Abstract
Obesity is a global health concern associated with a variety of comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancers. Traditional interventions for obesity, including lifestyle modifications and pharmacotherapy, often have limited success due to side effects and poor patient adherence. Recently, interest in medicinal plants as alternative treatments for obesity has increased, driven by their potential effectiveness and lower risk of adverse effects. This review aims to assess the efficacy and mechanisms of various medicinal plants used in managing obesity, focusing on their potential for appetite suppression and weight loss based on clinical experiences and randomized controlled trials (RCTs).A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, with keywords including “obesity” “appetite suppression” “medicinal plants” and “clinical trial.” Studies evaluating the anti-obesity effects of medicinal plants were selected for efficacy and safety.The review identified several medicinal plants, including Garcinia cambogia, green tea, fenugreek, and Phaseolus vulgaris, which have shown promising results in reducing appetite, improving metabolic parameters, and promoting weight loss in clinical trials. However, some studies reported inconsistent or minimal effects, highlighting the need for further research.Medicinal plants offer a promising alternative for obesity management due to their potential efficacy and reduced side effects. However, long-term, well-designed RCTs are necessary to confirm their clinical applications and optimize dosages for effective weight management.