title: Efficacy and Safety of a Chinese Herbal Medicine Formula (RCM-104) in the Management of Simple Obesity: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.
abstract: Objective. This study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a Chinese herbal medicine formula (RCM-104) for the management of simple obesity. Method. Obese subjects aged between 18 and 60 years were selected for 12-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Subjects were randomly assigned to take 4 capsules of either the RCM-104 formula (n = 59) or placebo (n = 58), 3 times daily for 12 weeks. Measures of BW, BMI and WC, HC, WHR and BF composition were assessed at baseline and once every four weeks during the 12 week treatment period. Results. Of the 117 subjects randomised, 92 were included in the ITT analysis. The weight, BMI and BF in RCM-104 group were reduced by 1.5 kg, 0.6 kg/m(2) and 0.9% and those in the placebo group were increased by 0.5 kg, 0.2 kg/m(2) and 0.1% respectively. There were significant differences in BW and BMI (P < 0.05) between the two groups. Eleven items of the WLQOQ were significantly improved in the RCM-104 group while only 2 items were significantly improved in the placebo group. Adverse events were minor in both groups. Conclusion. RCM-104 treatment appears to be well tolerated and beneficial in reducing BW and BMI in obese subjects.
authors.affiliation: Traditional & Complementary Medicine Research Program, Health Innovations Research Institute, School of Health Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia.
authors.forename: George Binh
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Lenon
authors.forename: Kang Xiao
authors.initials: KX
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Yung-Hsien
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Angela Weihong
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Clifford
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Da Costa
authors.forename: Chun Guang
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: Neil
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mann
authors.forename: Charlie C L
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Xue