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# Novel herbal supplement fights obesity
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/novel_herbal_supplement_fights_obesity_1122130727/
- Published: 2013-11-22T20:26:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T16:26:44.000Z
- Description: In an industry-sponsored trial of 60 obese men and women, those taking 400 mg of a Sphaeranthus indicus and Garcinia mangostana blend twice daily for eight weeks lost 3.74 kg on average and cut waist circumference by 5.44 cm, more than placebo.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Nutrition, #vivvo-import

Friday Nov 22, 2013 (foodconsumer.org) -- In the journal Obesity, a study shows taking a novel herbal supplement made of extracts from Sphaeranthus indicus and Garcinia mangostana caused weight loss significantly in obese people.

J. S. Stern and colleagues conducted the randomized, double-blind clinical trial sponsored by the InterHealth Nutraceuticals Inc. and found obese participants who took the herbal blend with extracts from Sphaeranthus indicus and Garcinia mangostana for eight weeks lost an average 3.74 kg of body weight and lowered body mass index by 1.61 kg/m2.

Enrolled in the study were 60 men and women with BMI between 30 and 40 kg/m2 (severe overweight or obesity). Participants were randomly assigned to take either 400 mg herbal supplement capsules or placebo twice a day. All participants used a standard diet with 2,000 kcal per day and walked 30 min a day five days a week.

At the end of the 8-week dietary intervention, those receiving the herbal supplement also reduced waist circumference by 5.44 cm in addition to weight loss and reduction in body mass index, compared with controls.

The herbal supplement was well tolerated and adverse events were mild and were found equally in both obese groups.

The study concluded "Supplementation with the herbal blend resulted in a greater degree of weight loss than placebo over 8 weeks" in obese people.

Sphaeranthus indicus may provide protection against hepatotoxicity, enhancement of physical performance and energy level and treatment of metabolic syndrome, according to other studies. 

Garcinia mangostana has antibacterial activities and can fight helicobacter pylori, a stomach cancer causing pathogen and breast cancer. Carcinia cambogia (hydroxycitric acid) another type of Carcinia is a potential anti-obesity agent. (David Liu PHD)