Caralluma is an edible cactus with a variety of species found in the dry regions of Asia, the southern Mediterranean, the Near East and Africa. People of these countries have used their local species of Caralluma for health benefits for centuries. Researchers in India, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have tested the Caralluma plant to determine its health benefits, with some promising results.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Caralluma arabica is a species found growing in the wild in United Arab Emirates. In 2001, a group from the Ministry of Health in Abu Dhabi evaluated both oral and topical application of extract from C. arabica at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg for anti-inflammatory properties in rats. Results found the extracts in all models studied showed significant anti-inflammatory properties, supporting its traditional use in treating painful and inflammatory conditions.
Anti-Diabetic Effect
The people of Asir region of Saudi Arabia consume their local species, Caralluma sinaica, due to its glucose-lowering effect. Researchers in Saudi Arabia published a paper in 2008 noting the results of a study that tested the effect of the plant extracts on oral glucose tolerance tests in diabetic rabbits. Test subjects receiving 100 mg/kg of Caralluma by mouth had significantly lower glucose load at all points of blood sampling compared to placebo group. This study highlights the promise of the plant for use in managing diabetes.
Appetite Suppressant
Tribes in India use Caralluma fimbriata to suppress hunger and enhance endurance. In 2006, the Division of Nutrition at St. John's National Academy of Health Sciences in Bangalore, India, assessed the effects of using 1g of C. fimbriata extract in 50 overweight adults against a placebo group for 60 days. Waist circumference and hunger levels showed a significant decline in the experimental group compared to the placebo group. There was no significant difference between groups with regard to weight, body mass index, hip circumference, body fat and energy intake. This study provided support for the use of Caralluma extract as an appetite suppressant, but found that the supplement did not have a significant impact on weight loss.
Safety
Indian tribes have consumed Caralluma daily for centuries as a vegetable. People use it during famines to decrease appetite and as a thirst quencher. The Indian Health Ministry has included C. fimbriata on a list of medicinal plants as a vegetable eaten raw or used in pickles and curries. There are no known adverse side effects or toxicity levels.
Warning
While the Caralluma plant has been consumed safely for centuries, little is known about the safety and effectiveness of Caralluma supplement use. Consult your physician before taking any supplement.
References
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of Caralluma Arabica; MN Zakaria, MW Islam, R Radhakrishnan, HB Chen, M Kamil, AN Al-Gifri, K Chan, A Al-Attas; July 2001
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Antidiabetic effect of alcoholic extract of Caralluma sinaica L. on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rabbit; M Habibuddin, HA Daghriri, T Humaira, MS Al Qahtani, AA Hefzi; May 2008
- "Appetite"; Effect of Caralluma fimbriata extract on appetite, food intake and anthrometry in adult Indian men and women; R Kuriyan, T Raj, SK Srinivas, M Vaz, R Rajendran, AV Kurpad; May 2007
- FDA: Caralluma fimbriata - A new dietary supplement in weight management strategies
