CARALLUMA: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

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 & Effectiveness ?

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.

Special Precautions and Warnings

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.

View References

REFERENCES:

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. View abstract.

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. View abstract.

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. View abstract.

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. View abstract.

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.

GRAS Notice 000500: Hydroethanolic extract of Caralluma Fimbriata. https://www.fda.gov/downloads/Food/IngredientsPackagingLabeling/GRAS/NoticeInventory/ucm402152.pdf. Accessed July 9, 2017.

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. View abstract.

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. View abstract.

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. View abstract.

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. View abstract.

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. View abstract.

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. View abstract.

Preventing HIV: How PrEP Works

Explore Medicare Advantage & Prescription Drug Coverage

Navigating Life With Migraine

Alternative Treatments for Migraines

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

Conditions

Drugs & Supplements

Well-Being

More

CARALLUMA - Uses, Side Effects, and More