In an effort to combat obesity, Americans have turned to a variety of supplements and diet routines. One group of supplements commonly used are plant supplements, or botanicals. According to the definition outlined by Congress in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act, a botanical must meet the following criteria to be labeled as a dietary supplement: It must be intended to supplement the diet; it must contain one or more dietary ingredients such as vitamins or minerals; must be in pill, capsule or liquid form for oral consumption; and must be labeled as a dietary supplement on the front panel of the package.
Forms and Preparations
Plant supplements, or botanicals, also come in fresh or dried forms and as liquid or solid extracts. Common preparations include teas --- also known as infusions --- where the fresh botanicals are steeped in boiling water and consumed either hot or cold --- and decoctions, which entail a longer simmering time to forcefully extract the desired nutrients. Tinctures, providing high concentrations of the botanical, are created by soaking the botanical in a solution of alcohol and water. Extracts are formulated by soaking the plant in liquids that remove specific chemicals. The liquid is then sold as is or dried for use in capsules and tablets.
Appetite Suppressants
The most common use of plant supplements in weight loss plans is as an appetite suppressant. One plant supplement, purported to reduce caloric intake in its users, is Hoodia. P57 is the term for the molecule in Hoodia that appears to suppress appetite and was patented and licensed to a Phytopharm, a British pharmaceutical company. Phytopharm claims that P57 acts in a manner similar to glucose, sending a message that your body is full. Ephedrine, found in many asthma medications and the key ingredient in making methamphetamine, is another common appetite suppressant. Pyruvate or pyruvic acid, found foods such as red apples and cheese, is also purported to reduce appetite.
Dietary Fibers
Glucomannan, a dietary fiber, has been used in East Asia for more than a thousand years. Obtained from the konjac plant, glucomannan fiber decreases appetite due to its propensity to hold water. Its use delays emptying of the bowels and slows glucose delivery to the intestines. Guar gum, harvested from the Indian cluster bean, is a thickening agent that acts much like glucomannan in creating a feeling of fullness.
Dieuretics or Carthartics
Diuretics, such as dandelion and guarana, purport to stimulate weight loss through the elimination of excess water. Aloe, a cathartic, is used to promote bowel movements and to act as an "internal cleanser" for the digestive tract.
Warnings
While the weight loss claims of herbal or plant supplements is not verified, such dietary additives are not without risk. Some of the diuretic or cathartic supplements can cause diarrhea, abdominal cramping or nausea. Appetite suppressants, which act much like methamphetamine, may cause irregular heartbeat, insomnia, nervousness, seizures and even death. The "all natural" claim of botanicals gives the user the illusion that the supplements are "safer" than prescribed remedies. Lack of regulation, specifically labeling laws, makes it impossible to be sure exactly what you are getting.
Consult your doctor before beginning any plant supplement regimen, as some herbal ingredients have an adverse interaction with prescribed medications.
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