Unlock the Truth About Chinese Weight Loss Supplements: Ingredients, Effectiveness & Safety Revealed!

The pursuit of weight loss has led to a wide array of strategies, with a healthy diet and physical activity often considered the cornerstones. For those seeking natural methods to complement these efforts, Chinese herbs have emerged as a potentially beneficial option. These herbs, many of which have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), are thought to aid in the treatment of obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and related conditions. This article delves into the ingredients found in Chinese weight loss supplements, exploring their mechanisms, effectiveness, and safety considerations.

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Weight Loss

Traditional Chinese medicine views obesity as an imbalance in the flow of Qi, or vital energy, often stemming from spleen and kidney deficiency and liver depression. TCM practitioners aim to identify the root cause of these imbalances and create holistic treatment plans to help the body achieve a healthy, sustainable weight. This approach may include herbal remedies, acupuncture, physical movement like martial arts or tai chi, and dietary recommendations based on the seasons of nature.

Common Ingredients in Chinese Weight Loss Supplements

Many Chinese weight loss herbs are available as supplements in capsule form, making them easy to incorporate into a daily routine. Some can also be consumed as teas or dry roots, while others are available as sweet, fruity treats. Here are some of the most commonly used ingredients:

Ginseng: Discovered over 5,000 years ago, ginseng root has been used in Asia as a remedy for various ailments. It may support weight loss by altering the composition of the gut microbiome, promoting a balance of beneficial bacteria. Ginseng can be consumed as tea or in capsule or tablet form. Ginsenoside (Ginseng) is one of the drugs that have been widely discussed in obesity-related metabolic studies and can be used in clinical practice without obvious toxic and side effects.
Adenophora: This herb comes from a flowering plant that grows across Asia. Research suggests it has an anti-obesity effect, possibly due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Adenophora is usually taken as a capsule or tablet.
Green Tea: With a history dating back thousands of years in China, green tea was initially used medicinally for longevity and overall well-being. Studies now show its potential as an obesity-fighting herb, offering additional health benefits such as mental alertness, digestive relief, and potential improvements in blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Codonopsis: This mild yet powerful herb is commonly used in TCM for its immune-boosting effects. Studies suggest a link between codonopsis root and decreased body weight, particularly in the context of a high-fat diet. It is available in extracts, dried slices, capsules, and powders.
Poria Cocos: This mushroom acts as a gentle diuretic, helping to shed excess water weight. It has also shown promise against the effects of Alzheimer’s disease. Poria cocos can be taken as a supplement.
Black Atractylodes Root: This herb has demonstrated anti-obesity effects, making it a potentially appealing addition to weight loss efforts.
Mulberry: Cultivated in China for over 2,000 years, mulberry extract inhibits the breakdown of certain carbohydrates, lowering their glycemic index. This reduces the likelihood of blood sugar spikes, which is closely tied to weight loss.
Fennel: Known in holistic medicine as a remedy for abdominal issues, fennel may aid weight loss by preventing the body's accumulation of excess fat. The seeds can be consumed on their own or ground into powders and capsules.
Ginger: With medicinal origins in ancient China and India, ginger has been used for millennia as an herbal tonic. It can be brewed in teas, incorporated into cooking and baking, or taken as a supplement.

Mechanisms of Action

Chinese herbs can aid weight loss through various mechanisms:

Appetite suppression: Some herbs are thought to curb appetite and limit food intake.
Fat burning: Others may prompt the body to burn fat.
Inflammation reduction: Certain herbs decrease systemic inflammation, which is linked to metabolism.

Each herb possesses unique properties that determine its specific mechanism of action, making them potentially effective additions to a weight loss routine.

Traditional Chinese medicine can increase the decomposition of lipids to treat obesity through the regulation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), autonomic nerves, or β-adrenoceptors. Hydroxy safflower yellow pigment (HSYA), the extract of Carthamus tinctorius, can inhibit the proliferation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. The ethanol extract of Aster yomena (EEAY) exerts its anti-adipogenic effect by inhibiting or delaying the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and the expression of adipogenic factors (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α/β (C/EBPα/β) and sterol response element-binding protein 1c (SREBP1c)), inhibiting the de novo synthesis of lipids and the differentiation of adipocytes. The water extract from Ganoderma lucidum mycelia can reduce the expression of adipogenic genes and the level of serum free-fatty-acids (FFAs) in a dose-dependent manner in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Resveratrol (Polygonum cuspidatum) and the extract from fermented Cordyceps militaris decrease the expression and activity of SREBP-1c and decrease fat synthesis. Curcumin increases the phosphorylation of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (p-ACC) and decreases the rate-limiting enzyme acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) of fatty acid synthesis, which inhibits lipogenesis. Traditional Chinese medicine can also inhibit lipid synthesis and metabolism by activating AMPK.

