There is a weapon in the battle of the bulge that you may not have heard of — Gymnema sylvestre, a climbing vine native to southern India jungles. Traditionally, the extract of the plant has been used to reduce blood sugar levels by boosting the amount of insulin in the body. But it’s the research published in the Journal of Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism that explains how this extract with a funny name may help you lose weight.
Georgetown researchers set out to test the efficiency of hydoxycitric acid alone and in combination with niacin-bound chromium and a standardized Gymnema sylvestre extract on weight loss in moderately obese subjects. On their own, these substances have proven to aid weight loss: hydoxycitric acid (HCA) has been shown to reduce appetite, inhibit fat synthesis and decrease body weight without stimulating the central nervous system; niacin-bound chromium (NBC) has demonstrated its ability to maintain healthy insulin levels; and gymnema sylvestre extract (GSE) has been shown to regulate weight loss and blood sugar levels. Researchers monitored 60 moderately obese subjects who were between the ages of 21 and 50 and had a body mass index greater than 26. The study participants were separated into three groups: One was given 4667 mg of HCA, another was given a combination of 4667 mg HCA-SX, 4 mg NBC and 400 mg GSE, and another was given a placebo daily for 8 weeks. All subjects consumed a 2000-calorie diet each day and participated in a supervised walking program. The researchers monitored changes in body weight, body mass index (BMI), appetite, and other fat profiles.
At the end of the study, researchers concluded that optimal doses of hydoxycitric acid and, to a greater degree, the combination of hydoxycitric acid, niacin-bound chromium and gymnema sylvestre extract can serve as an effective and safe weight-loss formula that can facilitate a reduction in excess body weight and BMI, while promoting healthy blood lipid levels. But it is important to note that this weapon doesn’t shoot magic bullets. As this study shows, positive results didn’t just occur from supplementation, but by pairing it with a sensible eating and exercise plan.
Source: Preuss HG, Bagchi D, Bagchi M, Rao CV, Dey DK, Satyanarayana S. Effects of a natural extract of (-)-hydroxycitric acid (HCA-SX) and a combination of HCA-SX plus niacin-bound chromium and Gymnema sylvestre extract on weight loss. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2004 May;6(3):171-80.
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