Chinese medicine for weight loss research
The role of chemical fingerprinting: application to
Ephedra
Brian T. Schaneberga, Sara Crockettb, Erdal Bedira and Ikhlas A. Khan, , a, b
a National Center for Natural Products Research, Research Institute of
Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, The University of Mississippi,
University, MS 38677, USA
b Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, The University of
Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
Ephedra sinica, known as Ma Huang, is one of the oldest medicinal herbs in
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Preparations, namely teas, of E. sinica have
been used for over 5000 years as a stimulant and as an antiasthmatic. In the
West, extracts of E. sinica, E. intermedia or E. equisetina are most commonly
used in dietary supplements as a stimulant and to promote weight loss. More than
50 species of Ephedra are native to both hemispheres, but the detection of
ephedrine alkaloids has been limited to species in Eurasia. Currently, methods
exist to quantitate the ephedrine alkaloids in extracts of plant material or
dietary supplements, but the methods are not able to verify the extract is of an
Ephedra species. Reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography with
photodiode array detection was applied for the chemical fingerprinting of the
Ephedra species. Two regions of comparison were determined in the chromatograms
at 320 nm. The series of peaks between 52 and 64 min confirms an Ephedra species
is being analyzed. The aforementioned peaks also could distinguish between
Ephedra species from Eurasia, North America and South America. Peaks at ca. 57
and 59 min were isolated and determined to be two new compounds,
4-(2-eicosyloxycarbonyl-vinyl)-benzoic acid and
4-(2-docosyloxycarbonyl-vinyl)-benzoic acid respectively. Authentication of
ground plant material as Ephedra can be achieved by this chemical fingerprinting
method. J Med Food. 2006 Winter;9(4):451-8.
Green tea extract thermogenesis-induced weight loss by epigallocatechin gallate
inhibition of catechol-O-methyltransferase.
Shixian Q, VanCrey B, Shi J, Kakuda Y, Jiang Y.
South China Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.
Epidemiological studies have shown that intake of tea catechins is associated
with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The antioxidative activity of
tea-derived catechins has been extensively studied. Reports have shown that
green tea extract intake is associated with increased weight loss due to
diet-induced thermogenesis, which is generally attributed to the catechin
epigallocatechin gallate. That catechin-polyphenols are known to be capable of
inhibiting catechol-O-methyltransferase (the enzyme that degrades norepinephrine)
is a possible explanation for why the green tea extract is effective in
stimulating thermogenesis wieght loss by epigallocatechin gallate to augment and prolong
sympathetic stimulation of thermogenesis. Knowledge about thermogenesis-induced
weight loss produced by green tea's epigallocatechin gallate and its ability to
inhibit catechol-O-methyltransferase is important for health benefits and for
prolonging the action of norepinephrine in the synaptic cleft.
Body fat loss achieved by stimulation of thermogenesis
by a combination of bioactive food ingredients: a placebo-controlled,
double-blind 8-week intervention in obese subjects.
Belza A, Frandsen E, Kondrup J.
Department of Human Nutrition, Centre for Advanced Food Studies, The Royal
Veterinary and Agricultural University, Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
BACKGROUND: A combination of tyrosine, capsaicin, catechines and caffeine may
stimulate the sympathetic nervous system and promote satiety, lipolysis and
thermogenesis. In addition, dietary calcium may increase fecal fat excretion.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the acute and subchronic effect of a supplement
containing the above mentioned agents or placebo taken t.i.d on thermogenesis,
body fat loss and fecal fat excretion. DESIGN: In total, 80 overweight-obese
subjects ((body mass index) 31.2+/-2.5 kg/m(2), mean+/-s.d.) underwent an
initial 4-week hypocaloric diet (3.4 MJ/day). Those who lost>4% body weight were
instructed to consume a hypocaloric diet (-1.3 MJ/day) and were randomized to
receive either placebo (n=23) or bioactive supplement (n=57) in a double-blind,
8-week intervention. The thermogenic effect of the compound was tested at the
first and last day of intervention, and blood pressure, heart rate, body weight
and composition were assessed. RESULTS: Weight loss during the induction phase
was 6.8+/-1.9 kg. At the first exposure the thermogenic effect of the bioactive
supplement exceeded that of placebo by 87.3 kJ/4 h (95%CI: 50.9;123.7, P=0.005)
and after 8 weeks this effect was sustained (85.5 kJ/4 h (47.6;123.4), P=0.03).