Traditional Chinese medicine can promote the browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) by upregulating the expression of brown adipose tissue (BAT)-related genes in white adipose tissue or activating BAT heat generation to increase energy consumption and weight loss. Celastrol can induce the browning of inguinal adipose tissue (IWAT), upregulate heat shock transcriptional factor 1 (HSF1) expression, increase peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1 alpha/mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (PGC1α/UCP1) expression, and increase thermogenic function and energy consumption. Capsaicin (chili pepper) can induce the browning of WAT by activating transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) channels. Chrysophanic acid increases the expression of the thermogenic genes UCP1 and PGC1α by upregulating SIRT1 and SIRT3, activating AMPK and promoting thermogenesis. Jiang Gui Fang (JG) increases the expression of BAT markers (PPARγ, PGC1α, and UCP1), activates interscapular brown adipose tissue through the PPARγ/SIRT1-PGC1α pathway, and induces IWAT browning. The Danggui Buxue decoction (DBT1155) can activate the Ca2+-AMPK signaling pathway in a time-dependent manner to trigger WAT browning in adipocytes and increase the expression of BAT markers in a dose-dependent manner. Curcumin can significantly upregulate the expression of BAT-specific genes (fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), cell death-inducing DNA fragmentation factor alpha-like effector A (Cidea), transmembrane protein 26 (Tmem26), T-box transcription factor (Tbx1)) and proteins (UCP1, PGC1α and PR domain containing 16 (PRDM16)) to drive BAT thermogenesis.

Intestinal microflora can affect host energy metabolism, the immune system and the inflammatory response, and changes to its structure and function can promote obesity. Scutellaria baicalensis can increase the expression of the rate-limiting enzyme cytochrome P450 family 7 subfamily A member 1 (CYP7A1) in the bile acid biosynthesis pathway, and CYP7A1 can prevent the obesity induced by a high-fat diet (the exact mechanism is not clear). Clove, allspice, and aromatic ginger extracts can induce TGR5-mediated BAS weight loss effects.

Endocrine cells can play roles in environmental balance and neuroendocrine function by secreting circulating hormones such as leptin, insulin, GLP1, PYY, cholecystokinin (CCK) and the hunger hormone, which can affect human eating behavior and signal satiety, playing a role in weight loss. Adipocytes can secrete adiponectin, leptin, and resistin. Leptin and its receptor (LEPR) are closely related to the regulation of energy uptake and consumption by the central nervous system. Leptin secreted by WAT can act on leptin-sensitive neurons in hypothalamic nuclei and regulate the lipid decomposition of WAT, nonshivering thermogenesis (NST) of BAT, lipid decomposition of beige adipose tissues (BeAT) and NST in brown adipose tissue through the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). Increasing leptin-LEPR signaling and/or that of other neural pathways that activate leptin regulation can ameliorate obesity. Among gastrointestinal hormones, GLP-1 and PYY are peripheral hormones associated with anorexia that can increase satiety, while ghrelin can induce hunger. Capsaicin can promote intestinal epithelial cells to secrete PYY and GLP-1, which inhibit the expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and agouti-related protein (AgRP), and activate neurons expressing POMC and CART in the hypothalamic ARC, thus reducing food intake. Geniposide can ameliorate obesity by activating GLP-1 to activate AMPKα and Sirt1 in vivo (and in vitro). Low-polar 22 Siraitia grosvenorii glycoside (L-SGgly) plays a role by increasing the level of serum GLP-1 in rats. Rhein increases plasma activity and the level of GLP-1, regulating appetite. A dietary supplement consisting of lemon fruit combined with hibiscus polyphenol extract increases the level of GLP-1 and decreases the level of ghrelin. The triterpenoids in Salvia miltiorrhiza may lead to weight loss by inhibiting the activity of ghrelin. Also, some traditional Chinese medicines can increase the production of gastrointestinal hormones (PYY, GLP-1, CCK, and ghrelin) through SCFAs and play a role in weight loss. Insulin, a hormone secreted by pancreatic cells, can increase fat production during hyperinsulinemia. Therefore, in the early stage of increased insulin secretion, properly reducing the level of insulin can improve insulin sensitivity and achieve the purpose of weight loss. Resveratrol can improve mitochondrial dysfunction, increase muscle content, reduce fat and lose weight.

