Caralluma Fimbriata Reduces Appetite - Study Analysis

study PMID: 28713048

Quick Summary: Research on rats showed that a Caralluma fimbriata extract called Slimaluma helped reduce food intake. This suggests it might help with appetite control, but more research is needed.

What The Research Found

Scientists found that a specific extract of Caralluma fimbriata (Slimaluma) reduced how much food rats ate. The higher dose of the extract led to a significant decrease in food consumption. The study also identified specific compounds in the extract that might be responsible for this effect.

Study Details

Who was studied: 24 male rats

How long: The rats were observed for 24 hours after receiving the extract.

What they took: Rats received a single dose of Slimaluma extract by mouth. There were two different doses used.

What This Means For You

This study suggests that Caralluma fimbriata might help reduce appetite. However, this research was done on rats, not humans. More studies are needed to see if it has the same effect in people.

Study Limitations

The study only used male rats.

The rats only received one dose of the extract.

The study only looked at the rats for a short time.

The study didn't measure other things that affect appetite, like hormone levels.

Key Findings

The study confirmed Slimaluma (a standardized Caralluma fimbriata extract) significantly reduced acute food intake in male Wistar rats by 22.5% at 200 mg/kg (p<0.05) but not at 100 mg/kg. Phytochemical analysis identified pregnane glycosides (including F1, F2, F3, F4) as primary bioactive compounds, supporting its traditional use for appetite suppression. No effects on water intake were observed, indicating specificity for ingestive behavior.

Study Design

This was a controlled laboratory experiment using 24 male Wistar rats (200–250 g) divided into three groups: vehicle control, 100 mg/kg extract, and 200 mg/kg extract. Food-deprived rats received a single oral dose, followed by a 24-hour measurement of food/water intake. The study combined in vivo behavioral testing with in vitro phytochemical profiling (HPLC-MS) of the extract.

Dosage & Administration

Slimaluma extract was administered orally as a single dose at 100 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg body weight. Doses were suspended in 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose and delivered via gavage 30 minutes before reintroducing food after a 16-hour fast.

Results & Efficacy

At 200 mg/kg, Slimaluma reduced cumulative food intake by 22.5% over 24 hours compared to controls (p<0.05). The 100 mg/kg dose showed no significant effect (p>0.05). No dose altered water consumption, confirming targeted action on appetite. Statistical significance was determined using ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey testing; effect size for the high dose was moderate (Cohen’s d ≈ 0.8).

Limitations

Key limitations include: (1) exclusive use of male rats, ignoring potential sex-based differences; (2) single-dose testing without chronic exposure data; (3) short 24-hour observation period, precluding assessment of adaptive responses; (4) absence of metabolic/hormonal measurements (e.g., leptin, ghrelin); (5) lack of human data, limiting translational relevance. Future research should address chronic dosing, human trials, and mechanistic pathways.

Clinical Relevance

This study provides preclinical evidence that Caralluma fimbriata’s appetite-suppressing effects are dose-dependent and linked to pregnane glycosides. However, results cannot be directly applied to humans due to the rodent model and acute dosing. Supplement users should note that human efficacy remains unproven at equivalent doses, and current commercial products lack standardized dosing protocols validated for weight management. Further clinical trials are essential before recommending Caralluma fimbriata for appetite control.