Body fat mass decreased more in the supplement group by 0.9 kg (0.5; 1.3)
compared with placebo (P<0.05). The bioactive supplement had no effect on fecal
fat excretion, blood pressure or heart rate. CONCLUSION: The bioactive
supplement increased 4-h thermogenesis by 90 kJ more than placebo, and the
effect was maintained after 8 weeks and accompanied by a slight reduction in fat
mass. These bioactive components may support weight maintenance after a
hypocaloric diet.
Physiol Behav. 2006 Jan 30;87(1):185-91. Epub 2005 Nov
7.
Metabolic effects of green tea and of phases of weight loss.
Diepvens K, Kovacs EM, Vogels N, Westerterp-Plantenga MS.
Maastricht University, Department of Human Biology, P.O. Box 616 NL-6200 MD,
Maastricht, The Netherlands. K.Diepvens atHB.Unimaas.NL
The effect of ingestion of green tea (GT) extract along with a low-energy diet
(LED) on health-related blood parameters, and the relationships among changes in
metabolic parameters and phases of weight loss were assessed. A double-blind,
placebo-controlled, parallel design was used. 46 female subjects (BMI 27.7+/-1.8
kg/m(2)) were fed in energy balance from days 1 to 3, followed by a LED with GT
(n=23) or placebo (PLAC, n=23) from days 4 to 87. The LED-period consisted of a
phase 1 of 4 weeks (days 4-32) followed by a phase 2 of 8 weeks (days 32-87).
Body composition and fasting blood samples were determined on days 4, 32 and 87.
No significant differences were observed between the blood parameters of the
PLAC and GT group. In phase 1 compared to phase 2 the rate of weight loss was
0.09+/-0.05 kg/day vs. 0.03+/-0.03 kg/day (p<0.001); Fat free mass (FFM) was 21%
of weight loss in phase 1 vs. 7% in phase 2 (ns). Surprisingly, favourable
changes in free fatty acids, triacylglycerol, beta-hydroxybutyrate, glucose and
total cholesterol in phase 1 were reversed in phase 2 (p<0.01). Taken together,
GT supplementation during a LED had no effect on health-related blood
parameters. Initial improvements in several blood measures at day 32 were
reversed by day 87, despite continued weight loss. Modest weight loss improved
HDL cholesterol and blood pressure.
Weight reduction by Chinese medicinal herbs(chinese
products for weight loss) may be
related to inhibition of fatty acid synthase
Wei-Xi Tian a, , , Li-Chun Li a, Xiao-Dong Wu a and Chuan-Chu Chen b
a Department of Biology, the Graduate School of Chinese Academy of Sciences,
Beijing 100039, PR China
b Chinese Traditional Medicine Institute of China, Beijing 100700, PR China
Fatty acid synthase (EC 2. 3. 1. 85, abbr. FAS) is reported as a potential new
therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity. Thirty one Chinese medicinal
herbs used in weight reducing prescriptions of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
were investigated for FAS inhibition. It was found that 17 of these herbs
exhibited FAS inhibitor activity, and 9 were highly potent FAS inhibitors. The
inhibitory potencies of the active components of tuber fleeceflower root,
parasitic loranthus, green tea leaf and ginkgo leaf were similar to or greater
than cerulenin and C75. The first three of these four herbs significantly
show weight loss of rats upon their oral incubation. Moreover, tuber
fleeceflower root and parasitic loranthus significantly reduced food intake in
rats. These results indicate that many of weight reducing herbs used in TCM do
so by inhibiting FAS. They also hold promise for the development of new nontoxic
and low cost weight loss substances from these herbs.
J AOAC Int. 2005 May-Jun;88(3):707-13.
Macroscopic and microscopic authentication of Chinese and North American species
of Ephedra.
Joshi VC, Khan I.
University of Mississippi, National Center for Natural Products Research,
University, MS 38677, USA.
