Caralluma

Caralluma is a genus of succulent plants from the dogbane family (Apocynaceae). The best-known species, Caralluma fimbriata, is traditionally used in India and other parts of Asia as an edible wild plant and medicinal plant. It is often regarded as a natural appetite suppressant and is contained in dietary supplements for weight control.

What benefits does Caralluma offer?

Caralluma is valued for its various areas of application in traditional medicine. In addition, studies have likewise been able to link various effects that were already known within naturopathy to Caralluma. These studies are as always to be viewed critically, as the results are not always transferable. It should also be noted that there have been studies that found no notable effect.

  • Appetite suppression: Studies suggest that extracts of Caralluma fimbriata can reduce feelings of hunger and thus lower calorie intake (1, 2).
  • Support for weight reduction: By inhibiting certain enzymes involved in fat formation, Caralluma was able to influence fat storage in the body in studies (1,2,3).
  • Antioxidant effect: The plant contains bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties that could potentially protect cells from oxidative stress (4,5).
  • Blood sugar regulation: Some research suggests that Caralluma fimbriata can improve insulin sensitivity and thus contribute to stabilizing blood sugar levels (6,7,8).
  • Effects on stress and subclinical anxiety: scientific findings suggest that active compounds in Caralluma could help with reducing subclinical anxiety and stress (9).

How does Caralluma work?

The effects of Caralluma can be attributed to various bioactive constituents, including among others pregnane glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, and triterpenes.

Side effects and risks

Although Caralluma is generally not considered unsafe, side effects can occur in some cases:

  • Gastrointestinal complaints: Some people report bloating, diarrhea, or digestive problems after taking it.
  • Taste impairment: Consuming the fresh plant can lead to a bitter aftertaste.
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Since there are no sufficient studies on safety during these phases, pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised against use.

Conclusion

Caralluma is a promising plant with potential benefits for appetite suppression, weight management, and metabolic health. Despite promising research results, further studies are required to comprehensively confirm its long-term safety and efficacy. It should be taken only in consultation with a doctor.

Sources

  1. Kuriyan, R., Raj, T., Srinivas, S. K., Vaz, M., Rajendran, R., & Kurpad, A. V. (2007). Effect of Caralluma fimbriata extract on appetite, food intake and anthropometry in adult Indian men and women. Appetite, 48(3), 338–344. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2006.09.013
  2. Kell, G., Rao, A., Briskey, D., dos Reis, C. et al. The effect of an orally-dosed Caralluma Fimbriata extract on appetite control and body composition in overweight adults. Sci Rep 11, 6791 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-86108-2
  3. Astell, K. J., Mathai, M. L., McAinch, A. J., Stathis, C. G., & Su, X. Q. (2013). A pilot study investigating the effect of Caralluma fimbriata extract on the risk factors of metabolic syndrome in overweight and obese subjects: A randomised controlled clinical trial. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 21(3), 180–189. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2013.01.004
  4. Maheshu, V., Priyadarsini, D. T., & Sasikumar, J. M. (2014). Antioxidant capacity and amino acid analysis of Caralluma adscendens (Roxb.) Haw var. fimbriata (wall.) Grav. & Mayur. aerial parts. Journal of food science and technology, 51(10), 2415–2424. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-012-0761-5
  5. Amrati, F. E., Bourhia, M., Slighoua, M., Ibnemoussa, S., Bari, A., Ullah, R., Amaghnouje, A., Di Cristo, F., El Mzibri, M., Calarco, A., Benbacer, L., & Bousta, D. (2020). Phytochemical study on antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of Moroccan Caralluma europaea extract and its bioactive compound classes. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020, 8409718. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/8409718
  6. Arif, A., Sultan, M. T., Nazir, F., Ahmad, K., Kashif, M., Ahmad, M. M., Shehzad, F. K., Nazir, M. A., Mushtaq, S., Khalid, M. U., Noman, A. M., Raza, H., Israr, M., Sohail, H., & Rocha, J. M. (2024). Exploring the therapeutic potential of Caralluma fimbriata for antioxidant and diabetes management: a 28-day rat model study. Toxicology research, 13(4), tfae094. https://doi.org/10.1093/toxres/tfae094
  7. Sultan, K., Zakir, M., Khan, H., Khan, I. U., Rehman, A., Akber, N. U., Muhammad, N., & Khan, M. A. (2014). The Effect of Extract/Fractions of Caralluma tuberculata on Blood Glucose Levels and Body Weight in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rabbits. Journal of evidence-based complementary & alternative medicine, 19(3), 195–199. https://doi.org/10.1177/2156587214531019
  8. Abdel-Sattar, E., EL-Maraghy, S. A., El-Dine, R. S., & Rizk, S. M. (2017). Antihyperglycemic activity of Caralluma quadrangula in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Bulletin of Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, 55(2), 269–272. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bfopcu.2017.07.002
  9. Kell, G., Rao, A., & Katsikitis, M. (2019). A randomised placebo controlled clinical trial on the efficacy of Caralluma fimbriata supplement for reducing anxiety and stress in healthy adults over eight weeks. Journal of Affective Disorders, 246, 619–626. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2018.12.062)