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.

Aim: The efficacy of optimal doses of highly bioavailable (–)-hydroxycitric acid (HCA-SX) alone and in combination with niacin-bound chromium (NBC) and a standardized Gymnema sylvestre extract (GSE) on weight loss in moderately obese subjects was evaluated by monitoring changes in body weight, body mass index (BMI), appetite, lipid profiles, serum leptin and excretion of urinary fat metabolites. HCA-SX has been shown to reduce appetite, inhibit fat synthesis and decrease body weight without stimulating the central nervous system. NBC has demonstrated its ability to maintain healthy insulin levels, while GSE has been shown to regulate weight loss and blood sugar levels. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human study was conducted in Elluru, India for 8weeks in 60 moderately obese subjects (ages 21–50, BMI >26kg/m 2 ). Subjects were randomly divided into three groups. Group A was administered HCA-SX 4667mg, group B was administered a combination of HCA-SX 4667mg, NBC 4mg and GSE 400mg, while group C was given placebo daily in three equally divided doses 30–60min before meals. All subjects received a 2000kcal diet/day and participated in supervised walking. Results: At the end of 8weeks, body weight and BMI decreased by 5–6% in both groups A and B. Food intake, total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins, triglycerides and serum leptin levels were significantly reduced in both groups, while high-density lipoprotein levels and excretion of urinary fat metabolites increased in both groups. A marginal or non-significant effect was observed in all parameters in group C. Conclusion: The present study shows that optimal doses of HCA-SX and, to a greater degree, the combination of HCASX, NBC and GSE 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.