Caralluma Fimbriata is a succulent plant that belongs to the family of Asdepiadeceae which includes cactus plants. The plant bears star-shaped, fleshy flowers that are black, purple, red or yellow in color and the leaves tend to be spiny. In rural and tribal India the plant is used daily as a vegetable, eaten either raw or cooked or pickled. Indian tribals chew on pieces of the plant to ward off hunger and thirst and to improve energy levels especially on long hunts or during periods of famine. In fact the Indian Ministry of Health lists Caralluma as a medicinal plant and lists it as a famine food.

Caralluma has a combination of Glycosides that work by inhibiting enzymes (chiefly Citrate Lyase) and thus prevent accumulation of fat. The body uses stored reserves of fat to get calories and the nett result is a reduction in fat stores. In this aspect it acts as an agent that induces thermogenesis. Caralluma also suppresses appetite but its actions at the central nervous system level seems to be minimal in comparison to Hoodia. Caralluma also seems to improve the Serotonin concentration in the brain and this helps cause satiety and wards off depression associated with dieting and weight loss attempts.

Caralluma not only causes weight loss by suppressing appetite and causing stored fats to be burnt off but also is associated with a noticeable reduction in the waist circumference. Carraluma is thus finding use as a weightloss supplement, in diabetes due to its ability to reduce blood sugar levels and also as a vegetable. More and more weightloss supplements are using Caralluma as an active ingredient for its efficacy. Caralluma use has not been associated with any adverse effects or any stimulant activities. The very fact that the plant has been used for centuries and is continued to be used by people across India is testimonial to its safety.

Caralluma has the potential to be the next Hoodia and could even be better because of its limited action at a central level and also its ability to help lose inches. In summary it is safe to mention that Caralluma has made a strong beginning and only time will tell whether it would be the answer to obesity and its related adverse health effects.