Obesity

Hibiscus extract shows promise as natural weight-loss supplement

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From left, Prof. Benu Adhikari, Dr. Thilini Thrimawithana and PhD candidate Manisha Singh, with roselle flower petals
RMIT University
From left, Prof. Benu Adhikari, Dr. Thilini Thrimawithana and PhD candidate Manisha Singh, with roselle flower petals
RMIT University
Encapsulated beads of the roselle phenolic extract
RMIT University

For some people who are morbidly obese, changes in diet and lifestyle just aren't sufficient to shed all the extra weight. A new study suggests that a hibiscus flower extract could help, without the side effects of weight-loss drugs.

Drawing on previous research, scientists at Australia's RMIT University started by extracting antioxidant compounds known as phenols from flowers of the roselle plant, which is a member of the hibiscus family. The researchers also extracted hydroxycitric acid from the flowers.

Separate batches of human stem cells were then treated with either the phenolic extract or the hydroxycitric acid, before they were triggered to differentiate into adipocytes (fat cells). While the acid appeared to have no effect on the adipocytes, fat cells derived from the phenol-treated stem cells were found to have 95% less fat content than a control group of untreated cells.

It was determined that the phenolic extract worked by inhibiting the activity of a digestive enzyme called lipase.

Ordinarily, lipase breaks ingested fats down into small segments that can be absorbed through the walls of the intestine. Excess fats, which the body doesn't require for energy at the time, are then stored in fat cells. By keeping lipase from doing its job, the roselle phenols allow those fats to simply pass right through the digestive system.

Encapsulated beads of the roselle phenolic extract
RMIT University

It is now hoped that the extract could be encapsulated for use in health supplements which wouldn't have side effects such as high blood pressure, which are sometimes caused by existing weight-loss pharmaceuticals.

A paper on the research, which was led by PhD candidate Manisha Singh, was recently published in the International Journal of Food Science and Technology.

Source: RMIT University

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4 comments
TechGazer
I don't see how altering fat storage stem cells in a dish is a model for fats passing through intestinal walls. If the extract does reduce fat absorption, that might help reduce weight gain from a high-fat diet, but would do nothing for high-calorie diets low in fats.

"Look! This product reduces fat deposits in cells (unrelated to fat absorption). Assume that it will magically make you slim! Buy it now!!!"

One other thought: passing unnatural amounts of undigested fats to the colon might mess up the microbiome there, causing problems. Maybe check for already disorders that reduce fat absorption in the small intestine, and see if it causes problems.
Smokey_Bear
As an overweight guy, I would love for a drug company to finally make a fat pill, it seems it's always just around the corner. 🙄
Karmudjun
Although this may be too technical for most people, this is an amazing find! Thanks Ben!
Why is it amazing? Because although it highlights the blocking of lipase to reduce the partially digested fat passage into the bloodstream through the intestinal wall, it is a simple step. Also, for most people it is "Natural" as in a flower extract, rather like Uranium is natural as it is found in nature. As Ben prefaced his peace - for some morbidly obese, just eating "right" is not enough, even eating right and exercising can be high risk for morbidly obese. But hey, incremental research gains in lab petri dishes increases the knowledge and technical expertise. Today the lab, tomorrow (4-5 yrs)?
Edward Vix
Smokey, you're right, this is perpetually ten years out just like fusion and a couple of other things.