Caralluma
Caralluma

Background

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.
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 & 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.

Effectiveness

NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Likely effective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
Likely ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions
  • 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.
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions

Dosing & administration

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.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

It is not known if Caralluma interacts with any medicines. Before taking Caralluma, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 19/02/2024 11:00:00 and last updated on 11/12/2021 23:16:17. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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