Effects of Citrus aurantium extract, caffeine, and St. John's Wort on body fat loss, lipid levels, and mood states in overweight healthy adults

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of Citrus aurantium extract (an indirect beta-sympathicomimetic agent), caffeine, and St. John's Wort on body composition, metabolic variables, plasma lipid levels, and mood states in overweight healthy adults. In a double-masked, randomized, placebo-controlled study, 23 subjects with a body-mass index >25 kg/m 2 were assigned to 1 of 3 groups. Group A received C aurantium extract 975 mg, caffeine 528 mg, and St. John's Wort 900 mg daily; group B received a maltodextrin placebo; and group C received nothing and served as the control group. For 6 weeks, subjects were instructed by a registered dictitian on how to follow an 1800-kcal/d American Heart Association Step One diet and performed a 3-day/week circuit training exercise program under the supervision of an exercise physiologist. During the exercise sessions, subjects achicved approximately 70% of age-predicted maximum heart rate. Compared with subjects in the placebo and control groups, subjects in the treatment group lost a significant amount of body weight (1.4 kg). They also lost a significant amount of body fat (an average change of 2.9%). In terms of actual fat loss, group A lost a significant amount (3.1 kg), whereas the control group demonstrated a tendency toward fat loss. No significant changes were noted in the results of the Profile of Mood States questionnaire for fatigue or vigor in any of the 3 groups. Group A expericnced a decrease, which did not reach statistical significance, of both plasma cholesterol and triglycerides. No significant changes in blood pressure, heart rate, electrocardiographic findings, serum chemistrics, or urinalysis findings were noted in any of the groups. Based on these results, it was concluded that the combination of C aurantium extract, caffeine, and St. John's Wort is safe and effective when combined with mild caloric restriction and exercise for promoting both body weight and fat loss in healthy overweight adults.