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An herbal supplement containing Ma Huang-Guarana for weight loss: a randomized, double-blind trial

International Journal of Obesity volume 25, pages 316–324 (2001)Cite this article

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine in overweight humans the short-term safety and efficacy for weight loss of an herbal supplement containing Ma Huang, Guarana and other ingredients.

DESIGN: An 8 week randomized, double-blind placebo controlled study of a herbal dietary supplement (72 mg/day ephedrine alkaloids and 240 mg/day caffeine).

SUBJECTS: Overweight men and women (body mass index, ≥29 and ≤35 kg/m2).

MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome variable was body weight change. Secondary variables included anthropometric, metabolic and cardiovascular changes.

RESULTS: Sixty-seven subjects were randomized to either placebo (n=32) or active Ma Huang/Guarana (n=35). Twenty-four subjects in each group completed the study. Active treatment produced significantly (P<0.006) greater loss of weight (X±s.d.,−4.0±3.4 kg) and fat (−2.1±3.0% fat) over the 8-week treatment period than did placebo (−0.8±2.4 kg and 0.2±2.3% fat). Active treatment also produced greater reductions in hip circumference and serum triglyceride levels. Eight of the 35 actively treated subjects (23%) and none of the 32 placebo-treated control subjects withdrew from the protocol because of potential treatment-related effects. Dry mouth, insomnia and headache were the adverse symptoms reported most frequently by the herbal vs placebo group at the final evaluation visit.

CONCLUSIONS: This herbal mixture of Ma Huang and Guarana effectively promoted short-term weight and fat loss. Safety with long-term use requires further investigation.

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Acknowledgements

Research support was provided by: Science Toxicology and Technology Consulting, San Francisco, CA; Metabolife Inc., San Diego, CA; and National Institutes of Health grant P30DK 26687. The authors acknowledge the following individuals for their assistance in carrying out this investigation: Stanley Heshka PhD, for the randomization procedure; Peter Hommel PhD for statistical advice; and the medical staff for physical evaluations—Abderrahmane Saddouk MD, Adbelhakim Dinar MD, Grace Marin and Renee Gabrielle.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. St Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center and Department of Medicine, Obesity Research Center, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, USA

    CN Boozer, JA Nasser, SB Heymsfield, V Wang, G Chen & JL Solomon

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  1. CN Boozer
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  2. JA Nasser
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  3. SB Heymsfield
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  4. V Wang
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  5. G Chen
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  6. JL Solomon
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Correspondence to CN Boozer.

Appendix

Appendix

Reported composition of Metabolife-356 (Metabolife Inc., San Diego, CA): Vitamin E, 6 IU; magnesium protein chelate, 75 mg; zinc chelate, 5 mg; chromium picolinate, 75 µg; proprietary blend, 728 mg; Guarana, 40 mg; Ma Huang, 12 mg; bee pollen; ginseng (root); ginger (root); damiana (leaf); sarsaparilla (root); goldenseal (aerial part); nettles (leaf); bovine complex; gotu kola; lecithin; spirulina algae; royal jelly; and other ingredients (binders, etc), methacel, silica, croscarmellose sodium and magnesium stearate.

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Boozer, C., Nasser, J., Heymsfield, S. et al. An herbal supplement containing Ma Huang-Guarana for weight loss: a randomized, double-blind trial. Int J Obes 25, 316–324 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0801539

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Keywords

  • alternative medicine
  • herbal medicine
  • obesity
  • clinical trial
  • ephedra

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