Weight loss and delayed gastric emptying following a South American herbal preparation in overweight patients.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Individual randomized controlled trial
PubMed 11424516 · doi:10.1046/j.1365-277x.2001.00290.x
What was done
The study evaluated a mixed herbal preparation (YGD) containing Yerba Maté (Ilex paraguariensis), Guarana (Paullinia cupana), and Damiana (Turnera diffusa var. aphrodisiaca). Gastric emptying was measured via ultrasound in 7 healthy volunteers taking YGD or placebo capsules with apple juice. Body weight was assessed in 44 overweight patients receiving 3 YGD or placebo capsules before each meal for 10 days. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel trial, 47 overweight patients were evaluated for weight loss over 45 days taking 3 capsules before each main meal. Finally, 22 patients continued active treatment in an uncontrolled context for 12 months to observe weight maintenance.
What was found
Gastric emptying time was significantly prolonged with YGD compared to placebo (58 ± 15 min vs. 38 ± 7.6 min, P = 0.025). Over 10 days, weight reduction was 0.8 ± 0.05 kg with YGD compared to 0.3 ± 0.03 kg with placebo. Over 45 days, patients taking the herbal preparation lost 5.1 ± 0.5 kg compared to 0.3 ± 0.08 kg in the placebo group. In the 12-month extension with 22 patients, weight was maintained (73 kg at baseline vs. 72.5 kg at month 12).
Why it matters
This study provides evidence that a specific South American herbal combination can delay gastric emptying and induce short-term weight loss in overweight individuals in a primary care setting.
Limits
Sample sizes across each phase were small (ranging from 7 to 47 participants). The 12-month maintenance phase was uncontrolled and subject to high attrition (only 22 participants followed). Energy intake, dietary quality, satiety ratings, and body composition changes were not directly monitored.
Cited by
- context Yerba mate improves digestion.