Some people who are obese may need cofactors in addition to changes in diet and lifestyle to lose excess weight, according to New Atlas, citing the International Journal of Food Science and Technology.
A new study indicates that hibiscus flower extract can help without the side effects of weight loss drugs, as an aid to losing excess weight by getting rid of fat. Building on previous research, scientists at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) began extracting antioxidant compounds known as phenols and hydroxycitric acid from the flowers of the hibiscus plant.
lipase enzyme inhibition
Separate batches of human stem cells were treated with either a phenolic extract or hydroxycitric acid, before being stimulated to transform into fat cells. While the acid appeared to have no effect on fat cells, it was discovered that fat cells derived from stem cells treated with phenol contained 95% less lipids than a control group of untreated cells. RMIT scientists found that the phenolic extract works by inhibiting the activity of a digestive enzyme called lipase.
The enzyme lipase normally breaks down ingested fat into small fragments that can be absorbed through the intestinal walls. Excess fat, which the body does not need for energy, is quickly stored in fat cells. The Australian scientists concluded that by preventing lipase from doing its job, hibiscus phenols allow these fats to simply pass through the digestive tract.
No side effects
It is currently hoped that the extract can be encapsulated for use in health supplements that will not have side effects such as high blood pressure, which is sometimes caused by some drugs used for weight loss.