Title : Role of natural products in obesity prevention – pros and cons
Abstract:
Since the World Health Organization (WHO) described obesity as an epidemic hazard worldwide, incidence has increased at an alarming rate and is becoming a major public health concern. Natural products play an important role, especially in the pharmaceutical industry. Besides medicament, plants have always been a common source of food and nutrition, either as such or as dietary supplements. The unique nutrient richness of every whole, natural food can be showcased in a variety of ways. Many herbs and natural products are significant in the treatment of obesity through bulk-producing activity that produces a sense of fullness, thereby reducing appetite. Fibers act by slowing the movement of food and acidic fluid from the stomach to the intestines. They may help people with duodenal ulcers by reducing the exposure of the small intestine to stomach acids. Dietary fibers lower cholesterol, reduce elevated blood levels of triglycerides, and protect against cancer and digestive disorders. Polyphenols, terpenoids, and steroids play an important role in obesity prevention. An example of a natural appetite suppressant is Hoodia gordonii. It regulates appetite and significantly reduces calorie intake, and boosts weight loss. Natural (−)-hydroxycitric acid (HCA) from Garcinia cambogia is a potential natural appetite suppressant. In this talk, the anti-obesity potential of diverse plants such as Aloe vera, Camellia sinensis, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Hypericum perforatum, Phaseolus vulgaris, Capsicum annuum, Rosmarinus officinalis, Citrus limon, Punica granatum, and some other common plants will be discussed. Also, the adulteration of anti-obesity pharmaceutical drugs in herbal dietary supplements will be dealt with in detail to save the community's health.
