Certain ingredients found in popular herbal weight loss products have allegedly been purported to help you shed extra pounds. While many of these herbs may have some weight-reduction properties, they may also produce side effects in some people or interact with other medications. If you decide to try an herbal weight loss product, get the go-ahead from your doctor first. Remember, too, that permanent weight loss is the reward of a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Guarana
Also known as Brazilian cocoa, guarana is a vine that thrives in the Amazon rainforest. Natives of the region have long used the herb as a weight-loss aide. It seems likely that its thermogenic effects are due to the presence of significant amounts of stimulatory chemicals. Specifically, the "Physicians' Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines" lists the chief compounds in guarana as theobromine and caffeine, chemicals that lend stimulating properties to chocolate and coffee, respectively.
Due to the stimulating effects of guarana, people with a known sensitivity to caffeine or a history of high blood pressure should not take this herb. According to an article published in the "Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy" in 2002, a case of premature ventricular contraction was associated with two herbal supplements containing high doses of guarana. Guarana may also enhance the effects of blood-thinning medications, which may increase the risk of bleeding.
Green Tea
According to Margriet Westerterp-Plantenga, PhD., green tea contains agents that suppress the activity of two enzymes called catechol O-methyl-transferase and phosphodiesterase. In an article published in the April 26, 2010 edition of "Physiology and Behavior," Westerterp-Plantenga surmised that the inhibition of these enzymes stimulates metabolism and the oxidation of fats.
The University of Maryland Medical Center cautions that you should not use green tea as a weight loss supplement if you have peptic ulcers, heart disease, kidney disease or an anxiety-related disorder. Green tea may also interact with a number of prescription medications, including certain antibiotics, anti-depressants, heart and blood pressure medications and chemotherapy agents. In addition, oral contraceptives tend to retard the elimination of caffeine from the body, which may increase the stimulating effect of green tea.
Yerba Mate
This South American shrub and member of the holly family is prepared as an infusion, a beverage otherwise known locally as "mate." Like guarana, yerba mate contains considerable amounts of caffeine, theobromine and theophylline. Collectively, these compounds allegedly contribute to weight loss by increasing the burning of fats for energy. A team of Brazilian scientists observed this effect in mice fed a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. In the December 17, 2009 issue of "Obesity," lead researcher D.P. Arçari reported that the rats treated with yerba mate demonstrated a significant decrease in the amount of fat stored in adipose tissue. In addition, the study team noted that the herb effected the expression of certain genes involved in regulating obesity.
According to Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D., a nutritionist with the Mayo Clinic, some studies indicate that long-term consumption of yerba mate preparations may increase the risk of developing cancers of the lung, esophagus or mouth. This risk is increased if you smoke.
References
- "PDR for Herbal Medicines"; Thomas Fleming, Chief Editor, et al; 2000
- "Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy"; Cardiovascular Adverse Reactions Associated with Guarana: Is There a Causal Effect?; Baghkhani L, Jafari M; 2002
- "Physiology and Behavior"; Green tea catechins, caffeine and body-weight regulation; Westerterp-Plantenga MS; April 26, 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Green Tea
- "Obesity"; Antiobesity effects of yerba maté extract (Ilex paraguariensis) in high-fat diet-induced obese mice; Arçari DP et al.; December 17, 2009
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