Caralluma

Botanical

What is it

Caralluma fimbriata is an edible cactus-like succulent native to India, traditionally eaten as a vegetable and used by tribal communities as an appetite suppressant during long expeditions. Extracts are now sold as weight-management supplements.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Appetite and waist circumference

Limited Evidence

Small RCTs of standardized Caralluma fimbriata extract show small reductions in waist circumference and self-reported appetite. Effects on body weight are usually small.

How it works

Caralluma contains pregnane glycosides, megastigmane glycosides, and saponins. Proposed mechanisms include suppression of hunger signaling in the hypothalamus and inhibition of fatty acid synthase in laboratory studies. Clinical trials have generally been small, short, and produced modest effects on waist circumference and appetite. Effects on actual weight loss are typically small.

Dosage

Commonly studied at 500-1000 mg/day of standardized Caralluma fimbriata extract (such as Slimaluma), often split into two doses with meals.

When and how to take it

Often taken before main meals to support appetite control. Follow product label.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Caralluma fimbriata extract (e.g., Slimaluma)

Most widely studied form.

Standardized to pregnane glycosides

Safety

Generally well-tolerated in published trials. Mild GI side effects (nausea, constipation, rash) have been reported. Long-term safety beyond a few months is not well established.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. People with diabetes on glucose-lowering drugs should monitor for hypoglycemia. Stop if rash or other adverse effects develop.

Interactions

No significant drug interactions reported in trials. Theoretical interactions with diabetes medications because of effects on appetite and blood glucose.

Food sources

Caralluma fimbriata stem (traditional food in India)

Amount
varies
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Does caralluma actually suppress appetite?⌄

Some trials show modest self-reported reductions in appetite and waist size. It is not a powerful weight-loss agent.

Is caralluma safe?⌄

Short-term use at studied doses appears generally safe. Long-term safety data are limited.

References

Caralluma on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Caralluma on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Caralluma (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Caralluma with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

Coming to App Store
Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.