Additional Herbs and Spices for Weight Loss

Besides the herbs commonly used in TCM, other herbs and spices may also support weight loss:

Fenugreek: This common household spice may help control appetite and reduce food intake. Some studies suggest it can positively affect waist circumference and reduce leptin levels in adipose tissue, which helps control appetite. A 2023 systematic review built on previous findings on cardiometabolic risk factors by expanding its analysis to waist circumference and blood pressure. It found that, among other benefits, administering fenugreek could positively affect waist circumference. Another review analyzed research that investigated fenugreek supplementation on high-fat-fed rats. It concluded a positive potential effect of fenugreek for weight loss, with minimal risks, possibly due to the leptin levels in adipose tissue being reduced by the fenugreek, which helps control appetite.
Cayenne Pepper: Containing capsaicin, cayenne pepper can slightly boost metabolism and reduce hunger. However, some research suggests that its effects on satiety may be due to gastrointestinal distress rather than an increase in hormones that influence fullness.
Ginger: Research indicates that ginger could aid weight loss by reducing body weight, body mass index, and body fat percentage. A 2024 review and meta-analysis examined 27 studies that analyzed the effects of ginger on weight loss. The researchers concluded that ginger supplementation can reduce: body weight body mass index body fat percentage. However, they add that more high quality trials are needed.
Oregano: This herb contains carvacrol, a compound that may help boost weight loss. Studies have shown that carvacrol supplements can directly impact genes and proteins that control fat synthesis in the body. A 2021 review examined the potential benefits of essential oils, including oregano, in obesity and obesity-related metabolic diseases. It noted that many in vivo and in vitro studies confirmed the positive benefits of these oils on obesity-related conditions and their effects. Carvacrol supplements were also found to directly impact some of the specific genes and proteins that control fat synthesis in the body.
Ginseng: Studies suggest that ginseng may aid weight loss and alter gut microbiota composition. One small 2014 study found that taking Korean ginseng twice daily for eight weeks resulted in quantifiable reductions in body weight, as well as changes in gut microbiota composition.
Caralluma Fimbriata: This herb is thought to increase serotonin levels, which can directly affect appetite. Some studies have shown that it can lead to decreases in belly fat, body weight, and hunger levels. One 12-week study in 33 people found that participants who took Caralluma Fimbriata had significantly greater decreases in belly fat and body weight, compared to those on a placebo. Another small study showed that consuming 1 gram of Caralluma Fimbriata daily for two months led to reductions in weight and hunger levels, compared to a control group.
Turmeric: The presence of curcumin in turmeric has been studied extensively for its effects on inflammation and weight loss. Some research suggests that curcumin supplements may have positive effects on BMI, especially when combined with exercise and lifestyle changes. A 2023 review of studies concluded that curcumin supplements might have positive effects on BMI. Research from 2022 also gave results that suggest curcumin may be beneficial for weight loss.
Black Pepper: Containing piperine, black pepper may have weight-lowering effects. Studies on animals have shown that piperine supplementation can help reduce body weight in rats on a high-fat diet. One 2022 study found that supplementing with piperine helped reduce body weight in rats on a high fat diet, even with no changes in food intake.
Gymnema Sylvestre: This herb contains gymnemic acid, which can reduce the perceived sweetness of foods and ward off sugar cravings. One 2022 study looked at the effects of a 14-day program that involved Gymnema sylvestre supplementation on the consumption of sweet foods and discretionary sugar intake in adults. It found that people who consumed Gymnema sylvestre mint noted a reduced desire, perceived pleasantness, and intake of sweet food over that period, right from day 1 of the study.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon is effective in stabilizing blood sugar, which may help reduce appetite and hunger. A specific compound found in cinnamon can mimic the effects of insulin and slow the breakdown of carbohydrates.
Green Coffee Bean Extract: High in chlorogenic acid, green coffee bean extract is thought to have potential weight-lowering effects. A 2017 study on female obesity involved participants taking 400 mg of green coffee bean extract for 8 weeks. This supplementation, alongside a modified diet, resulted in more weight loss than following the modified diet alone.
Cumin: Cumin is packed with health benefits, including the potential to accelerate weight loss and fat burning. Studies have shown that cumin supplementation can have positive effects on weight management.
Cardamom: While most research is limited to animal studies, cardamom may support weight loss.

Other Supplements and Ingredients for Weight Loss

There are a lot of different ingredients that can be found in various weight loss supplements, and some are more effective than others. Weight loss supplements can help burn fat, boost your metabolism, suppress your appetite and cravings, and increase energy levels.

