Evidence supporting the use of: Caralluma
For the health condition: Weight Loss

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Caralluma fimbriata is a succulent plant that has been traditionally used in India as a famine food and appetite suppressant. Tribal populations have long consumed Caralluma stems raw or cooked to help suppress hunger during long hunts or periods of food scarcity. This ethnobotanical history forms the primary basis for its use in weight management and appetite control.

Scientific studies investigating Caralluma’s effects on weight loss are limited and have produced mixed results. Some small randomized controlled trials have explored its efficacy. For example, a 2007 study published in Appetite found that Caralluma extract resulted in a modest reduction in waist circumference but did not significantly affect body weight or BMI compared to placebo. Another 2015 study in Perspectives in Clinical Research found no significant difference in weight loss between Caralluma and placebo groups.

Overall, while Caralluma has a clear tradition of use for reducing appetite, scientific support for its efficacy in weight loss is weak and inconsistent. Most clinical trials to date have been small, short-term, and have shown limited or no benefit. Adverse effects reported are generally mild, including gastrointestinal discomfort. In summary, the primary justification for Caralluma’s use in weight loss is traditional, with low to moderate evidence supporting its effectiveness.

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Other health conditions supported by Caralluma

Appetite (deficient)
Weight Loss

Products containing Caralluma

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.