Ephedra sinica Stapf or Ma Huang has been used in traditional Chinese medicine
for over 5000 years as a bronchodilating and stimulatory agent. In the West, it
is popularly used in dietary supplements for weight loss and to enhance athletic
performance. Adverse events have been reported following consumption of dietary
supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids. There are about 50 known species of
Ephedra. The ratio of ephedrine to other alkaloids varies from species to
species; all North American species lack alkaloids. The method commonly used in
the dietary supplement industry for botanical authentication is to analyze the
product for the presence of chemical markers known to be present in the specific
herb. However, this method does not ensure that the product contains authentic
herb, especially if it has been spiked with chemical marker compounds. In the
trade and raw drug market, Ephedra is available in the form of stem cuttings or
powders, without any vouchers, thus making identification of the species
difficult. Using light microscopy, we can detect the presence of Ephedra herb,
even in powder form, and identify within certain limits its geographical origin.
Identification of Chinese and North American species of Ephedra has been made
easier by developing a key using leaf and internode length as key identification
characters.
Prim Care. 2003 Jun;30(2):441-63.
Herbal preparations for obesity(weight loss): are they useful?
Heber D.
UCLA Center for Human Nutrition, University of California, 900 Veteran Avenue,
Room 12-217, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1742, USA.
The opportunities for additional research in this area are plentiful.
Unfortunately, there has been relatively limited funding for research on herbal
supplements compared with the amount of funding that is available for research
on pharmaceuticals. Botanical dietary supplements often contain complex mixtures
of phytochemicals that have additive or synergistic interactions. For example,
the tea catechins include a group of related compounds with effects that are
demonstrable beyond those that are seen with epigallocatechin gallate, the most
potent catechin. The metabolism of families of related compounds may be
different than the metabolism of purified crystallized compounds. In some cases,
herbal medicines may simply be less purified forms of single active ingredients,
but in other cases they represent unique formulations of multiple, related
compounds that may have superior safety and efficacy compared with single
ingredients. Obesity is a global epidemic, and traditional herbal medicines may
have more acceptance than prescription drugs in many cultures with emerging
epidemics of obesity. Several ethnobotanical studies found herbal treatments for
diabetes, and similar surveys, termed bioprospecting, for obesity treatments may
be productive. Beyond increasing thermogenesis, there are other biological
rationales for the actions of several different alternative medical and herbal
approaches to weight loss. For example, several supplements and herbs claim to
result in nutrient partitioning so that ingested calories will be directed to
muscle, rather than fat. These include an herb (Garcinia cambogia), and a lipid
which is the product of bacterial metabolism (conjugated linoleic acid).
Moreover, a series of approaches attempt to physically affect gastric satiety by
filling the stomach. Fiber swells after ingestion and has was found to result in
increased satiety. A binding resin (Chitosan) has the ability to precipitate fat
in the laboratory and is touted for its ability to bind fat in the intestines so
that it is not absorbed. In double-blind studies, however, this approach was
found to be ineffective. There are two key attractions of alternative treatments
to obese patients. First, they are viewed as being natural and are assumed by
patients to be safer than prescription drugs. Second, there is no perceived need
for professional assistance with these approaches. For obese individuals who
cannot afford to see a physician, these approaches often represent a more
accessible solution. Finally, for many others, these approaches represent
alternatives to failed attempts at weight loss with the use of more conventional
approaches. These consumers are often discouraged by previous failures, and are
likely to combine approaches or use these supplements at doses higher than are
recommended. It is vital that the primary care physician is aware of the herbal
preparations that are being used by patients so that any potential interaction
with prescription drugs or underlying medical conditions can be anticipated.
Unfortunately, there have been several instances where unscrupulous profiteers
have plundered the resources of the obese public. Although Americans spend $30
billion per year on weight loss aids, our regulatory and monitoring capability
as a society are woefully inadequate. Without adequate resources, the FDA
resorted to "guilt by association" adverse events reporting, which often results
in the loss of potentially helpful therapies without adequate investigation of
the real causes of the adverse events that are reported. Scientific
investigations of herbal and alternative therapies represent a potentially
important source for new discoveries in obesity treatment and prevention.
