Caralluma Fimbriata for Appetite Control? A Case Study
Quick Summary: A long-term study looked at how Caralluma fimbriata, an Indian cactus extract, affected a young girl with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). The study found that the extract seemed to help control her appetite and maintain a healthy weight over 12 years.
What The Research Found
This research followed one girl with PWS for over a decade. The study showed that taking Caralluma fimbriata appeared to reduce her extreme hunger (hyperphagia) and helped her maintain a stable weight. This suggests the extract might help manage appetite in people with PWS.
Study Details
- Who was studied: A 14-year-old girl with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). PWS is a genetic condition that can cause constant hunger.
- How long: The study followed her for 12 years, starting when she was 2 years old.
- What they took: The girl took a supplement made from Caralluma fimbriata, an Indian cactus. The exact dose isn't specified in the summary.
What This Means For You
- For those with PWS: This study suggests Caralluma fimbriata might help manage the intense hunger associated with PWS. However, it's important to remember this is just one case, and more research is needed.
- For others: This study doesn't provide enough evidence to suggest Caralluma fimbriata will help with appetite control in other conditions. Always talk to your doctor before trying any new supplements.
Study Limitations
- One person: This study only looked at one person, so we can't be sure the results would be the same for everyone.
- No control group: There was no comparison group, so we don't know if the results were due to the supplement or other factors.
- More research needed: This is a preliminary study. More research is needed to confirm these findings and understand how Caralluma fimbriata works.
Technical Analysis Details
Key Findings
This 12-year single-case study observed that supplementation with Caralluma fimbriata (CF), an Indian cactus extract, was associated with sustained appetite suppression and improved weight management in a female child with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). The participant, diagnosed with maternal uniparental disomy PWS at 18 months, exhibited reduced hyperphagia and normalized eating behaviors following initiation of CF at age 2.
Study Design
The study employed a longitudinal observational design, tracking a single 14-year-old female with PWS over 12 years. Data were collected retrospectively, focusing on appetite regulation and weight outcomes linked to CF supplementation. No control group or randomized methodology was used, limiting generalizability.
Dosage & Administration
The CF extract was administered orally starting at age 2, though exact dosages, formulations, or frequency were not detailed in the provided summary. The supplement was integrated into the participant’s routine alongside standard PWS management strategies (e.g., dietary restrictions).
Results & Efficacy
Qualitative outcomes indicated successful long-term appetite control, with the participant maintaining stable weight and reduced hyperphagic episodes over 12 years. However, no quantitative metrics (e.g., BMI changes, caloric intake reduction) or statistical analyses (p-values, confidence intervals) were reported in the summary. Efficacy was inferred from clinical observations rather than objective measurements.
Limitations
The study’s primary limitation is its single-case design, which precludes causal conclusions and generalization to broader populations. Lack of baseline appetite metrics, dosage specifics, or comparative data weakens reproducibility. Potential biases include subjective reporting by caregivers and the absence of blinding or placebo controls. Additionally, PWS-related hyperphagia has complex genetic and neurobiological drivers, so results may not apply to other conditions.
Clinical Relevance
This case suggests CF may hold promise as an adjunct for managing hyperphagia in PWS, a condition with limited treatment options. However, the absence of rigorous methodology (e.g., randomized trials) means evidence is preliminary. Supplement users should interpret findings cautiously, recognizing that individual responses vary and peer-reviewed validation is required. Practical use for appetite control outside PWS remains unsupported by this study.
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Note: The summary reflects details provided in the PubMed abstract (ID: 31212875), which lacks full quantitative data or statistical analysis.
Original Study Reference
Single-Case Study of Appetite Control in Prader-Willi Syndrome, Over 12-Years by the Indian Extract
Source: PubMed
Published: 2019-06-12
📄 Read Full Study (PMID: 31212875)
