SUNCATM clinically proven to improve weight, body composition and cholesterol

SUNCATM, the new Vidya Herbs sunflower extract, clinically proven for weight, body composition and cholesterol improvements in a 12-week, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The aim of this randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel group clinical study was to evaluate the clinical effects of SUNCA sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seed extract supplementation on the weight and body composition of obese adults. Significant decrease in body weight, BMI and waist circumference was observed, especially for women over 30 years of age. Body composition in relation to fat mass and a decrease in blood cholesterol were also observed.

A total of 50 subjects of both sexes were randomly assigned to SUNCATM or placebo groups, receiving a 250 mg capsule two times a day (one before breakfast and one before lunch) of SUNCATM or a placebo respectively for 12 weeks At the end of the study, comparison between groups revealed that SUNCATM consumption for 12 weeks significantly reduced BMI and waist circumference (WC) by 2.60 and 8.44 cm respectively while placebo reductions were by 1.88 and 4.75 cm, p = 0.02 and p = 0.001, respectively. Body weight was also reduced by 6.90 kg for the SUNCATM group against 5.53 kg for the placebo group, consisting of a 6.8 and a 5.7% reduction respectively, though not significantly.

When considering subjects older than 30 years, besides BMI and WC, a significant (p = 0.05) difference was found between the two groups for weight loss. SUNCATM subjects lost 7.28 kg against 5.71 kg for placebo subjects, i.e. a reduction of 7.2% and 5.9% of initial weight respectively. Moreover, body composition was also significantly modified through the reduction of fat mass (p = 0.02) and fat % (p = 0.05) by 5.26 kg and 2.69 % for the SUNCATM group against 4.02 kg and 2% for the placebo group respectively. For women over 30 years of age, a significant improvement (p = 0.005) in Muscle Mass/Fat Mass ratio was observed in the SUNCATM group (+0.14) compared to the placebo group (+0.09).

A decrease of blood cholesterol and triglycerides was also observed, supporting the potent action of SUNCATM on lipid metabolism. No significant (p > 0.05) difference was found for physical activity at the baseline and at the end of the study within and between the two groups, according to the IPAQ results. 

SUNCATM was well tolerated and considered safe.

These study results provide evidence for the use of sunflower extract SUNCATM (Chlorogenic acids > 40 %) as a natural anti-obesity drug. With this study, it was concluded that consumption of SUNCATM has a beneficial effect on body weight, fat mass and lipid profile. 

The description and the results of this study have been described in Volume 11, Issue 5 (May 2019) of Nutrients (https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/11/5/1080).