Caralluma Fimbriata
Caralluma fimbriata
Also known as: Caralluma, Slimaluma, Caralluma extract, Indian Hoodia, Caralluma adscendens
Evidence Strength: LIMITED
This ingredient is classified as unclassified risk (GIRI score: 3.0/10). The classification is based on mechanistic and clinical evidence: caralluma fimbriata is believed to work by inhibiting the activity of citrate….
Safety Profile
Common Adverse Effects
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- nausea
- constipation
- flatulence
- headache
Serious Adverse Effects
- Allergic reactions
- severe gastrointestinal upset
- potential hepatotoxicity
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- breastfeeding
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- People taking Antidiabetic drugs
Interactions
| Drug / Nutrient | Interaction Mechanism | Warning |
|---|---|---|
| Antidiabetic drugs | potential additive effect — monitor blood glucose levels. Antihypertensive drugs: possible interaction — monitor blood pressure. CNS depressants: additive sedative effect — use with caution. | Monitor |
Evidence and Scientific Findings
Ingredient Overview
Biological and Chemical Classification
- Chemical Class
- Glycoside
- Biological Class
- Appetite suppressant
- Natural Source
- Caralluma fimbriata, aerial parts
- Scientific Name
- Caralluma fimbriata
- Chemical Formula
- Not applicable
- CAS Number
- Not applicable
Mechanism of Action
Clinical Evidence of Effectiveness
| Indication | Evidence Level | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| General | Moderate | Several small-scale human trials have investigated the effects of Caralluma fimbriata on weight loss. Results suggest modest reductions in body weight and waist circumference, particularly in overweight individuals. However, the studies are limited by small sample sizes and short durations, necessitating further research to confirm these findings. |
Pharmacokinetics
Recommended Dosage
| Condition / Use | Typical Dose |
|---|---|
| Weight loss | 500 mg twice daily. Appetite suppression: 1,000 mg per day. |
Dosage ranges are based on clinical studies and commonly used supplement formulations. Individual requirements may vary.
SETI — Scientific Evidence Transparency Index
Executive Summary — Ingredient Assessment
- 10 studies reviewed
- 3 high-quality studies (meta-analysis or RCT)
- Main clinical benefit observed: Caralluma fimbriata is a succulent plant belonging to the Apocynaceae family, traditionally used in Indian medicine for its…
- Evidence consistency: High consistency across studies (100%)
- Caralluma fimbriata is generally considered safe for short-term use. However, caution is advised in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to insufficient safety data. Individuals with liver or kidney impairment should consult a healthcare provider before use. Regulatory bodies have not raised significant safety concerns, but long-term safety data is lacking.
- USA/FDA — Approved
Current scientific evidence suggests potential clinical benefits for Caralluma Fimbriata; however, some safety concerns have been reported in the literature. Additional large-scale randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm long-term safety and effectiveness.
Total SETI Score
Moderate risk| Evidence quality | 30/40 |
| Evidence consistency | 20/20 |
| Safety signals | 0/20 |
| Study recency | 10/10 |
| Evidence transparency | 10/10 |
Evidence Summary
- 10 studies reviewed
- 3 high-quality studies (meta-analysis or systematic review)
- 0 studies identified benefits or no safety concern (GREEN)
- 10 studies reported limited or advisory safety evidence (YELLOW)
Evidence Policy
Only peer-reviewed scientific literature indexed in PubMed or comparable databases is included in this evaluation. Commercial websites, blogs, and marketing materials are excluded. All references include direct traceable links to source documents.
Last updated: 06 მარ 2026, 12:00
Evidence Distribution
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWPotential use of titanium nano-gel to palliate redox status, DNA damage, histopathological changes, and renal-hepatic disorders induced by Candida albicans in Clarias… ↗Thabet RY et al.. Potential use of titanium nano-gel to palliate redox status, DNA damage, histopathological changes, and renal-hepatic disorders induced by Candida albicans in Clarias gariepinus.. Vet Res Commun. 2025. PMID:40944746.PMID 40944746 ↗Journal Vet Res CommunYear 2025Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40944746/
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Animal study LOW evidence YELLOWExploring the antiarthritic potential of Caralluma fimbriata: Phytochemical screening and preliminary observations in a rat model. ↗Mali KK et al.. Exploring the antiarthritic potential of Caralluma fimbriata: Phytochemical screening and preliminary observations in a rat model.. J Ethnopharmacol. 2025. PMID:40816583.PMID 40816583 ↗Journal J EthnopharmacolYear 2025Study type Animal studyEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40816583/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWCricket protein-based film containing Caralluma fimbriata extract-based nanoparticles for preservation of cheddar cheese. ↗Lone AB et al.. Cricket protein-based film containing Caralluma fimbriata extract-based nanoparticles for preservation of cheddar cheese.. Ultrason Sonochem. 2025. PMID:39616721.PMID 39616721 ↗Journal Ultrason SonochemYear 2025Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39616721/
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Animal study LOW evidence YELLOWCaralluma fimbriata Extract Improves Vascular Dysfunction in Obese Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet. ↗Thunuguntla VBSC et al.. Caralluma fimbriata Extract Improves Vascular Dysfunction in Obese Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet.. Nutrients. 2024. PMID:39770917.PMID 39770917 ↗Journal NutrientsYear 2024Study type Animal studyEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39770917/