Berberine: Berberine is a substance that is found in a variety of plants and has a long history of use in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Today, berberine supplements are often used for weight loss and to reduce risk factors for heart disease. Studies suggest that berberine can cause a decrease in weight and body mass index (BMI) in individuals who are overweight or obese. Berberine also activates an enzyme called AMPK, which stands for AMP-activate protein kinase.
Chromium: Chromium is an essential nutrient that is involved in the regulation of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. It is widely used to optimize insulin function, preventing swings in blood sugar levels. This can help reduce carbohydrate cravings, making chromium useful in both blood sugar management and weight management. Studies suggest chromium may also have an effect on body composition, helping to increase lean body mass and decrease body fat percentage, which can contribute to weight loss.
Bergamot Orange Extract: Bergamot orange extract is rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and protect against certain chronic diseases.
5-HTP: 5-hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP, has been found to help people feel fuller after eating, which often leads to eating fewer calories.
Carnosine: Carnosine is an amino acid made in the body by combining the amino acids beta-alanine and histidine. Herbal supplements for weight loss such as carnosine may be of special importance for vegetarian and vegan diets.
Omega-3s: Diets low in omega-3s are linked to higher inflammation, which leads to decreased insulin sensitivity in cells
Spirulina: A natural fat burner, this blue-green alga is packed with vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, including antioxidants, tocopherols, and phenolic compounds. Spirulina has been shown to decrease appetite, inflammation, and body fat in one study over the course of 12 weeks. In addition, studies find it also modulates the production of oxidative stress produced by excess body fat.
Collagen: Collagen, like other proteins, helps to activate your fullness hormone, leptin.
Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs): Their special molecular structure bypasses normal digestion, passively diffusing MCTs straight to the liver. Then, they are further broken down into free fatty acids. The best part about MCTs is that we don’t store this type of fat if our body does not need it at the time.
B Vitamins: Vitamin B1 helps the body utilize carbohydrates for energy. Differently, B6 is essential for facilitating movement, metabolism, and blood flow and for managing the adrenal glands’ response to stress.
Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and leeks, or any vegetable in the cruciferous family, help support natural detox pathways that play a role in a well-functioning metabolism.

The Case of Ephedra

Ephedra sinica (ma huang) is a plant that has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. While some studies showed it could boost metabolism and weight loss, safety concerns were noted as well. Ephedrine exerts multiple effects within your body, such as increasing metabolic rate and fat burning. For these reasons, ephedrine has been studied for its ability to reduce body weight and body fat. In the past, it gained substantial popularity in weight loss supplements. However, due to safety concerns, supplements containing specific types of compounds found in ephedra - called ephedrine alkaloids - have been banned in several countries, including the United States.

Ephedrine, a major component of ephedra, can increase the number of calories your body burns. Research has shown this results in greater weight and fat loss over weeks to months, though long-term studies are limited.

The combination of ephedrine and caffeine appears to exert greater effects on your body than either ingredient alone. The combination of 70 mg of caffeine and 24 mg of ephedra increased the metabolic rate by 8% over 2 hours, compared to placebo.

Overall, the available evidence indicates that ephedrine-containing products - particularly when paired with caffeine - may increase weight and fat loss. While some individual studies did not demonstrate serious side effects of ephedra or ephedrine consumption, mild to highly concerning side effects became apparent upon examination of all available research.

Read also: Enjoy Chinese Food on Keto

While the ephedra herb and products like ma huang tea are available for purchase, dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids are not. Due to safety concerns, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned products containing ephedrine in 2004.

Safety Considerations

While Chinese herbs are generally considered natural, it's crucial to exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating them into your weight loss plan. Here are some important safety considerations:

Lack of FDA approval: Dietary supplements are not reviewed or approved by the FDA, meaning their claims may not be verified, and they may contain inaccurate amounts of the compound or other unlisted ingredients.
Potential side effects: Some Chinese herbs can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and other adverse reactions.
Interactions with medications: Certain herbs may interact with medications, potentially leading to harmful consequences.
Adulteration: Some herbal slimming medications may be contaminated with unknown substances, such as sibutramine, which has been linked to psychiatric symptoms.

It is important to purchase supplements from reputable sources and to carefully review the ingredient list to ensure that the product does not contain any harmful or banned substances.

A Case Study of Sibutramine-Induced Psychosis

A 46-year-old woman with a history of borderline personality disorder presented to the emergency department with auditory hallucinations and paranoia. After extensive questioning, she revealed that she had recently started using an herbal appetite suppressant bought online from China. Although the ingredients could not be independently confirmed, there were reports that similar products contained sibutramine. The patient's symptoms resolved rapidly after she stopped taking the supplement and was given a low dose of olanzapine. This case highlights the potential dangers of herbal slimming products and the importance of being aware of the risk of adulteration with harmful substances.

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