Page 19 - IMO-2-2

Innovative Medicines & Omics Pharmacotherapy of obesity

of 5.8 ± 7.0 kg (5.6 ± 6.5%), whereas controls gained 0.8 ± appetite-regulating neuropeptides. A reduction in energy
3.5 kg (0.8 ± 3.7%). Notably, patients with severe insulin stores, common with weight loss, activates neuropeptides
resistance experienced greater weight loss, while age, sex, responsible for increased hunger, often resulting in failure.
and BMI did not influence weight reduction. 81 Ginseng and its active compounds, especially ginsenosides,
act against this by suppressing orexigenic neuropeptides like
12. Weight loss supplements neuropeptide Y and agouti-related peptide that stimulate
12.1. L-carnitine appetite while enhancing anorexigenic neuropeptides
such as cholecystokinin and POMC that reduce food
L-carnitine is a vitamin-like and an amino acid-like intake. The network pharmacology analysis also suggests
substance, which is synthesized in the liver and kidneys, that compounds from ginseng, such as ginsenoside Rb1,
using Vitamin C, iron, and niacin as precursors in its campesterol, and biotin, link genes related to energy
synthesis. The dietary sources where L-carnitine is abundant balance and food intake, therefore suggesting that ginseng
are meat, fish, and other animal-based products such as milk. might act as a natural adjuvant in weight management. 84
It is essential for the oxidation of fatty acids in both skeletal
and cardiac muscles since it facilitates the transportation of 12.4. Glucomannan
long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria. Furthermore, Glucomannan is a water-soluble fiber with high molecular
L-carnitine is also implicated in the generation of reactive weight and viscosity, which is very effective for weight loss.
oxygen species, energy production, trapping of acetyl Glucomannan acts by absorbing water in the stomach and
groups, and glucose metabolism. Most of these processes expanding, consequently creating a feeling of fullness and
are believed to help in weight management. It is suggested reducing overall food intake. In addition, glucomannan
that L-carnitine contributes to the management of obesity delays gastric emptying, which prolongs satiety and
through its effects on blood glucose regulation and its lipid- consequently decreases food intake. It has several benefits:
lowering properties. 82 the reduction of post-meal blood sugar spikes, reduction

12.2. Conjugated linoleic acid of cholesterol synthesis in the liver, and increased excretion
of cholesterol through bile acids. Such mechanisms help in
Conjugated linoleic acid is a natural derivative of the weight reduction, improved cholesterol levels, and better
omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid. It usually occurs in dairy blood glucose control – all useful for glucomannan to be
and meat products. In animal models, this supplement considered a helpful aid in weight management. 85
has been shown to have a variety of potential benefits,
which include better management of diabetes, enhanced 12.5. Herbal medicines (green tea, hibiscus,
immune function, reduced biomarkers of atherosclerosis, cinnamon, and ephedra)
and positive changes in body composition such as a The extract of green tea has been documented to decrease
reduction in body fat and an increase in lean muscle mass. weight, waist circumference, total cholesterol, and LDL
Conjugated linoleic acid supplementation in humans has levels in women with central obesity. On the other hand,
shown possible improvements in insulin sensitivity and Hibiscus sabdariffa extract helps reduce abdominal fat,
lipid metabolism, characterized by the lowering of plasma serum-free fatty acids, and improves liver steatosis in
triglycerides and reduction of low-density lipoprotein obese individuals. Cinnamon consumption also caused
(LDL) cholesterol. Such changes imply an advantage in a significant improvement in metabolic syndrome
weight management and total metabolic health. 83 components in Asian Indians. Ephedra sinica has
12.3. Ginseng traditionally been used in China to reduce body weight,
body mass, and fat percentage in obese women. Most herbal
Ginseng is the root of plants in the genus Panax, such medicines act by promoting the reduction of body weight,
as Korean ginseng (Panax ginseng), South China usually through appetite suppression, enhancement of
ginseng (Panax notoginseng), and American ginseng metabolic rate, lipolysis, and inhibition of fat accumulation,
(Panax quinquefolius), characterized by the presence of as induced by Ephedra, a classic sympathomimetic
ginsenosides and gintonin. Ginseng is common in the medication used as an appetite suppressant. 86
cuisines and medicines of China and Korea. Ginseng has
been used in traditional medicine over centuries, though 12.6. Psyllium
modern clinical research is inconclusive about its medical Psyllium is a natural fiber, largely soluble, which forms
effectiveness. a thick gel when it absorbs water and is neither digested
The role of ginseng in weight management is an nor fermented. In the small intestine, this gel increases
up-and-coming intervention by way of the modulation of the viscosity of the chyme, which slows the breakdown

Volume 2 Issue 2 (2025) 13 doi: 10.36922/imo.8316