Wednesday May 21, 2014 (foodconsumer.org) -- In the Jan 2014 issue of the research journal Obesity, a Korean study suggests taking a heat-processed Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract for 12 weeks can significantly induce weight loss and fat loss in overweight individuals with body mass index between 25 kg/m2 and 30 kg/m2.

Soo-Wan Chae at Chonbuk National University, Medical School in Jeonju, Republic of Korea and colleagues conducted the small clinical trial and found the group of subjects assigned to take 450 mg per day of actiponin, a component found in heat-treated G. pentaphyllum extract for 12 weeks experienced a significant decrease in total abdominal fat area, body weight, body fat mass, body fat, and body mass index, compared with those who did not take the supplement.

The tested Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract was prepared as follows:

A 50% ethanol solution was used to extract active ingredients from Gynostemma pentaphyllum, and the extract was then vacuum concentrated and heated at 121 oC for four hours and then spray dried.  The tablet was prepared in a way to contain 225 mg of actiponin per tablet.  A total of 450 mg per day of actiponin was given to test subjects.

For the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 80 overweight individuals with body mass index between 25 and 30 kg/m2 who were otherwise free of any diagnosed diseases.  Half participants were assigned to take 450 mg of actiponin per day and controls were assigned to take placebo for a period of 12 weeks.

No clinically significant side effects or adverse effects were observed in those taking the Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract.

Gynostemma pentaphyllum is commonly found and used as a herbal medicine in Southern Korea, Southern China, Northern Vietnam, and Japan.  In China, this herbal medicine is called Jiaogulan.  

The herb possesses powerful antioxidant and adaptogenic properties and is commonly used in China to increase longevity.  Studies show that Jaiogulan lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, and strengthen immunity and inhibit tumor developments.

The authors suggest that garcinia cambogia is ineffective in treating obesity and Gynostemma pentaphyllum extract may be an effective alternative to Garcinia Cambogia for weight loss. (David LIu)