IQP‐GC‐101 Reduces Body Weight and Body Fat Mass: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Study

Abstract

IQP-GC-101 is a patented blend of the standardized extracts of Garcinia cambogia, Camellia sinensis, unroasted Coffea arabica, and Lagerstroemia speciosa. These individual ingredients of IQP-GC-101 have each shown promise in promoting weight loss; however, the efficacy of the blend has not been established. This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel group study conducted over 14 weeks (including a 2-week run-in phase) aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of IQP-GC-101 in reducing body weight and body fat mass in overweight Caucasian adults. Subjects took three IQP-GC-101 or placebo tablets, twice a day, 30 min before main meals. All subjects also adhered to a 500 kcal/day energy deficit diet with 30% of energy from fat. Ninety-one overweight and mildly obese subjects (46 in the IQP-GC-101 group, 45 in the placebo group) completed the study. After 12-week intervention, IQP-GC-101 resulted in a mean (±SD) weight loss of 2.26 ± 2.37 kg compared with 0.56 ± 2.34 kg for placebo (pU = 0.002). There was also significantly more reduction in body fat mass, waist circumference, and hip circumference in the IQP-GC-101 group. No serious adverse events were reported. The use of IQP-GC-101 has been shown to result in body weight and body fat reduction in the current study, with good tolerability. © 2014 InQpharm Group Sdn Bhd. Phytotherapy Research published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Effectiveness of herbal medicines for weight loss: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials

“…Safety was reported in nine of the 12 studies, including eight reporting on adverse events and six reporting on treatment‐related adverse effects. Of the eight studies reporting on adverse events, four reported none, three reported few adverse events, with slightly more observed in the intervention groups compared to placebo, and one reported no difference in adverse events between the intervention and placebo groups . Of the six studies reporting on treatment‐related adverse effects, three reported more effects in the intervention compared to placebo groups, one reported more effects in the placebo compared to intervention group, and two reported no treatment‐related adverse effects …”

“…Ten of the 11 studies investigating G. cambogia reported safety, including five reporting on adverse events and seven reporting on treatment‐related adverse effects. Of the five studies reporting on adverse events, all reported no significant differences in adverse events between the intervention and placebo groups . Of the seven studies reporting on treatment‐related adverse effects, five reported no effects, one reported no difference between the intervention and placebo groups, and one reported increased unpleasant gastrointestinal effects of the intervention compared to placebo (affecting 8 vs 0 participants)…”

“…Camellia sinensis or green tea was investigated in 12 studies (n = 1179), seven as single‐herb products, four as combination preparations and one as part of a traditional Chinese medicine . Dosages of C. sinensis were reported in six studies, ranging from 200 mg to 2400 mg daily.…”

Body Composition Changes in Weight Loss: Strategies and Supplementation for Maintaining Lean Body Mass, a Brief Review

“…For example, a supplement comprised of standardized extracts of Garcinia cambogia , Camellia sinensis , unroasted Coffea arabica (green coffee fruit), and Lagerstroemia speciosa (banaba leaf) was provided in a clinical study among 92 overweight subjects following a moderate calorie-restricted diet for 12 weeks. Although the group receiving the supplement showed a significantly greater reduction in total body fat, approximately half of the weight lost was comprised of LBM [43].…”

Medicinal Value of Lagerstroemia Speciosa: An Updated Review

“…There was also significantly more reduction in body fat mass, waist circumference, and hip circumference in the IQP-GC-101 group. No serious adverse events were reported [76].…”