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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2025 Nov 21;104(47):e45666.
doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000045666.

Efficacy and safety of Cyperus rotundus extract on weight management in obese individuals: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Anju Majeed  1 , Shaheen Majeed  2 , T V Devarajan  3 , S S V V Narasinga Rao  4 , Satish Gudimallam  1 , Manjunatha Ramanujappa  1 , Smitha Thazhathidath  1 , Lakshmi Mundkur  1
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Efficacy and safety of Cyperus rotundus extract on weight management in obese individuals: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Anju Majeed et al. Medicine (Baltimore). .

Abstract

Background: Obesity, a critical public health issue, is linked to numerous metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. Natural products may present a safer and more holistic approach to weight management. A standardized extract of Cyperus rotundus (CRE), containing 6% to 8% stilbenes (scirpusin A, scirpusin B, and piceatannol) was effective in reducing adipogenesis and weight gain in preclinical studies. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of CRE combined with the bioavailability enhancer piperine (CREP), as a natural supplement for managing weight in obese individuals.

Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted over 90 days involving 96 obese participants. Subjects received oral supplementation of 500 mg CRE with 5 mg piperine (CREP) twice daily, alongside a prescribed exercise and diet regimen. Primary outcomes included anthropometric measures such as body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist-hip ratio. Secondary outcomes assessed included serum lipid parameters, Apolipoprotein B-100, calorie intake, physical activity, and safety evaluations.

Results: CREP supplementation led to significant reductions in body weight, body mass index, waist, and hip circumference compared to placebo. Improvements in serum lipid profiles and Apolipoprotein B-100 levels were also observed in the CREP group. No adverse events were reported, and all laboratory parameters remained within normal ranges.

Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that CREP is a safe and effective natural supplement for reducing abdominal obesity and improving lipid profiles. The observed benefits surpassed those of lifestyle management alone, supporting the potential development of CREP as a natural therapeutic option for weight management in obese individuals.

Keywords: Apolipoprotein B; lipid levels; obesity; stilbenes.

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Conflict of interest statement

AM, SM, SG, MR, ST and LM are affiliated to Sami-Sabinsa Group Limited or Sabinsa Corporation. TVD and SSVNR have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Structures of Piceatannol, Scirpusin A and Scirpusin B.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
HPLC chromatogram of Scirpusin A, Scirpusin B, and Piceatannol. HPLC = high performance liquid chromatography.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Consort flow diagram. CREP = Cyperus rotundus extract with piperine.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Changes in anthropometric parameters: (A) body weight, (B) body mass index, (C) hip circumference, and (D) waist circumference in placebo and CREP group. Values are expressed as Mean ± SEM. Repeated measure ANOVA (P value) and Dunnett Multiple Comparison Test. (*) were performed to evaluate the within-group change from baseline. ANOVA = analysis of variance, BMI = body mass index, CREP = Cyperus rotundus extract with piperine.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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