Reviews (77)Overview: Caralluma is a supplement made from a succulent plant called Caralluma fimbriata. The plant grows in India and other parts of the world, where it has long been eaten as a vegetable. People often take caralluma to help control appetite and support weight management, but the benefits of caralluma are not well defined. Common side effects include constipation, diarrhea, and nausea. Before taking caralluma, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.
Uses
What is caralluma used for?
Caralluma (Caralluma fimbriata) is made from a succulent plant that grows in India and other regions. It has a long history of traditional use as an appetite suppressant and as a food during times of famine. It is commonly used for the following reasons, but evidence in humans is limited and mixed and the benefits are not well defined.
- To help curb appetite and support weight loss or weight management
- To help with risk factors linked to metabolic syndrome, such as central body fat and blood sugar levels
Note: The FDA has not reviewed caralluma for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.
How does caralluma work (mechanism of action)?
Caralluma comes from an edible succulent plant called Caralluma fimbriata. The plant has long been eaten as a vegetable in India. The plant is also processed into a dried extract for use in supplements. It is often sold as a single ingredient. It is also found in combination products.
Caralluma naturally contains many chemicals. The chemicals thought to be most active are a group called pregnane glycosides. Researchers believe these chemicals may act on the brain and the gut to lower appetite. In laboratory and animal research, caralluma appears to affect brain chemicals that control hunger. Some research also suggests caralluma may affect how the body handles fat and blood sugar. It is not known if or how much these effects happen in people.
The benefits of caralluma are not well defined. Some human studies suggest it may lower calorie intake or slightly reduce waist size, but other studies have found no clear effect on appetite or body weight. Evidence in humans is limited and mixed.
Herbal products such as caralluma naturally contain many different chemicals, such as pregnane glycosides. The amounts of each chemical in a specific caralluma product may vary. Different amounts of pregnane glycosides may change the effects of caralluma on the body. Some caralluma dietary supplements are standardized to contain a specific amount of pregnane glycosides.
How should I store caralluma?
You should store caralluma according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of caralluma?
The most common side effects of caralluma are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Gas or feeling bloated
- Skin rash
There may be other side effects of caralluma that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of caralluma?
While less common, the most serious side effects of caralluma are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Caralluma may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking caralluma and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use caralluma?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take caralluma.
- Caralluma
- Caralluma adscendens var. fimbriata
- Caralluma fimbriata
- Slimaluma
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific caralluma products they stock.
What should I know about caralluma before using it?
Caralluma is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.
Caralluma is available in many forms. Common forms include capsules, tablets, powders, and standardized liquid or dried extracts. It is also sold in combination products that contain other ingredients. Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.
Keep caralluma out of the reach of children.
Herbal products, such as caralluma, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific caralluma product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way that the plant was processed after it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.
The FDA has not tested caralluma products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.
What should I tell my health care provider before using caralluma?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Also tell them if you have an upcoming surgery. Sharing this information will help your health care provider know if this or other supplements are right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have or have had any of the following.
- Diabetes or blood sugar problems
- An allergy to caralluma or the plant it is made from
Other Medicines and Supplements. Before taking caralluma, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how caralluma could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Experts generally recommend against using herbal supplements such as caralluma during pregnancy unless a health care provider advises otherwise. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if caralluma passes into breast milk. Because there is not enough information about its safety, experts generally recommend against using herbal supplements such as caralluma while breastfeeding unless a health care provider advises otherwise. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does caralluma interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between caralluma and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect caralluma.
Does caralluma interact with medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using so they can watch for any potential interactions.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking caralluma.
- A medicine for diabetes
- A medicine or supplement for weight loss
The interactions between caralluma and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with caralluma is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking caralluma with any medicines.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much caralluma?
If you or someone else has used too much caralluma, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
Caralluma is available in many forms, such as capsules, tablets, powders, and standardized extracts. It is also found in combination products. Read the product label closely, and speak with a health care provider about how to use caralluma safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.
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