Gynostemma for Weight Loss? Study Shows Promise
Quick Summary: A recent study found that a Gynostemma extract (ActivAMP®) helped overweight men and women lose weight and body fat. Participants taking the extract for 16 weeks saw reductions in overall weight, body fat, and, in some cases, specific fat deposits.
What The Research Found
This study looked at the effects of a Gynostemma extract on overweight adults. After 16 weeks, those taking the extract had:
- Less overall weight
- Lower body mass index (BMI)
- Reduced total body fat
- Less fat in the hips and thighs (gynoid fat)
The study also found that men taking the extract had less visceral fat (belly fat), while women had less gynoid fat. Additionally, some blood markers related to inflammation and metabolism improved.
Study Details
- Who was studied: 117 overweight men and women over 18 years old.
- How long: 16 weeks.
- What they took: Participants took either a Gynostemma extract (ActivAMP®) or a placebo (a sugar pill) daily. The exact dosage of the extract was not specified.
What This Means For You
This research suggests that Gynostemma extract might help with weight loss and fat reduction. If you're looking for ways to manage your weight, this could be something to discuss with your doctor. It's important to remember:
- This study used a specific extract (ActivAMP®), and results may vary with other products.
- The study didn't specify lifestyle changes, so the results are based on the extract alone.
- Always talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement.
Study Limitations
It's important to know what the study didn't tell us:
- Dosage: The exact amount of Gynostemma in the extract wasn't specified.
- Lifestyle: The study didn't track diet or exercise, so we don't know how those factors played a role.
- Long-term effects: The study only lasted 16 weeks, so we don't know if the results would last longer.
- Specifics: The study did not provide detailed information on the participants, such as age range, ethnicity, or other health conditions.
Technical Analysis Details
Key Findings
The study demonstrated that Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract (ActivAMP®) significantly reduced total body weight, BMI, total fat mass, and gynoid fat mass compared to placebo after 16 weeks. Gender-specific effects were observed: males showed significant visceral fat reduction, while females exhibited significant gynoid fat reduction. Statistically significant between-group differences were also found for plasma triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) at week 16 (p<0.05 for all reported outcomes). The extract altered fat distribution without reported safety concerns based on blood markers.
Study Design
This was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (RCT) – not an observational study as mislabeled in the source description. It included 117 overweight/obese adults (aged >18 years) who completed the 16-week intervention. Participants were randomized to receive either G. pentaphyllum extract or placebo daily. Primary outcomes were assessed via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for body composition, anthropometric measurements (weight, waist/hip circumference), and blood biomarkers for inflammation and safety.
Dosage & Administration
The study utilized a proprietary G. pentaphyllum extract branded as ActivAMP®. The exact dosage (e.g., mg/day) and concentration of active compounds (e.g., gypenosides) were not specified in the provided summary. The supplement was administered orally once daily for 16 weeks.
Results & Efficacy
The Gpp group showed statistically significant reductions versus placebo in:
- Total body weight (p<0.05)
- BMI (p<0.05)
- Total fat mass (p<0.05)
- Gynoid fat mass (p<0.05)
Subgroup analysis revealed:
- Males: Significant visceral fat reduction (p<0.05)
- Females: Significant gynoid fat reduction (p<0.05)
Blood markers showed significant between-group differences for triglycerides, ALT, and TNF-α at week 16 (p<0.05). Quantitative effect sizes (e.g., percentage changes, mean differences with confidence intervals) were not provided in the summary.
Limitations
Key limitations include: 1) Lack of specified dosage and extract composition, hindering reproducibility; 2) Absence of data on dietary intake or physical activity, which could confound body composition changes; 3) Relatively short duration (16 weeks) limiting assessment of long-term effects/sustainability; 4) Homogeneous sample focused only on overweight/obese adults without detailed demographic breakdown (e.g., age range, ethnicity); 5) Misclassification of study design in the source metadata (labeled observational but described as RCT).
Clinical Relevance
For supplement users, this RCT suggests standardized G. pentaphyllum extract (ActivAMP®) may support targeted fat reduction in overweight individuals, with potential gender-specific effects on visceral (males) and gynoid (females) fat depots. However, the unreported dosage prevents specific usage recommendations. The observed improvements in triglycerides and TNF-α indicate possible metabolic benefits. Users should note this is not a standalone solution; effects occurred within a structured trial without reported lifestyle modifications. Consultation with a healthcare provider is advised before use, particularly given the lack of long-term safety data. Further research with defined dosing and lifestyle monitoring is needed.
Original Study Reference
The effect of an orally-dosed Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract (ActivAMP®) on body composition in overweight, adult men and women: A double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study.
Source: PubMed
Published: 2022
📄 Read Full Study (PMID: 34323337)
