Efficacy of Herbal Supplementation of Purslane Freeze-dried Juice for Weight Loss: An 8-week Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a condition that has been linked to several ailments. The current investigation is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical experiment to examine how Portulaca oleracea L. tablets affect hunger and Body Mass Index (BMI). Methods: A total of 70 healthy people aged 18 - 65 years old with a BMI >25.0 kg/m² were chosen for an 8-week study. They were randomized into two groups, herbal medicine and placebo. Anthropometry, laboratory tests, and appetite assessment by questionnaire were performed at baseline and the end of the study period. In the end, the data were analyzed. Results: There were significant differences in appetite and BMI (p<0.05) between the two groups after 8 weeks. No serious adverse events occurred in the two groups, and herbal medicine was well tolerated. Purslane juice was found to be well tolerated and could be effective in the reduction of appetite and BMI, either in obese or overweight individuals, following 8 weeks of intervention. Conclusion: The trial indicated the effectiveness of this extract on appetite and BMI. However, long-term investigations with larger populations are needed to determine the tolerability and permanent effectiveness of this natural medicament.