Caralluma
OTHER NAME(S): C. Fimbriate, Caraluma, Caralluma Cactus, Caralluma Extract, Caralluma Fimbriata Extract, Caraluma Pregnane Glycosides, Extrait de Caralluma, Extrait de Caralluma Fimbriata, Kallimudayan, Karallamu, Kullee Mooliyan, Makad Shenguli, Ranshabar, Shindala Makadi, Wild Succulent Cactus, Yugmaphallottama, Caralluma fimbriata, Caralluma adscendens
Overview
Caralluma (Caralluma fimbriata) is an edible cactus that grows in India. It's used in preserves such as chutneys and also as medicine.
Caralluma contains antioxidants and chemicals that might reduce appetite.
People use caralluma for obesity, anxiety, an inherited disorder called Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse caralluma with cereus, hoodia, or prickly pear cactus. These are not the same.
Uses
Possibly Ineffective for
- Obesity. Taking caralluma extract by mouth seems to improve weight loss in people with obesity.
There is interest in using caralluma for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Caralluma is commonly consumed in food. Caralluma extract is possibly safe when used in doses no greater than 1000 mg daily for up to 12 weeks. It's usually well-tolerated. Side effects might include constipation and gas.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Caralluma is commonly consumed in food. Caralluma extract is possibly safe when used in doses no greater than 1000 mg daily for up to 12 weeks. It's usually well-tolerated. Side effects might include constipation and gas.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if caralluma is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions
We currently have no information for Caralluma overview.
Dosing
Caralluma extract has most often been used by adults in doses of 500 mg by mouth twice daily for up to 12 weeks. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.
References
- Kuriyan R, Raj T, Srinivas SK, et al. Effect of Caralluma Fimbriata extract on appetite, food intake and anthropometry in adult Indian men and women. Appetite 2007;48:338-44.
- Gencor Pacific, Inc. New dietary ingredient notification: Caralluma fimbriata extract: Volumes 1-3. Notification to U.S. Food and Drug Administration, August 25, 2004. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/dockets/95s0316/95s-0316-rpt0252-05-Caralluma-Fimbriata-Extract-vol184.pdf.
- Concalves JL, Lopes RC, Oliveira DB, et al. In vitro anti-rotavirus activity of some medicinal plants used in Brazil against diarrhea. J Ethnopharmacol 2005;99(3):403-7.
- Arora E, Khajuria V, Tandon VR, et al. To evaluate efficacy and safety of Caralluma fimbriata in overweight and obese patients: a randomized, single blinded, placebo control trial. Perspect Clin Res 2015;6(1):39-44.
- Griggs JL, Su XQ, Mathai ML. Caralluma fimbriata supplementation improves the appetite behavior of children and adolescents with Prader-Willi syndrome. N Am J Med Sci 2015;7(11):509-16.
- Odendaal AY, Deshmukh NS, Marx TK, Schauss AG, Endres JR, Clewell AE. Safety assessment of a hydroethanolic extract of Caralluma fimbriata. Int J Toxicol 2013;32(5):385-94.
- Adnan M, Jan S, Mussarat S, et al. A review on ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacology of plant genus Caralluma R. Br. J Pharm Pharmacol 2014;66(10):1351-68.
- GRAS Notice 000500: Hydroethanolic extract of Caralluma Fimbriata. https://www.fda.gov/downloads/Food/IngredientsPackagingLabeling/GRAS/NoticeInventory/ucm402152.pdf. Accessed July 9, 2017.
- Astell KJ, Mathai ML, McAinch AJ, Stathis CG, Su XQ. A pilot study investigating the effect of Caralluma fimbriata extract on the risk factors of metabolic syndrome in overweight and obese subjects: a randomised controlled clinical trial. Complement Ther Med. 2013;21(3):180-9.
- Kell G, Rao A, Katsikitis M. A randomised placebo controlled clinical trial on the efficacy of Caralluma fimbriata supplement for reducing anxiety and stress in healthy adults over eight weeks. J Affect Disord. 2019;246:619-626.
- Rao A, Briskey D, Dos Reis C, Mallard AR. The effect of an orally-dosed Caralluma Fimbriata extract on appetite control and body composition in overweight adults. Sci Rep 2021;11(1):6791.
- Jayawardena R, Francis TV, Abhayaratna S, Ranasinghe P. The use of Caralluma fimbriata as an appetite suppressant and weight loss supplement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. BMC Complement Med Ther 2021;21(1):279.