Black radish and artichoke, for the reduction of Fat Mass

Abstract

Black radish(BR) (Raphanus sativus var Nigra) root has been used in folk medicine since antiquity as a natural drug for the stimulation of bile function. The traditional use of artichoke (Cynara scolymus) fluid extract (AFE) in gastroenterology is mainly based upon its strong antidyspeptic actions which are mediated by its choleretic and hepatoprotective activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of AFE and BR for the reduction of body weigth with the reduction of fat mass. A fraction containing 283,36mg artichoke fluid extract and 522,54mg black radish concentrate are administrated twice a day for seven consecutive days at fifty patients with overweigth and obesity. Participants, on average, lost 0,47kg of their initial weigth and reduced 0,55 kg in fat mass. Although there was an increased of 0,08kg in free fat mass with 0,06kg gain on total body water. This results suggest that black radish and artichoke fluid extract may contribute significantly to weight loss treatment with a reduction on fat mass. However a healthy diet and a regular pratice of exercise do not be excluded in accompaniment to the body weight loss.