Sunday, September 23, 2012

Caralluma May Control Appetite As An Aid To Weight Control

By Daloza Rio


Caralluma is a genus of succulent plants in the same family as the familiar cactus. The genus contains 120 different plant species. The name, 'caralluma', is based on the Arabic word for 'abscess' or 'flesh wound' and is a reference to the floral fragrance. C. Edulis may be eaten as a vegetable. Other species, many of which grow in Africa', are valued for their medicinal uses, such as Caralluma fimbriata (C. Fimbriata).

Caralluma fimbriata is a succulent plant, similar to the cactus. It has been used in India for centuries as an appetite suppressant, weight loss properties and its ability to regulate blood sugar levels. Known as a 'famine food', C. Fimbriata grows wild and may be used in chutneys, cooked as a vegetable or even eaten raw.

According to practitioners of the traditional Indian medicine known as 'Ayurveda', the plant has no known toxicity and there are no known harmful effects of its use. Its mechanism of action is thought to be in the inhibition of specific enzymes controlling fat production; this forces the body to utilize its own fat reserves. It is also thought to act on the area of the brain that is responsible for appetite control.

C. Fimbriata is a comparatively new discovery in the west. Recently, extracts of the plant have been marketed as a weight control supplement. Product reviews suggest that it works best when used in conjunction with a reduced calorie diet and an increased exercise program.

Some minor gastrointestinal upset has been report, but this apparently settles within a week. It may also increase thirst, and users recommend increasing fluid intake.

Before making any significant changes to a diet or embarking on a new exercise program, it is strongly recommended to consult a doctor or a nurse. This advice also applies to initiating the use of supplements such as C. Fimbriata.



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