An overview of botanical approaches for managing obesity

Objective

Obesity is one of the most prevalent health concerns. Modern pharmacotherapy has been evidenced to exhibit cardiovascular or cerebrovascular adverse effects. Herbs, with minimal side effects, have been known to effectively treat obesity. Hence, the purpose of this study was to present an overview of the important discussion on the epidemiology, pathophysiology of obesity and understand on and how herbs could be a potential source of therapeutics as for treating obesity.

Design

: A narrative review of epidemiology, pathophysiology of obesity, management of obesity through medicinal and ayurvedic plants, clinical trials conducted on anti-obesity herbal formulations for treating obesity is included in the study.

Method

Different scientific databases such as ScienceDirect, PubMed, Springer, Wiley Online Library, etc. were utilized for acquiring information on the above subject. Using targeted literature methodology from June 2023 to January 2024, total 950 articles/reports/magazines were explored out of which 194 were specifically referred in the present manuscript to reach the objectives.

Results

The review highlighted the pathophysiology, genetics, and epidemiology of obesity while highlighting herbs which has proved to be effective in the management of obesity in clinical trials. In particular, it was understood that globally the prevalence of obesity was ∼6 % to ∼8 % more in females than in males, which was attributed to socio-economic, hormonal, and genetic factors (i.e., polymorphism in FABP2). Furthermore, reduction of pancreatic lipase and adjustment of lipid profile were understood to be the most prevalent mechanisms of action behind the anti-obesity activity of medicinal plants, which in turn were predominant across plant families such as Asteraceae, Celastraceae, Zingiberaceae, Asclepiadaceae, and Lamiaceae. What’s more encouraging was the fact these herbal medicines (or their formulations) had minor to no side effects when tested in clinical trials.

Conclusion

Thus, these alternative forms of medicine could be the future pharmacotherapy for obesity. Nevertheless, researchers, today are exploring more innovative, non-invasive ways of treating obesity, which in due course, could form a commendable force along with alternative medicine for a comprehensive treatment of obesity.