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Efficacy and Tolerability of Merastin ‐ a Novel Herbal Formulation for Weight Management: A Randomized Double Blind Placebo Controlled Clinical Study
Author(s) -
Bagchi Debasis,
Lau Francis C,
Golakoti Trimurtulu,
Krishnaraju Alluru V,
Sengupta Krishanu
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.25.1_supplement.601.9
Subject(s) - tolerability , medicine , double blind , placebo , randomized controlled trial , pharmacology , adverse effect , alternative medicine , pathology
We investigated the efficacy and tolerability of a synergistic formulation (Merastin) comprising the extracts of Sphaeranthus indicus and Garcinia mangostana for weight management in obese human subjects. Sixty obese subjects (37.5% male; 62.6% female; ages 22–50 years) with BMI of 30 to 40 were included in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study for 8 weeks. Subjects received either 400 mg Merastin twice daily or placebo capsules. All subjected followed a calorie‐controlled diet (2000 Kcal/day) and a regimen of 30 min walking exercise (5 days a week) for 8 weeks. At the end of the trial, significant net reductions in body weight, BMI, waist and hip circumferences were observed in the Merastin‐supplemented group. Reduction in blood cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose and LDL/HDL ratio were also found in subjects supplemented with Merastin. The reductions in serum cholesterol and triglycerides were statistically significant in Merastin‐supplemented subjects. Merastin also modulated serum adipokines such as adiponectin and Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) levels. The reduction of PAI‐1 in Merastin‐supplemented group was significant when compared to placebo. No major adverse events were reported by the participants during the study duration. Therefore, Merastin provided effective and safe approach to weight management.