A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Trial to Determine the Effectiveness a Polyphenolic Extract (Hibiscus sabdariffa and Lippia citriodora) in the Reduction of Body Fat Mass in Healthy Subjects.

Javier Marhuenda,Nuria Caturla,María Salud Abellán,Javier López-Román,Desirée Victoria-Montesinos,Silvia Perez,Jonathan Jones

doi:10.3390/foods9010055

Abstract

The location and quantity of body fat determine the health risks, limiting people with obesity. Recently, polyphenols have attracted the attention of the scientific community because of their potential use for the reduction of obesity. A proprietary formula comprised of a blend of Lippia citriodora and Hibiscus sabdariffa has been recognized for its high content of polyphenols, powerful antioxidant molecules that may prevent weight gain and could be helpful for the treatment of obesity, as proven previously by in vivo models. The aim of the present study is to determine if the supplementation with Lippia citriodora and Hibiscus sabdariffa is useful for the treatment of obesity and/or weight control in subjects without a controlled diet. The intake of the extract for 84 days reduced body weight, the body mass index, and the fat mass measured with both bioimpedance and densitometry. This decrease in fat mass was observed to a greater extent, being significant, in the fat mass of the trunk (chest and torso).

Highlights

The etiopathogenesis of obesity relies on the ability of adipocytes to transform the excess of energy into triglycerides, operating as an energy store
Polyphenols have attracted the attention of the scientific community because of their potential use in the reduction of obesity [9]
The study consisted of a double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled clinical trial, with two

Summary

Introduction

The etiopathogenesis of obesity relies on the ability of adipocytes to transform the excess of energy into triglycerides, operating as an energy store. The excess of fatty drops in the adipocytes leads to insulin resistance, due to inflammatory responses, which limits their capacity to store the excess of energy [1]. That fact has a great impact on several metabolic and chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, arthritis, obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and type 2 diabetes associated with insulin resistance [2]. This chronic condition of inflammation has especially been related to the generation of insulin resistance. That fact, when uncontrolled, may develop into a general inflammatory response than can perpetuate the chronic disfunction of the metabolism observed in obesity [3]. Due to the interest in natural extracts over the last 20 years [4], industry is strongly committed to nutraceuticals, either as a treatment for the disease or as a preventive treatment [5]

Objectives

Methods

Conclusion