Effectiveness of a herbal supplement (Zotrim™) for weight management

Abstract

PurposeThere are many herbal supplements on the market claiming to aid weight loss but few are evidence‐based. This study aims to test one such formulation.Design/methodology/approachAn over‐the‐counter herbal supplement containing yerba maté, guarana and damiana (YGD) was tested in 73 overweight health professionals for six weeks. Subjects were not asked to make any lifestyle changes.FindingsSelf‐reported weight, waist circumference and hip circumference reduced significantly, while 22 per cent of subjects experienced a clinically significant weight loss. The anthropometric changes were in line with other commercial diet and exercise programmes. Reported between‐meal hunger, and consumption of snacks reduced across the six weeks. Reported satiety after meals increased and subjects claimed to be more in control of snacking, emotional eating and portion sizes. A follow‐up at week ten, when 82 per cent of subjects had stopped taking YGD, revealed no additional reductions in weight or hip circumference. Fullness ratings had stabilised, while hunger ratings had increased. There were no consistent adverse effects that could reasonably be related to YGD.Research limitations/implicationsTaken alongside a 2001 randomised, placebo‐controlled trial, this study provides evidence that a YGD supplement can aid weight loss and reduce waist and hip circumference, probably by increasing satiety.Originality/valueThe growing market in weight management products brings with it a responsibility for manufacturers to provide evidence that their products work. This paper adds to the evidence base.

Efeitos da Paullinia cupana e de seus principais compostos ativos na modulação da resposta imune

“…Vários estudos também têm demonstrado o efeito do guaraná no metabolismo de lipídeos induzindo, desta forma, a redução de peso e gordura corpórea em seres humanos (BOOZER et al, 2001;BÉRUBÉ-PARENT et al, 2005) e animais, sendo a cafeína, a substância responsável por essa ação (LIMA et al, 2005). Do mesmo modo, estudos epidemiológicos demonstraram que a ingestão de guaraná por seres humanos diminui o risco de obesidade (KREWER et al, 2011) e é capaz de aumentar o metabolismo basal (RUXTON et al, 2007).…”