Effect of ellagic acid on body fat and triglyceride reduction in healthy overweight volunteers: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel group study

Abstract

Background: Worldwide, those categorized as overweight or obese are increasing at an alarming rate, posing a serious public health problem.  Current management methods vary, ranging from surgery, dieting and exercise, to the use of synthetic and natural compounds.  Previous studies reported the use of an Irvingia gabonensis extract containing ellagic acid in reducing weight and other related parameters in overweight participants. The present study investigated the efficacy of ellagic acid on anthropometric parameters as well as body fat ratio and blood triglyceride levels in otherwise healthy overweight Japanese adults.

Participants and Methods: Overall, 32 participants (23 males and 9 females) aged between 20 and 64 years with a BMI of 25 or more but less than 30 kg/m² and a visceral fat area of 80 cm² or more were included in this randomized double-blind clinical trial.  The 20-week intervention involved two groups of participants -placebo group and ellagic acid (3.0 mg per day) group.  The placebo or ellagic acid was taken daily with water 30 minutes before the main meal.  At baseline (T0) and at 6 and 12 weeks, anthropometric measurements (body weight, BMI, body fat ratio, waist circumference, hip circumference), CT scans and blood triglyceride levels were measured. 

Results: Compared to the placebo, ellagic acid brought about statistically significant reductions in body fat ratio, triglycerides, body weight, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference and visceral fat over the twelve-week trial period.

Conclusion: The use of 3.0 mg ellagic acid daily for a 12-week period was effective in reducing body fat ratio and blood triglycerides as well as other anthropometric parameters, confirming the potential use of ellagic acid in the management of overweight patients. 

Keywords: Ellagic acid, Irvingia gabonensis, overweight, obesity, body fat, triglyceride, body weight, metabolic syndrome.