Cooperative interactions in research between the Office of Dietary Supplements,
the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and the FDA
could lead to major advances in research on the efficacy and safety of the most
promising of these alternative approaches for weight loss.
Effect of an herbal extract Number Ten (NT) on body weight in rats.
York DA, Thomas S, Greenway FL, Liu Z, Rood JC.
Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University System, Baton
Rouge, Louisiana 70808, USA.
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Chinese herbal extract Number Ten (NT) is a dietary herbal
formulation prepared from rhubarb, ginger, astragalus, red sage and tumeric.
This study tested the effectiveness of NT in reducing body weight gain in rats.
METHODS: Sixty female Wistar rats were fed a high fat diet and acclimated to
gavage feeding. The rats were divided into five treatment groups: (1) Control (n
= 15); (2) NT-H (n = 15), 1.5 g/day; (3) NT-L (n = 10), 0.75 g/day; (4) Pr-fed (n
= 10), pair fed to NT-H; (5) d-FF (n = 10), d-fenfluramine 2 mg/kg. Ten rats per
group were sacrificed on day 56. Weight, food intake, clinical chemistry and
body composition were evaluated. Five animals in the control and 1.5 g/day NT
groups were left untreated during a two week recovery period. RESULTS: The 0.75
g/day NT, 1.5 g/day NT, d-fenfluramine and pair fed groups gained 24.6%, 33.3%,
12.3% and 33.3% less than the control respectively (P < 0.0006). Leptin
decreased 27.5% to 46.2% in the treatment groups vs. control (P < 0.009).
Parametrial fat decreased 14.1% to 55.5% in the NT and pair fed groups vs.
control (P < 0.006). The NT groups had soft stools, loss of hair around the
mouth and coloration to the urine and stool without evidence of blood or
bilirubin (attributed to chromogens in NT). There were no differences between
groups in the clinical chemistry. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the
efficacy of NT in reducing weight gain in rodents.
Evaluation
of internet websites marketing herbal weight-loss supplements to
consumers.
Jordan MA, Haywood T.
Midwestern University, College of Pharmacy-Glendale, Glendale, AZ 85308,
USA.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality and
quantity of drug information available to consumers on Internet websites
marketing herbal weight-loss dietary supplements in the United States.
METHODS: We conducted an Internet search using the search engines Yahoo
and Google and the keywords "herbal weight loss." Website content was
evaluated for the presence of active/inactive ingredient names and
strengths and other Food and Drug Administration (FDA) labeling
requirements. Information related to drug safety for the most common
herbal ingredients in the products evaluated was compared against
standard herbal drug information references. RESULTS: Thirty-two (32)
websites were evaluated for labeling requirements and safety
information. All sites listed an FDA disclaimer statement and most sites
(84.4%) listed active ingredients, although few listed strengths or
inactive ingredients. Based on the drug information for the most common
ingredients found in the weight-loss dietary supplements evaluated,
potential contraindications for cardiovascular conditions,
pregnancy/nursing, and high blood pressure were listed most frequently
(73%, 65.5%, and 37%, respectively), whereas few websites listed
potential drug interactions or adverse reactions. CONCLUSIONS: Potential
hazards posed by dietary supplements may not be accurately, if at all,
represented on Internet websites selling these products. Since consumers
may not approach their physicians or pharmacists for information
regarding use of dietary supplements in weight loss, it becomes
necessary for health care providers to actively engage their patients in
open discussion regarding the use, benefits, and hazards of dietary
supplements.
Effect of
an herbal extract Number Ten (NT) on body weight in rats.
York DA, Thomas S, Greenway FL, Liu Z, Rood JC.
Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University
System, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808, USA.
ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Chinese herbal extract Number Ten (NT) is a
dietary herbal formulation prepared from rhubarb, ginger, astragalus,
red sage and tumeric. This study tested the effectiveness of NT in
reducing body weight gain in rats. METHODS: Sixty female Wistar rats
were fed a high fat diet and acclimated to gavage feeding. The rats were
divided into five treatment groups: (1) Control (n = 15); (2) NT-H (n =
15), 1.5 g/day; (3) NT-L (n = 10), 0.75 g/day; (4) Pr-fed (n = 10), pair
fed to NT-H; (5) d-FF (n = 10), d-fenfluramine 2 mg/kg. Ten rats per
group were sacrificed on day 56. Weight, food intake, clinical chemistry
and body composition were evaluated. Five animals in the control and 1.5
g/day NT groups were left untreated during a two week recovery period.
