A group of German scientists affirmed previous studies that a herbal ingredient from traditional Chinese medicine can reduce weight by activating the area of the brain that tells the body that it is already full or has satisfied the body's appetite. The present study showed promising signs that the ingredient can be developed for the future treatment of diabetes.
Scientists from Germany's Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen and the German Center for Diabetes Research said Celastrol activates a specific portion of the brain that plays a major role in controlling body weight.
Naturally, the body has leptin, a hormone made by adipose cells that helps regulate energy by restricting the feeling of being hungry. People who are suffering obesity lose the feeling of fullness because leptin is no longer functioning. In this case, Celastrol restores leptin sensitivity and consequently improves the feeling of being satisfied as explained by Katrin Pfuhlmann, the first author of the study published in the September issue of the journal Diabetes.
The German Association for the Study of Obesity or DAG said that patients suffering from obesity need to lose between five and ten percent of their body weight per year depending on the reading of their body mass index. Failing to achieve this weight loss goal can result in metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes according to Paul Pfluger, last author and the head of the current study.
At present, the group of scientists has only seen the effect of Celastrol in weight loss management and treatment of diabetes in obese mice. The team observed that mice treated with Celastrol have a much lower intake of food. Within one week, the animals observed for the study showed an average loss of about ten percent in their body weight.
The authors have yet to specify a target date for human trials but Pfluger is confident that they will see the same results when Celastrol is tested on humans. He also mentioned that related clinical trials have already commenced in the United States and results hopefully would be announced in the coming months.
Pfluger explained that taking Celastrol should not replace dietary requirements and recommended exercise required from people suffering from obesity. Nevertheless, the ingredient will help them achieve permanent weight loss by reducing their craving for food.
A report from the Global Burden of Disease published in June 2017 stated that China had 15 million children and 57 million adults suffering from obesity in 2015. The report said the main factor of high obesity is the accessibility and affordability of energy drink that are heavily loaded with sugar. The widespread and attractive advertisements about the products contribute greatly to people's high consumption of the sugary drink, the report said.
