This document discusses various nutraceuticals that can help with weight control, including: 1) Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) found in green tea which may help burn fat. 2) Capsaicin from chili peppers, caffeine from coffee/tea, and catechins from green tea can increase calorie burning and suppress appetite. 3) Dietary fibers like psyllium, konjac root, and guar gum promote fullness and reduce appetite to support weight loss.

1. HEALTH PROBLEMS
AND DISEASES THAT CAN BE PREVENTED
OR CURED BY
Nutraceuticals for weight control

2. Nutraceuticals In Weight Control:
■ Weight control Nutraceuticals are defined as those Nutraceuticals which are used for the
control of weight and are given in the form of pills, powders, etc.
■ Generally, Nutraceuticals provide medicinal and health benefits also.
■ Therefore Nutraceuticals are used for the treatment of obesity.
■ Following are the examples for Weight control Nutraceuticals:
1] Epigallocatechin-3-gallate or epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG :
■ It is an ester of epigallocatechin and gallic acid.
■ It is a type of catechin and the most abundant catechin in tea.
■ It is also a constituent of several medicinal plants including Limoniastrum feci (Girard)
Batt (Plumbaginaceae) harvested in Algeria.
■ Rumex vesicarius L. (Polygonaceae) from Egypt.
■ Aspalath linearis (Fabaceae) and
■ Sideroxylon inerme L. (Sapotaceae) found in South Africa.

3. Nutraceuticals In Weight Control:
■ 2] Capsaicin:
■ It is the pungent principle obtained in the fruit of various species of Capsicum, viz.,
Capsicum annum L. (Solanaceae).
■ Capsaicin (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-none amid) is an active component of chili peppers, which
plants are belonging to the genus Capsicum. Capsaicin and several related compounds are
called capsaicinoids and are produced as secondary metabolites by chili peppers, probably
as deterrents against certain mammals and fungi.
■ A chemical constituent found in spicy foods such as capsaicin, habaneros, and cayenne
peppers can amplify your calorie burn and suppress your appetite.

4. ■ 3] Caffeine: is an alkaloid occurring naturally in some 60 plant species, of which
cocoa beans, kola nuts, tea leaves, and coffee beans are the most well-known. Other
natural sources of caffeine include yerba maté, guarana berries, guayusa, and the yaupon
holly.
■ Caffeine is metabolized in the liver via single demethylation, resulting in three primary
metabolites, paraxanthine (84%), theobromine (12%), and theophylline (4%), depending on
which methyl group is removed.
■ This natural stimulant that’s found in coffee and caffeinated teas can help you burn fat by
boosting your basal metabolic rate, or BMR. It decreases the appetite.
■ An antioxidant found in green tea, this substance may help your body burn fat, by its
ability to increase thermogenesis (heat production), which in turn uses up stored fat as
energy.
■ It has antioxidant properties that may have therapeutic applications in the treatment of
anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory properties, and several other disorders.
Nutraceuticals In Weight Control:

5. Nutraceuticals In Weight Control:
■ 4] Catechins:
■ Green tea catechins mixed with caffeine have been proposed as adjutants for maintaining or
enhancing energy expenditure and for increasing fat oxidation, in the context of prevention
and treatment of obesity.
■ These catechins caffeine mixtures seem to counteract the decrease in metabolic rate that
occurs during weight loss.
■ Their effects are of particular importance during weight maintenance after weight loss.
■ Other metabolic targets may be fat absorption and the gut microbiota composition, but
these effects still need further investigation in combination with weight loss.
■ Limitations for the effects of green tea catechins are moderating factors such as genetic
predisposition related to (catechol-O-methyl-transferase) COMT-activity, habitual caffeine
intake, and ingestion combined with dietary protein.

6. Nutraceuticals In Weight Control:
■ 5] Dietary Fibres: (a) Psyllium(b) Konjacroot fiber
■ a) Psyllium is obtained from Plantago ovate. Psyllium is a mixture of
polysaccharides: pentoses, hexoses, and uronic acids.
■ Psyllium, one of the water-soluble fibers, is derived from blonde psyllium
seeds;
■ it ferments slowly, helps build up fecal mass, and is commonly available
over the counter as a laxative.
■ Several studies have shown that psyllium supplementation may lower or
improve risk factors that are associated with the development of
cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, including obesity.
■ Psyllium supplementation (up to 3.5 g per meal) may have significant
beneficial effects on body composition changes in obese individuals, which
include BMI and waist circumference while causing minimal or no
abdominal discomfort.

