Chinese Herbal Medicine for Obesity: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Multicenter, Prospective Trial.

Chinese Herbal Medicine for Obesity: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Multicenter, Prospective Trial. Am J Chin Med. 2014 Nov 19;:1-12 Authors: Zhou Q, Chang B, Chen XY, Zhou SP, Zhen Z, Zhang LL, Sun X, Zhou Y, Xie WQ, Liu HF, Xu Y, Kong Y, Zhou LB, Lian FM, Tong XL Abstract Obesity is a serious medical problem worldwide. As a holistic therapy, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may have a potential in obesity management. In this controlled trial, we evaluated the safety and effectiveness of Xin-Ju-Xiao-Gao-Fang (XJXGF), a TCM herbal formulation, in 140 obese subjects over a 24-week period. The XJXGF formula mainly consists of rhubarb, coptis, semen cassia, and citrus aurantium. Subjects with body mass index (BMI) 28-40 kg/m(2) were recruited at 5 centers in China. We assessed the changes in subjects' body weight, its related parameters, and the reduction of insulin resistance (IR) after administration of XJXGF formula or low-dose XJXGF (10% of the XJXGF formula, as control). After 24-week treatment, among participants in the XJXGF formula group and low-dose XJXGF group, the mean ± SE changes in the body weight were -3.58±0.48 and -1.91±0.38 kg, respectively (p < 0.01). The changes in the IR-index of two groups were -2.65±1.04 and -1.58±1.3, respectively (p < 0.05). There were no serious adverse events reported during the 24-week trial. Participants reported 7 minor adverse events, 4 in the XJXGF formula group and 3 in the l...
Source: The American Journal of Chinese Medicine - Category: Complementary Medicine Authors: Tags: Am J Chin Med Source Type: research