An Overview of Common Medicinal Plants in the Control of Obesity Based on Clinical Experiences: Narrative Review of RCTs

Abstract

Obesity is a global health concern associated with various comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. Traditional interventions such as lifestyle modifications and pharmacotherapy, often have limited success due to side effects and poor patient adherence. Recently, interest in medicinal plants as alternative treatments for obesity has increased, driven by their potential effectiveness and lower risk of adverse effects. This review aimed to evaluate the efficacy and mechanisms of common medicinal plants used to manage obesity, focusing on appetite suppression and weight loss, as evidenced by clinical experiences and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, with keywords including “obesity,” “appetite suppression,” “medicinal plants,” and “clinical trial.” Studies evaluating the anti-obesity effects of medicinal plants were selected based on efficacy and safety. Several medicinal plants, including Garcinia cambogia, green tea, fenugreek, and Phaseolus vulgaris, were identified, which have shown promising results in reducing appetite, improving metabolic parameters, and promoting weight loss in clinical trials. However, some studies reported inconsistent or minimal effects, indicating a need for further investigation. Medicinal plants offer a promising alternative for obesity management due to their potential therapeutic benefits and lower side effects. However, long-term, well-designed RCTs are necessary to confirm their clinical applications and to optimize dosages for effective weight management.

Keywords: Obesity, Appetite suppression, Medicinal plants, Antioxidant, Bioactive molecules, Metabolic syndrome