A Double Blinded- Randomized Clinical Study with "Weighlevel", a Combination of Four Medicinal Plants Used in Traditional Greco-Arab and Islamic Medicine

ABSTRACT

Weighlevel, is a mixture of extract of leaves of Alchemilla vulgaris, Olea europea and Mentha longifolia L, as well as seeds of Cuminum cyminum. These plants are used in traditional Greco-Arabic and Islamic medicine as well as in European herbal medicine. Weighlevel has been recently found to be safe and effective in weight loss in preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies, including a preliminary, uncontrolled human trial. Here we report the results of our randomized, double blinded, placebo controlled clinical study. The tests were carried out among 34 human volunteers. The test group included 19 volunteers whereas the control group included 15 volunteers who consumed Weighlevel tablets or placebo tablets 1 x 3 daily, respectively. All 34 subjects were asked to continue their usual diet, except for strictly limiting food intake to 3 main meals per day without snacking, and to take one Weighlevel tablet or placebo tablet 30 minutes before each meal. Five subjects were excluded (three from the test group and two from the control group) due to absence from scheduled visits. Twenty-nine subjects were evaluated for efficacy and tolerability of Weighlevel every month for 3 months. Weighlevel was well tolerated by all subjects and no side effects were reported. After 12 weeks, test subjects, on average, showed statistically significant weight loss and body mass index (BMI) reductions. Weight and BMI changes for the placebo group were not statistically significant. Results indicate safety, tolerability, and efficacy of Weighlevel in weight loss.

Keywords:

Alchemilla vulgaris, Olea europea, Mentha longifolia, Cuminum cyminum, Greco-Arab medicine, overweight, obesity.