The use of a Cissus quadrangularis/Irvingia gabonensis combination in the management of weight loss: a double-blind placebo-controlled study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of two formulations, Cissus quadrangularis-only and a Cissus quadrangularis/Irvingia gabonensis combination, on weight loss in overweight and obese human subjects.


METHODS
The study was a 10 week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design involving 72 obese or overweight participants (45.8% male; 54.2% female; ages 21-44; mean age = 29.3). The participants were randomly divided into three equal (n = 24) groups: placebo, Cissus quadrangularis-only, and Cissus quadrangularis/Irvingia gabonensis combination. Capsules containing the placebo or active formulations were administered twice daily before meals; no major dietary changes nor exercises were suggested during the study. A total of six anthropomorphic and serological measurements (body weight, body fat, waist size; total plasma cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, fasting blood glucose level) were taken at baseline and at 4, 8 and 10 weeks.


RESULTS
Compared to the placebo group, the two active groups showed a statistically significant difference on all six variables by week 10. The magnitude of the differences was noticeable by week 4 and continued to increase over the trial period.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the Cissus quadrangularis-only group showed significant reductions on all variables compared to the placebo group, the Cissus quadrangularis/Irvingia gabonensis combination resulted in even larger reductions. This apparently synergistic formulation should prove helpful in the management of obesity and its related complications.
Oben
Julius E
JE
Laboratory of Nutrition and Nutritional Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, B,P, 812, University of Yaoundé 1, Yaoundé, Cameroon. juliusoben@hotmail.com
Ngondi
Judith L
JL
Momo
Claudia N
CN
Agbor
Gabriel A
GA
Sobgui
Caroline S Makamto
CS
D000328:Adult; D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002482:Cellulose / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D032422:Cissus / Q000737:chemistry; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004357:Drug Synergism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010919:Placebos; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000187:drug effects*
D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D010919:Placebos; D010936:Plant Extracts; C051375:dikanut; D002482:Cellulose