Effect of nutraceutical from mulberry on anthropometric measures in overweight and obese adults: a randomized, double-blinded, and placebocontrolled trial

Mulberry fruit extract (MFE) has been reported to show remarkable anti-obesity properties in vitro. While the trend for nutraceuticals is increasing, the study on the antiobesity potential of MFE in humans is limited. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the nutraceutical from MFE and examine the effects of the MFE capsule on anthropometric measures in overweight and obese adults. The nutraceutical was developed, and quality control was carried out. Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, the major bioactive compound in MFE, was found at 21.50±0.54 mg in each MFE capsule when analyzed by using the validated HPLC method. The weight variation, disintegration, and dissolution profile of MFE capsules were acceptable within the USP 42 requirement for dietary supplements. A total of thirty-two overweight participants were assigned to consume a capsule containing MFE or a placebo capsule daily for 8 weeks in a randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled trial (n = 16 per group). At the end of the study, MFE intake significantly caused a reduction in the visceral fat level when compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). Moreover, in the MFE group, body weight, BMI, waist circumference, subcutaneous fat of the whole body, trunk, arms, and legs, total body fat, and visceral fat were significantly decreased (p < 0.001). In conclusion, MFE was successfully developed into capsules. MFE capsules showed a favourable effect in reducing anthropometric measurements in overweight and obese adults. This is the first report on the promising anti-obesity potential of MFE capsules in humans.