7. Nutraceuticals In Weight Control:
Dietary Fibres: (b) Konjacroot fiber:
■ Konjac is produced from the tubers of the “elephant yam” (Amorphophallus
konjac).
■ It has been grown and used as an important part of a traditional healthy diet in
many Asian countries, including Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, and China.
■ The polysaccharide from konjac is also a good source for film-forming materials.
■ it contains 8-10% of Konjac glucomannan.
■ It is a heteropolysaccharide consisting of ß-D glucose and 3-D-mannose, with a
glucose to mannose ratio of 1 to 3. It is reported that konjac glucomannan has side
chains and the branches are at the 0-3 position of the mannose residue or both
glucose and mannose residues.
■ Its fiber contains glucomannan, which is a fermentable, highly viscous dietary fiber,
used for weight loss and improve lipid profile.
■ glucomannan 1 g 3times a day produced significant weight loss (-5.5 lbs), in obese

8. Konjac Plant
and Root

9. Nutraceuticals In Weight Control:
■ 6] Chitin
■ The mycelia of Penicillium species contain approximately 20% of chitin.
■ The major chemical constituent is Chitin may be regarded as a derivative of cellulose,
wherein the C-2 hydroxyl groups have been duly replaced by acetamido residues. It is more
or less cellulose-like biopolymer mainly consisting of un-branched chains of 3-(1-4) -2-
acetamido -2-deoxy-D-glucose. It is also termed N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. It contains about
6.5% of nitrogen.
■ Chitin is a component of crab, shrimp, and lobster shells and is thus abundantly available
in nature.
■ Like dietary fiber, chitin is a polysaccharide that is indigestible by the human gut.
■ It is deacetylated chitin. In rats, chitosan has been shown to reduce hepatic cholesterol
and increase bile acid and fat excretion.
■ In contrast, in humans, a combination of chitosan and glucomannan seems to decrease
serum cholesterol (via fecal steroid excretion but not fat excretion). The exact mechanism
of action is not well understood; however, it has been found that negatively charged lipid
molecules keenly bind to the positively charged tertiary anion group of chitosan
polysaccharide, and this decreases absorption and beneficial give the effect of chitosan for

10. Nutraceuticals In Weight Control:
■ 7] Guar gum: it was obtained from the refined endosperm of the seeds of Cyamopsis
tetragonolobus L. Taub. (Family: Leguminosae).
■ Chemically, guar gum is an exo-polysaccharide composed of the sugars galactose and
mannose.
■ The backbone is a linear chain of ß 1,4-linked mannose residues to which galactose residues
are 1,6-linked at every second mannose, forming short side-branches.
■ It is known to exert its action via imparting postprandial fullness and increasing bowel
viscosity, which in turn may result in reduced appetite, lower food intake, and have an
impact on weight loss in obese individuals via lower energy intake.
■ The evidence from studies on the effects of guar gum supplementation indicates that it may
help in weight loss.
■ The purported mechanism via which they may induce weight loss includes increased satiety,
reduced appetite, and blockage of dietary fat absorption.
■ Although some gastrointestinal discomfort/bloating may accompany acute increases in
extract-based or dietary fiber intake; in general, fiber supplementation does not entail
significant adverse effects.

11. 8] Garcinia
■ Garcinia is known as Garcinia cambogia (Rind of brindle berry) for the botanical term.
■ The phytochemical constituent mainly present are citric acid lactone, Ascorbic acid,
tartaric acid malic acid, Garcinol, isogarcinol, cyanidin, and Xanthone.
■ The latex of Garcinia cambogia contains two polyisoprenylated benzophenone derivatives,
Cambogia (I) and Cambogia (II).
■ It has been proposed that hydroxycitric acid (HCA), the active ingredient of G Cambogia,
competitively inhibits adenosine triphosphate citrate lyase, an extra-mitochondrial enzyme
that may reduce de novo lipogenesis and reduce appetite in some in vivo studies.
■ However, evidence of a positive effect of G.cambogia as a weight loss agent is lacking.
More research is warranted regarding the role of this compound in weight loss. The HCA
decreases fatty acid synthesis and reduces appetite, but further data in humans are
needed to determine its role in weight loss.

