Studies on the use of "Slimax", a Chinese herbal mixture, in the treatment of human obesity

A phytochemical preparation known as "Slimax" was administered orally to human volunteers for a six week period, using a double-blind experimental method. This preparation is an aqueous extract of the Chinese medicinal plants Hordeum vulgare, Polygonatum multiflorum, Dimocarpus longan, Ligusticum sinense, Lilium brownii and Zingiber officinale. Treatment with Slimax resulted in a significant decrease in parameters such as body weight, waist and hip circumference, and Body Mass Index (BMI), in all subjects tested. The basis of action was shown to be through modification of lipid metabolism, with significant effects on both the accumulation and the release of lipid from adipose tissue. The experimental results indicate a great potential for the use of this herbal preparation in treatment of human obesity.