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Animal study LOW evidence YELLOWExploring the therapeutic potential of Caralluma fimbriata for antioxidant and diabetes management: a 28-day rat model study. ↗Arif A et al.. Exploring the therapeutic potential of Caralluma fimbriata for antioxidant and diabetes management: a 28-day rat model study.. Toxicol Res (Camb). 2024. PMID:38957782.PMID 38957782 ↗Journal Toxicol Res (Camb)Year 2024Study type Animal studyEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38957782/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWDelving the Role of Caralluma fimbriata: An Edible Wild Plant to Mitigate the Biomarkers of Metabolic Syndrome. ↗Anwar R et al.. Delving the Role of Caralluma fimbriata: An Edible Wild Plant to Mitigate the Biomarkers of Metabolic Syndrome.. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2022. PMID:35770046.PMID 35770046 ↗Journal Oxid Med Cell LongevYear 2022Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35770046/
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Systematic review HIGH evidence YELLOWModulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis by plants and phytonutrients: a systematic review of human trials. ↗Lopresti AL et al.. Modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis by plants and phytonutrients: a systematic review of human trials.. Nutr Neurosci. 2022. PMID:33650944.PMID 33650944 ↗Journal Nutr NeurosciYear 2022Study type Systematic reviewEvidence strength HIGH evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33650944/
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Meta-analysis HIGH evidence YELLOWThe use of Caralluma fimbriata as an appetite suppressant and weight loss supplement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. ↗Jayawardena R et al.. The use of Caralluma fimbriata as an appetite suppressant and weight loss supplement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021. PMID:34758791.PMID 34758791 ↗Journal BMC Complement Med TherYear 2021Study type Meta-analysisEvidence strength HIGH evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34758791/
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Observational / other LOW evidence YELLOWThe effect of an orally-dosed Caralluma Fimbriata extract on appetite control and body composition in overweight adults. ↗Rao A et al.. The effect of an orally-dosed Caralluma Fimbriata extract on appetite control and body composition in overweight adults.. Sci Rep. 2021. PMID:33762661.PMID 33762661 ↗Journal Sci RepYear 2021Study type Observational / otherEvidence strength LOW evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33762661/
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Meta-analysis HIGH evidence YELLOWEffect of the herbal medicines in obesity and metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. ↗Payab M et al.. Effect of the herbal medicines in obesity and metabolic syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.. Phytother Res. 2020. PMID:31793087.PMID 31793087 ↗Journal Phytother ResYear 2020Study type Meta-analysisEvidence strength HIGH evidencePubMed link https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31793087/
Score Transparency
0 of 10 approved references (score saturates at 10). More peer-reviewed studies = stronger evidence base.
Method: Q = number of approved references ÷ 10 (capped at 1.0)
Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies
Method: L = mean study-level weight across approved references. Level 1 (meta-analysis / systematic review) = 1.0; Level 2 (RCT) = 0.8; Level 3 (cohort/case-control) = 0.6; Level 4 (case report) = 0.4; Level 5 (animal / in-vitro) = 0.2.
Mixed or neutral — roughly equal benefit and risk signals
Method: D = (sum of risk-scored references − sum of benefit-scored references) ÷ total evidence score, then scaled from [−1, 1] to [0, 1]. 0.0 = pure benefit; 0.5 = neutral; 1.0 = pure risk.
One or more monitoring-level safety signals active
Method: S = 0.5 (neutral baseline) + sum of active signal severity deltas ÷ 10. Severity deltas: Critical = +2.0, High = +1.5, Moderate = +1.0, Low = +0.5. Capped at 1.0.
Final GIRI Score for Caralluma Fimbriata. Risk level thresholds: Low 0–3.0 · Moderate 3.0–5.5 · High 5.5–7.5 · Critical 7.5–10.
Full methodology & data sources
The GIRI Score is computed entirely from structured data — no editorial scoring or subjective weighting is applied at any step.
- References: Only approved references are counted. Each reference is assigned an evidence level (L1–L5) and a direction (risk / neutral / benefit) by the reference manager or AI classifier.
- Safety Signals: Sourced from regulatory agencies (FDA, EMA, Health Canada, TGA, and others) and pharmacovigilance databases. Only active signals count toward the score.
- Formula version: GIRI Score v3.7.0 — Q × L × D × S × 10.
- Limitations: The score reflects published evidence and recorded signals as of the last update date. It is not a clinical risk assessment and should not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Risk Level Classification
Based on available regulatory signals and scientific evidence, this ingredient presents a low safety concern under normal conditions of use.
0–3.0
3.0–5.5
5.5–7.5
7.5–10
The score pin shows exactly where this ingredient falls on the fixed risk scale.
What drove the Low classification for Caralluma Fimbriata
A score of 3.0 places this ingredient in the Low band. Thresholds: Low 0–3.0 · Moderate 3.0–5.5 · High 5.5–7.5 · Critical 7.5–10.
0 approved references.
Limited — mostly case reports or animal studies (Level 4–5).
Neutral or mixed — benefit and risk signals roughly balanced.
No active signals — S component is at neutral baseline (0.5), contributing no extra risk weight.
1 jurisdiction has active restrictions or advisories. Regulatory signals are recorded as Safety Signals and raise the S component.
How are the Low / Moderate / High / Critical thresholds defined?
The four risk levels are fixed score bands. A score is assigned to exactly one level based on where it falls:
| Level | Score | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| LOW | 0.0 – 2.9 | Sparse or predominantly beneficial evidence. No active safety alerts. |
| MODERATE | 3.0 – 5.4 | Mixed signals — some risk alongside benefit. Caution at high doses or in sensitive groups. |
| HIGH | 5.5 – 7.4 | Multiple studies or regulatory alerts documenting adverse effects. Professional oversight recommended. |
| CRITICAL | 7.5 – 10 | Regulatory restrictions in one or more major jurisdictions. Serious documented harm. Avoid without specialist supervision. |
Thresholds are fixed constants (GIRI_Score_Utils::LEVEL_THRESHOLDS). They do not change per ingredient and are never subject to editorial adjustment.