Gymnema sylvestre
Gymnema sylvestre is native to India, and its leaves are a traditional folk medicine for diabetes. Several studies in humans and animals have confirmed it can improve glucose control, possibly by inhibiting glucose uptake in the small intestine and enhancing insulin release. It may even have positive effects on lipid metabolism and has potential for use in treating diabetes and obesity.
Gymnema also seems to inhibit the ability to taste sweet or bitter (studies proving this have been performed in large part on mice and rats, however).
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)
CLA represents a family of linoleic acid isomers containing conjugated* double bonds. The two primary isomers in commercial supplements are c9, t11-CLA and t10, c12-CLA.**
Supplemental CLA has a range of potential health effects – both positive and negative. CLA has antioxidant and anti-cancer activity, and may be beneficial for fat loss. It may also increase inflammation and insulin resistance. The type of effects seen may be isomer-specific: the t10, c12 isomer appears to be responsible for both the effects on insulin resistance AND body fat losses.
Nonetheless, CLA supplementation appears to be relatively safe for human consumption in typical, supplemental amounts. A recent meta-analysis concluded that a dose of 3.2 g/day “…produces a modest loss of body fat in humans.”
See Paul’s “CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) Review” for more information.
*this refers to a pair of double bonds separated by a single bond.
** c = “cis” and t = “trans” – terms which refer to the orientation of the functional groups attached to the double bonded carbon atoms.
Chá de Bugre
The popular name for a small Brazilian tree, Cordia salicifolia. In Brazil, the fruit is used as a coffee substitute as well as an herbal medicine. It’s also marketed as an appetite suppressant, although this property has not been verified by any controlled studies.
Chá de Bugre extracts are being marketed for use in weight loss supplements. It’s being touted as an alternative to ephedra/ephedrine for losing fat and reducing cellulite, although there is zero proof it works.
See Paul’s review: “Brazilian Slim, Chá de Bugre, BugreLife, Jungle Burn: Brazilian Weight Loss?” for more information.
