The use of a Cissus quadrangularis/Irvingia gabonensis combination in the management of weight loss: a double-blind placebo-controlled study.

2008
Lipids in health and disease 7(1)
- Julius E Oben
- Judith L Ngondi
- Claudia N Momo
- Gabriel A Agbor
- Caroline S Makamto Sobgui

PubMed: 18377661
DOI: 10.1186/1476-511x-7-12

Study Design

Type: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Sample size: n = 24
Population: 72 obese or overweight participants (45.8% male; 54.2% female; ages 21-44; mean age = 29.3)
Methods: 10 week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design; capsules containing placebo or active formulations administered twice daily before meals; no major dietary changes nor exercises suggested
Blinding: Double-blind
Duration: 10 weeks
Funding: Unclear

Aim

To evaluate the effects of two formulations, Cissus quadrangularis-only and a Cissus quadrangularis/Irvingia gabonensis combination, on weight loss in overweight and obese human subjects.

Methods

The study was a 10 week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design involving 72 obese or overweight participants (45.8% male; 54.2% female; ages 21-44; mean age = 29.3). The participants were randomly divided into three equal (n = 24) groups: placebo, Cissus quadrangularis-only, and Cissus quadrangularis/Irvingia gabonensis combination. Capsules containing the placebo or active formulations were administered twice daily before meals; no major dietary changes nor exercises were suggested during the study. A total of six anthropomorphic and serological measurements (body weight, body fat, waist size; total plasma cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, fasting blood glucose level) were taken at baseline and at 4, 8 and 10 weeks.

Results

Compared to the placebo group, the two active groups showed a statistically significant difference on all six variables by week 10. The magnitude of the differences was noticeable by week 4 and continued to increase over the trial period.

Conclusion

Although the Cissus quadrangularis-only group showed significant reductions on all variables compared to the placebo group, the Cissus quadrangularis/Irvingia gabonensis combination resulted in even larger reductions. This apparently synergistic formulation should prove helpful in the management of obesity and its related complications.

Research Insights

Cissus quadrangularis→Reduced Blood Cholesterol
the Cissus quadrangularis-only group showed significant reductions on all variables compared to the placebo group
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
twice daily before meals (exact dose not specified in abstract)
Cissus quadrangularis→Reduced Body Fat
the Cissus quadrangularis-only group showed significant reductions on all variables compared to the placebo group
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
twice daily before meals (exact dose not specified in abstract)
Cissus quadrangularis→Reduced Body Weight
the Cissus quadrangularis-only group showed significant reductions on all variables compared to the placebo group
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
twice daily before meals (exact dose not specified in abstract)
Cissus quadrangularis→Reduced Fasting Blood Glucose Levels
the Cissus quadrangularis-only group showed significant reductions on all variables compared to the placebo group
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
twice daily before meals (exact dose not specified in abstract)
Cissus quadrangularis→Reduced LDL Cholesterol
the Cissus quadrangularis-only group showed significant reductions on all variables compared to the placebo group
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
twice daily before meals (exact dose not specified in abstract)
Cissus quadrangularis→Reduced Waist Circumference
the Cissus quadrangularis-only group showed significant reductions on all variables compared to the placebo group
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
twice daily before meals (exact dose not specified in abstract)