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Hajiesmaello M, Mohammadi E. Herbal Agents for Weight Loss and Anti-Obesity: A Review of Traditional Iranian Medicine. pbp 2026; 8 (In press)
URL: http://pbp.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-345-en.html
URL: http://pbp.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-345-en.html
1- Palliative Care Research Center, Ur.C., Islamic Azad University, Urmia, Iran
2- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran ,dremohammadi90@gmail.com
2- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran ,
Abstract: (21 Views)
Introduction: Obesity and the accumulation of fat in the abdominal and flank regions are major public health challenges. Beyond aesthetic concerns, they significantly increase the risk of chronic metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Traditional Iranian medicine (TIM) offers a natural and complementary approach to obesity management through a diverse array of medicinal plants. This review aims to identify and summarize the most prominent and frequently used herbal remedies for controlling and treating abdominal and flank obesity in classical TIM sources.
Methods: This study was conducted as a literature review of classical TIM manuscripts and authoritative herbal medicine references focused on obesity management. Complementary searches were performed in recognized scientific databases, including ISC, SID, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Magiran, using Persian and English keywords related to "medicinal plants," "obesity," and "abdominal and flank fat." Relevant articles and online sources were gathered and analyzed to provide a comprehensive overview of effective herbal interventions.
Results: The findings reveal that a wide variety of medicinal plants demonstrate significant effects on weight reduction and obesity control. Zingiberaceae such as ginger, turmeric, and cardamom; Lamiaceae like thyme, savory, and rosemary; and Apiaceae including celery, ajwain, cumin, and fennel were found to enhance metabolism and reduce fat accumulation. Asteraceae species such as chamomile and yarrow improve digestion and regulate blood sugar, while legumes including peanuts, soy, and fenugreek contribute to appetite suppression. Additionally, Rosaceae plants like apple, rose, and damask rose provide antioxidant compounds, and other plants such as mustard, khakshir, saffron, barberry, black seed, garlic, and lemon balm also demonstrate anti-obesity effects through diverse mechanisms.
Conclusion: This review highlights that TIM offers a broad spectrum of medicinal plants effective in weight reduction and obesity management. Proposed mechanisms include increased basal metabolism, inhibition of fat absorption, and improved gastrointestinal function. Nonetheless, definitive evidence regarding their efficacy and safety requires well-designed, large-scale clinical trials.
Methods: This study was conducted as a literature review of classical TIM manuscripts and authoritative herbal medicine references focused on obesity management. Complementary searches were performed in recognized scientific databases, including ISC, SID, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Magiran, using Persian and English keywords related to "medicinal plants," "obesity," and "abdominal and flank fat." Relevant articles and online sources were gathered and analyzed to provide a comprehensive overview of effective herbal interventions.
Results: The findings reveal that a wide variety of medicinal plants demonstrate significant effects on weight reduction and obesity control. Zingiberaceae such as ginger, turmeric, and cardamom; Lamiaceae like thyme, savory, and rosemary; and Apiaceae including celery, ajwain, cumin, and fennel were found to enhance metabolism and reduce fat accumulation. Asteraceae species such as chamomile and yarrow improve digestion and regulate blood sugar, while legumes including peanuts, soy, and fenugreek contribute to appetite suppression. Additionally, Rosaceae plants like apple, rose, and damask rose provide antioxidant compounds, and other plants such as mustard, khakshir, saffron, barberry, black seed, garlic, and lemon balm also demonstrate anti-obesity effects through diverse mechanisms.
Conclusion: This review highlights that TIM offers a broad spectrum of medicinal plants effective in weight reduction and obesity management. Proposed mechanisms include increased basal metabolism, inhibition of fat absorption, and improved gastrointestinal function. Nonetheless, definitive evidence regarding their efficacy and safety requires well-designed, large-scale clinical trials.
Type of Study: Review/Systemtic review |
Subject:
Phytomedicine
Received: 2025/08/29 | Accepted: 2025/08/30 | Published: 2026/01/20
Received: 2025/08/29 | Accepted: 2025/08/30 | Published: 2026/01/20
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