Herbal Treatments for Obesity: A Review

Abstract

Abstract: Obesity is the most pervasive metabolic disorder, further linked with many other diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disorders, and sleep apnea. To control the increasing weight of obese individuals, experts usually recommend exercise and lifestyle alterations, but medication and surgeries are also advised in severe cases. FDA-approved obesity-controlling drugs are effective but possess certain adverse effects, including dry mouth, drug abuse, dysregulation in monoamine neurotransmitters, insomnia, and many more. Medication processes are expensive; researchers have focused on safer and more effective alternative approaches than pharmaceutical drugs. Since ancient times, a diverse array of herbal plants have been used due to their therapeutic effect, as in-vitro and in-vivo experimentations have proved the effectiveness of herbal plants with no mortality. In this review, we have presented various herbs with their metabolically active secondary metabolites, including Berberis vulgaris L, Rhizoma Coptidis, Radix Lithospermi, Aloe vera, Clerodendrum multiflorum Burm f., Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch), Boerhaavia diffusa, Achyranthes aspera L., etc. All of these herbs are responsible for anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Most of the previously published clinical trials and animal studies that confirmed the significant potential of these herbal plants and their active ingredients to reduce weight by decreasing the accumulated fats in the body have also been discussed in this review. Thus, it is concluded that scientists must consider and utilize these natural treasures for safe, effective, and cost-effective treatment. It will open new and novel ways for treatment regimes.