title: Aster spathulifolius Maxim extract reduces body weight and fat mass in obese humans.
abstract: Aster spathulifolius Maxim (AS), a perennial herb of the genus Aster within the family Asteraceae, induced weight loss in a rat model of diet-induced obesity. We hypothesized that AS could also reduce body weight in obese humans. Therefore, we performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in Korea to evaluate the effect of AS extract (ASE) on body weight and fat mass and its safety in obese humans. Forty-four obese participants (body mass index [BMI], 25-30 kg/m(2)) aged ≥20 years were randomly assigned to the placebo or ASE group (700 mg/d of ASE) and were instructed to take a once-daily pill for 12 weeks. Weight, BMI, waist circumference, fat mass (measured using bioimpedance, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and computed tomography), and laboratory tests were assessed at baseline and at 12 weeks. Body weight significantly decreased after 12 weeks of treatment in the ASE group (placebo vs ASE: -0.08 ± 2.11 kg vs -3.30 ± 3.15 kg, P < .05), and so did body fat mass (placebo vs ASE; bioimpedance method: -0.51 ± 1.89 kg vs -2.38 ± 2.30 kg, P < .05; dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry: 0.38 ± 1.59 kg vs -2.26 ± 2.37 kg, P < .05). Changes in lipid profiles, fasting plasma glucose, and hemoglobin A1c did not differ between the 2 groups. No drug-related adverse events were observed during the study. In conclusion, ASE significantly decreases body weight and fat mass in obese humans, suggesting that ASE may be a potential therapeutic candidate for reducing obesity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: In-Jin
authors.initials: IJ
authors.lastname: Cho
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Pharmacy and Toxicology, Department of Life and Nanopharmaceutical Sciences of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, 26, Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Se Young
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Choung
authors.affiliation: Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, 892 Dongnam-ro, Gangdong-gu, Seoul, 05278, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: You-Cheol
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Hwang
authors.affiliation: Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, 892 Dongnam-ro, Gangdong-gu, Seoul, 05278, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Kyu Jeung
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Ahn
authors.affiliation: Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, 892 Dongnam-ro, Gangdong-gu, Seoul, 05278, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Ho Yeon
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.affiliation: Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, 892 Dongnam-ro, Gangdong-gu, Seoul, 05278, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: jik1016@naver.com.
authors.forename: In-Kyung
authors.initials: IK
authors.lastname: Jeong
mesh_terms: D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000328:Adult; D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D031173:Aster Plant / Q000737:chemistry*; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D017097:Electric Impedance; D005260:Female; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology*; D056910:Republic of Korea; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood; D055105:Waist Circumference; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents; D001786:Blood Glucose; D002784:Cholesterol; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D010936:Plant Extracts; D014280:Triglycerides
keywords: Aster spathulifolius; Fat mass; Obesity; Weight loss