Introduction: Obesity and overweight is a critical public health problem. Worldwide, many natural products for treatment of obesity and weight loss have been used. It seems natural supplement usage, based on traditional plants is the safest approach for obesity. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of herbal supplements containing four herbs including Origanum vulgare, Carumcarvi, Trachyspermum copticum and Ruta Graveolen,based on traditional medicine with placebo plus a weight loss diet on some biochemical parameters and anthropometric indices in obese subjects.
Methods: This study is a double-blind controlled clinical on adult obese subjects with a BMI of over 30 and age range of 20 to 50 years. The study period was 8 weeks. Signing an informed testimonial, Sixty-four subjects were randomly assigned into two groups of placebo (n=33) and treated (n=31). Anthropometric indices, dietary intake and biochemical parameters were measured at baseline and after the intervention.
Results: The results indicated body weight, BMI and body fat composition in treatment group was significantly lower than control (p<0,05). Moreover, there was a significant reduction in TC, LDL-c and TG in the herbal supplement group , compared to the placebo (p<0,05).
Conclusion: The use of this herbal mixture effectively reduces the anthropometric indices and fat mass in adult obese subjects. It also showed potential efficiency in controlling lipid profile level in obese individuals.