Anti-obesity effect of eucalyptus leaf extract containing oenothein B in healthy Japanese adults: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group study

Abstract

Background: Excessive ingestion of fructose can lead to obesity and related diseases. Eucalyptus leaf extract (ELE) contains oenothein B, which inhibits intestinal fructose absorption. Objective: The antiobesity effects of ELE containing oenothein B were evaluated in healthy Japanese whose body mass index (BMI) was ≥ 23 and < 30 kg/m2. Methods: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group study was performed to evaluate the effect of ELE consumption, for 12 weeks at a 3.38 mg/day dose of oenothein B, on the abdominal visceral fat area (VFA) as the primary outcome. Results were compared to those of a placebo group. Results: Of the 721 individuals who underwent screening, 198 were randomly allocated into two groups. A total of 95 subjects in the placebo group and 94 in the intervention group were established as the per-protocol set. VFA in the intervention group significantly decreased compared to that in the placebo group 12 weeks after initiating intervention. This reduction in VFA was considered to have clinical significance. Among the secondary outcomes, VFA, waist circumference, and muscle mass after 8 weeks, as well as body weight and BMI after 12 weeks, were significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the placebo group. Conclusion: ELE containing oenothein B may be effective against obesity and related diseases by reducing VFA levels.