12. 9] Conjugated Linoleic Acids
■ Animal fats such as beef, lamb, and dairy foods. CLA is produced by
microbial fermentation of PUFAs and isomerization of linoleic acid in the
rumens of ruminants.
■ It is a mixture of positional and geometric isomers of octadecatrienoic acid
(a-linolenic acid, cis9, cis12, cis15-18:3 n-3) found in plant seeds. Three 8,
10, 12-18-3 isomers and four 9, 11, 13-18-3 isomers have been reported to
occur naturally.
■ Conjugated linoleic acids (CLAS) are positional and geometric isomers of
linoleic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid. CLAs are available in the trans
and, more abundantly, in the cis form in meat and dairy products. Several
studies have been conducted using in vivo and in vitro models to assess the
effect of CLA in cancer, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, immune
modulation, and possibly weight loss: The mechanisms of action have been
proposed via which CLA isomers may exert the effect on weight loss; they
reduce the fat synthesis and increase oxidation.

13. L-Carnitine
■ Animal products, particularly beef and pork. Redder meats tend
to have higher levels of 1-1 carnitine. Carnitine (ß-hydroxy-y-N-
trimethyl-aminobutyric-acid 3-hydroxy-4-N.N.N tri-methyl amino-
butyrate) is a quaternary ammonium compound involved in
metabolism in most mammals, plants, and some bacteria.
Carnitine exists as one of two stereoisomers (the two
enantiomers d carnitine (S-(+)-) and l-carnitine (R-(-)-).
■ L-carnitine is a compound that is involved in fatty acid
metabolism and helps to transport fatty acids within the
mitochondrial matrix, thus helping in the oxidation of fat stores.
Red meat, fish, poultry, and milk are food sources of L-carnitine,
but our body can produce it endogenously as needed in the
muscles. It is being studied for its potential use in improving
exercise performance in athletes and reducing fatigue because it
is a component of muscles and aids in fat metabolism. In normal
healthy adults, L-carnitine supplementation (1 g/3 time a day)

14. Ephedra (Ma Huang)
■ Ephedra consists of the dried aerial parts of Ephedra gerardiana Wall,
Ephedra sinica Stapf, Ephedra equisetina Bunge, Ephedra neurogenesis Tineo
and other Ephedra species, belonging to the family Ephadreaceae
■ Ephedra contains the alkaloids ephedrine, pseudoephedrine (isoephedrine),
nor-pseudoephedrine (cathine), norephedrine, methylephedrine,
methylpseudoephedrine, tannins, and other constituents, including quinoline
and 6-hydroxykynurenic acid.
■ Ephedrine is the major alkaloid. The active chemicals of ephedrine and
pseudoephedrine act as a sympathomimetic agonist exert therapeutic
effects that include central nervous system and cardiac stimulation in
addition to other effects. These effects are purported to aid in weight loss
and enhance endurance training. In recent years, ephedra has been mainly
marketed in the United States as a weight loss adjunct and supplement to
improve athlete performance. Ephedra promotes the release of endogenous
catechol-amines; ephedrine tends to slow gastric emptying, thereby
affecting food intake and satiety and acting as a weight loss agent.

15. Germander (Teucrium)
■ Teucrium chamaedrys (Labiatae), the wall germander, is a species of
ornamental plant native to the Mediterranean region of Europe and North
Africa, and to the Middle East as far as Iran. It was historically used as a
medicinal herb for the treatment of gout and sometimes as a component of
Venice treacle.
■ Germander is composed of several compounds, including glycosides,
flavonoids, and furan containing diterpenoids, all of which are converted
by the P-450 system (especially CYP3A) into reactive metabolites.
■ Germanders, plants of the mint family that are found worldwide,
traditionally have been used as a weight-loss remedy, especially in Europe.
They are also used for gout. Unfortunately, multiple cares reports and are
describing hepatotoxicity-related action.

16. Hoodia
■ Hoodia; known locally as “ghaap” or “bobbejaanghaap”) it is a genus of
flowering plants (Hoodia Gordonii) in the family of Apocynaceae, under the
subfamily Asclepiadoideae, native to Southern Africa.
■ Sources of appetite suppressants and isolated the oxypregnane steroidal
glycoside, code-named P57AS3 (P57; 83), as the sole active constituent.
■ Hoodia is a plant indigenous to South Africa and Namibia. It is used locally
as an appetite suppressant, famously by male tribesmen while on
prolonged hunting excursions.P57 is the steroid glycoside present in
Hoodia. P57is thought to suppress appetite through central nervous system
pathways.

