A new clinical trial has shown promising results for those trying to shed excess pounds: researchers have zeroed in on a combination of herbal extracts that can significantly increase weight loss under the right circumstances. The news could mean better health for the more than 1 billion people who are overweight or obese worldwide.
Traditional pharmaceutical and surgical options for weight management are expensive and often associated with adverse effects. The herbal formulation – composed of extracts from three common culinary spices used in Indian cooking – was developed as a high-quality natural alternative. The combination tackles excess body weight through a multi-layered approach, by both preventing fat cells from maturing and boosting existing fat break down.
To determine the safety and efficacy of the extracts, researchers performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with healthy overweight adults. One hundred and forty participants took either a placebo or the formulation twice a day for sixteen weeks. The participants were also counselled to follow an 1800 calorie a day diet and to engage in 30 minutes of walking 5 days a week throughout the study period.
Those taking the herbal formulation showed superior results across the board. Statistically significant body weight loss was seen as early as two weeks into the trial for those taking the supplement versus the placebo. This trend continued throughout the study period. At the final check-in, the supplemented group showed an average body weight loss of around 7% compared to 1.16% in the placebo group. Those taking the supplement also had significant reductions in hip and waist circumferences as well as body fat.
The supplement also improved markers of overall health. Those taking the formulation experienced better serum lipid profiles – exemplified by reduced levels of LDL, VLDL, total cholesterol and triglycerides and improved LDL/HDL cholesterol ratios. These changes occurred before the participants achieved the weight loss necessary to reduce serum lipids, which suggests the formulation provides a benefit beyond weight reduction. Perhaps most importantly, the supplement also appeared safe, with no adverse events observed in the treated group.
These findings demonstrate that – when combined with a healthy diet and moderate levels of physical exercise – this unique herbal blend can play a role in helping overweight and obese individuals manage their body weight. The supplement is available commercially under the trade names ‘Slimvance’ and ‘Slendacor.’