Licorice flavonoid oil reduces total body fat and visceral fat in overweight subjects: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Abstract

SUMMARY:

OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate effects of licorice flavonoid oil (LFO) on total body fat and visceral fat together with body weight, body mass index (BMI) and safety parameters in overweight subjects.

METHODS:

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, moderately overweight participants (56 males, 28 females, BMI 24-30 kg/m(2)) were assigned to four groups receiving a daily dose of either 0 (placebo), 300, 600, or 900 mg of LFO. Total body fat mass was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and visceral fat area by abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan at baseline and after 8 weeks of LFO ingestion. Body weight, BMI, and blood samples were examined at baseline and after 4 and 8 weeks of LFO ingestion.

RESULTS:

Although caloric intake was similar in all four groups, total body fat mass decreased significantly in the three LFO groups after 8 weeks of ingestion. LFO (900 mg/day) resulted in significant decreases from baseline levels in visceral fat area, body weight, BMI, and LDL-cholesterol. No significant adverse effects were observed.

• Authors: Yuji Tominaga, Kaku Nakagawa, Tatsumasa Mae, Mitsuaki Kitano, Shinichi Yokota, Toshihiro Arai, Hideyuki Ikematsu, Shuji Inoue
• Journal: Obesity research & clinical practice (Obes Res Clin Pract) Vol. 3 Issue 3 Pg. I-IV (Aug 2009) ISSN: 1871-403X [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 24345587 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2009 Asian Oceanian Association for the Study of Obesity . All rights reserved.