17. Cissus Quadrangularis L.
■ Cissus quadrangularis is a perennial plant of the grape family. It
contains mainly gallic acid derivatives, steroids, iridoids,
flavonoids, stilbenes, and triterpenes. There are various
compounds in the Cissus quadrangularis which possess anti-
inflammatory action.
■ Cissus quadrangularis, commonly known as Veldt Grape or Devil’s
Backbone, is a succulent vine native to West Africa and Southeast
Asia. It has been used in traditional African and Ayurvedic
medicine. It is using in the treatment of infections,
cardiovascular issues, and nervous system disorders has been
studied to some extent. Recently; its role in reducing body
weight has been attracting attention. Some evidence suggests
that Cquadrangularis supplementation may help in reducing body

18. Bitter Orange
■ It is commonly known as bitter orange and its botanical name is
Citrus aurantium L. (family Rutaceae). C. Aurantium is rich in p-
synephrine, an alkaloid, and many health-giving secondary
metabolites such as flavonoids.
■ The unripe fruit of Citrus aurantium (bitter orange) has been
used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. Recently,
extracts have become popular in obesity treatment as an
alternative to the banned ephedrine alkaloids. C Aurantium has
physiological effects that are similar to ephedra, and the
purported mechanism of action includes decreased gastric
motility and thus early satiety and a lower intake of food Limited
human studies have been conducted with this compound with
conflicting results regarding effectiveness for weight control.

19. Fenugreek (Methi)
■ Fenugreek is an herb with small white flowers and light green leaves. It
belongs to the Leguminosae family and is called Trigonella Foenum-
Graecum or Greek hay. It is largely cultivated in the Middle East, North
Africa, India, and Egypt.
■ The fenugreek gum has the highest galactose (48%; M/G, 1.02:1) in its, and
its molecule has a linear mannan backbone, a 1-6 linked single galactose
grafts with nearly all the mannose groups of the main chain part, as well
fenugreek, Lucerne (Medicago Sativa) and clover (Trifolium pratense), have
less common galactomannans, have 48% galactose.
■ The physiological effects of fenugreek seeds can be attributed to their fiber
and high saponin content. Fenugreek has been previously reported to
significantly reduce fasting blood sugar and improve glucose tolerance,
reduce oxidative stress, improve the lipid profile, and reduce body weight.

20. Phaseolus Vulgaris
■ Phaseolus vulgaris, also known as the common bean, it is
belonging to the family Fabaceae. The average moisture content
was 11%, ash 3.5%, fat 1%, protein 25%, starch 40%, crude fiber
4% and pentosans 7%.
■ Phaseolus vulgaris, the common bean, is an herbaceous annual
plant. The water extract inhibits the digestive enzyme-amylase
and prevents starch absorption, represented weight loss
property. Few clinical trials have shown the beneficial effects of
this bean on weight control. Although these studies support the
role of P Vulgaris in weight loss with no reported adverse effects.
It is needed regarding potential gastrointestinal and other
adverse effects.

21. Ginseng
■ Ginseng is the root of plants in the genus Panax, such as Korean
ginseng (P. ginseng), South China ginseng (P. notoginseng), and
American ginseng (P. quinquefolius), typically characterized by
the presence of ginsenosides and gintonin.
■ Major chemical constituents are including ginseng saponins,
ginseng oils and phytosterol, carbohydrates and sugars, organic
acids, nitrogenous substances, amino acids and peptides,
vitamins and minerals, and certain enzymes that have been
isolated and characterized.

22. ■ It is used as a supplement for weight loss. These supplements
include conjugated linoleic acid, ginseng, glucomannan, green
tea, HCA. L-carnitine, and psyllium, It is effective for weight
loss, effective long-term, nonprescription dietary supplements
have become popular among those seeking quick results.
However, given the generally limited evidence of efficacy, even
the smallest undesirable side effect of these supplements can
shift the risk-benefit ratio to the unfavorable Thus, the available
science, recommending nonprescription dietary supplements as
an adjunct to weight loss.