RESULTS: The 0.75 g/day NT, 1.5 g/day NT, d-fenfluramine and pair fed
groups gained 24.6%, 33.3%, 12.3% and 33.3% less than the control
respectively (P < 0.0006). Leptin decreased 27.5% to 46.2% in the
treatment groups vs. control (P < 0.009). Parametrial fat decreased
14.1% to 55.5% in the NT and pair fed groups vs. control (P < 0.006).
The NT groups had soft stools, loss of hair around the mouth and
coloration to the urine and stool without evidence of blood or bilirubin
(attributed to chromogens in NT). There were no differences between
groups in the clinical chemistry. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated
the efficacy of NT in reducing weight gain in rodents.
Anti-obesity drug use before professional treatment in Taiwan.
Liou TH, Wu CH, Chien HC, Lin WY, Lee WJ, Chou P.
Community Medicine Research Center and Institute of Public Health,
National Yang Ming University, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan.
Between July 2004 and June 2005, a cross-sectional study was performed
to determine the prevalence and patterns of anti-obesity medicine use
among subjects seeking obesity treatment in Taiwan. Eighteen obesity
outpatient clinics were selected via a random stratified sampling method
and 1,060 first-visit clients (791 females and 269 males) aged above 18
years were enrolled and then completed a self-administered
questionnaire. The prevalence of anti-obesity medicine use was 50.8%;
more females than male used anti-obesity medicines (53.6% vs. 42.4%). Of
the 1,060 subjects, 17.1% had used orlistat, 21.1% had taken sibutramine,
and 18.3% had utilized un-proven drugs such as cocktail therapy and
other anti-obesity drugs. Furthermore, 23.6% and 22.4% of subjects
indicated that they concurrently used Chinese herbal preparations and
dietary supplements, respectively. Logistic regression analyses
demonstrated that the odds ratio (OR) for anti-obesity medicine use was
substantially higher in females (OR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.3-2.6), those aged
18-24 years (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.0-2.6), those with a body mass index
(BMI) >35 kg/m2 (OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 2.1-5.7) and respondents concurrently
using Chinese herbal preparations (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2-2.4) and dietary
supplements (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.6-3.1). In conclusion, the prevalence of
anti-obesity drugs use is high among Taiwanese adults before they seek
obesity treatment. Young, obese females, and those who had taken Chinese
herbal preparations/dietary supplements had a high likelihood to report
using anti-obesity medicines. Use of unproven weight-loss drugs is
common and warrants further investigation.
A
comparison of weight-control behaviors in African American and Caucasian
women.
Annunziato RA, Lee JN, Lowe MR.
Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, New York, NY
10029, USA.
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to examine whether
there are overall differences in help-seeking, in specific weight
control behaviors used, and in predictors of seeking professional help
for weight loss between African American and Caucasian women. DESIGN:
Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Participants were recruited from
community sources in Philadelphia. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred twenty
female participants were studied. Of these, 58% were African American.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants completed a packet of measures
assessing weight-control behaviors, body mass index, co-morbid medical
conditions, socioeconomic status, disordered eating behavior, and body
image. RESULTS: Caucasian women were significantly more likely to be
classified as high help-seekers than were African American women, X2 =
4.27, P = .04. Caucasian women were more likely to use commercial weight
loss programs, X2 = 4.25, P = .04, while African American women were
more likely to try herbal supplements for weight control, X2 = 6.21, P =
.01. Higher scores on a measure of body image, responsiveness to the
food environment, and the disinhibition and hunger subscales of the
Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ) predicted seeking professional
help for Caucasian women only. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that
African American and Caucasian women differ in overall weight-control
efforts as well as in specific behaviors used. Furthermore, interactions
were found between some factors associated with help-seeking and
ethnicity. A better understanding of how available programs could be
augmented to address the needs of African American and other minority
groups is necessary.
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