Body Composition in Overweight Adults:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7991653/
[4] Evaluation of Hepatoprotective Activity of Caralluma europaea Stem Extract against CCl4-Induced Hepatic Damage in Wistar Rats: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7810557/
[5] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320352085_Antihyperglycemic_Activity_of_Caralluma_fimbriata_An_In_vitro_Approach
[6] Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Caralluma Fimbriata For Antioxidant and Diabetes Management: A 28-Day Rat Model Study:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38957782/
[7] Delving the Role of Caralluma Fimbriata: An Edible Wild Plant to Mitigate the Biomarkers of Metabolic Syndrome:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9236770/
[8] The Effect of an Orally-Dosed Caralluma Fimbriata Extract on Appetite Control and Body Composition in Overweight Adults:https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-86108-2
[9] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/304952308_Caralluma_fimbriata-_an_important_medicinal_plant_A_review_of_its_traditional_uses_phytochemistry_and_pharmacological_properties
[10] Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Caralluma Fimbriata For Antioxidant and Diabetes Management: A 28-Day Rat Model Study: https://academic.oup.com/toxres/article-abstract/13/4/tfae094/7701761?login=false
[11] Caralluma Fimbriata Extract Improves Vascular Dysfunction in Obese Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet:https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/24/4296
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