title: The use of a Cissus quadrangularis formulation in the management of weight loss and metabolic syndrome.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Once considered a problem of developed countries, obesity and obesity-related complications (such as metabolic syndrome) are rapidly spreading around the globe. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the use of a Cissus quadrangularis formulation in the management of metabolic syndrome, particularly weight loss and central obesity.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design involving 123 overweight and obese persons (47.2% male; 52.8% female; ages 19-50). The 92 obese (BMI >30) participants were randomized into three groups; placebo, formulation/no diet, and formulation/diet (2100-2200 calories/day). The 31 overweight participants (BMI = 25-29) formed a fourth (no diet) treatment group. All participants received two daily doses of the formulation or placebo and remained on a normal or calorie-controlled diet for 8 weeks.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At the end of the trial period, statistically significant net reductions in weight and central obesity, as well as in fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and C-reactive protein were observed in participants who received the formulation, regardless of diet.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cissus quadrangularis formulation appears to be useful in the management of weight loss and metabolic syndrome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, Cameroon. juliusoben@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Julius
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Oben
authors.forename: Dieudonne
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kuate
authors.forename: Gabriel
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Agbor
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Momo
authors.forename: Xavio
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Talla
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL / Q000097:blood; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL / Q000097:blood; D032422:Cissus / Q000737:chemistry*; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000139:chemically induced; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000178:diet therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000097:blood / Q000178:diet therapy; D050177:Overweight / Q000187:drug effects; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents; D001786:Blood Glucose; D008076:Cholesterol, HDL; D008078:Cholesterol, LDL; D010936:Plant Extracts; D014280:Triglycerides; D002784:Cholesterol