Chapter 17 - Nutraceuticals for weight loss

Abstract

This chapter describes a number of nutraceuticals that have been proposed as therapies for obesity and associated metabolic disorders. Functional foods are not specifically addressed. Each section of the chapter is divided into an evaluation of the “proof of concept” studies that purport to demonstrate efficacy, an examination of the claimed modes and mechanisms of action of each nutraceutical and, where available, a brief discussion of any identified key adverse effects. Nutraceutical agents covered include: curcumin, Lagenaria siceraria (bottle gourd), Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek), Emblica officinalis (Indian gooseberry), Murraya koenigii (curry tree), Vigna sp. (black gram), Camellia sinensis (tea), Hibiscus sabdariffa, Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort), avocado, capsicum, and rosemary. While potential nutraceutical products and ingredients continue to be a frequent source of “proof of concept” scientific publications, high-quality human clinical trial data are often lacking. Substantial translational scientific work is still needed for many nutraceuticals in terms of assessing their safety properties and demonstrating their efficacy in humans.