Evidence-based·Last reviewed May 30, 2026·How we grade evidence

Caralluma fimbriata

Botanical

Useful mainly for adults seeking modest appetite/waist-circumference support alongside diet.

Quick decision guide

May help most

adults seeking modest appetite/waist-circumference support alongside diet

Common dosing range

500–1000 mg/day of standardized extract, divided before meals

When to expect effects

Weeks

Watch out for

Long-term safety beyond 8–12 weeks is not established

What is it

Caralluma fimbriata is an edible cactus-like succulent native to India, used traditionally as a famine food and appetite suppressant. It is marketed as a weight loss supplement under brand names including Slimaluma.

Is it worth it for you?

Use this as a quick fit check, not a diagnosis.

Worth considering if…

You want appetite support as an adjunct to diet and activity

You accept the effect is modest and inconsistent

You will use a standardized extract short term

Probably skip if…

You expect meaningful standalone weight loss

You are pregnant or breastfeeding

You want a proven, durable obesity treatment

Evidence at a glance

Goal	Effect	Best fit	Time
weight management Limited Evidence	Modest reductions in waist circumference and appetite in some trials	overweight adults using it alongside diet and exercise	Weeks

weight management

Limited Evidence

Effect: Modest reductions in waist circumference and appetite in some trials
Best fit: overweight adults using it alongside diet and exercise
Time: Weeks

Evidence for 1 use

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

weight management

Supplement benefit

Limited Evidence

Caralluma contains pregnane glycosides and bitter principles proposed to suppress hypothalamic appetite and inhibit fat synthesis. Several small trials report modest reductions in appetite and waist circumference, while others show minimal effect. Overall the clinical evidence is limited and mixed.

Effect size

Modest reductions in waist circumference and appetite in some trials

Time to effect

Weeks

Best fit

overweight adults using it alongside diet and exercise

Less likely

people expecting weight loss without lifestyle change

Bottom line: May modestly curb appetite as a diet adjunct, but the evidence is small and inconsistent.

Evidence is mixed

Some small trials show modest appetite and waist-circumference benefits while others find little effect, leaving the overall picture uncertain.

SourceKuriyan et al., 2007 — PubMed· conflicting Astell et al., 2013 — PubMed· conflicting

SourceKuriyan et al., 2007 — PubMed Astell et al., 2013 — PubMed

How it works

Caralluma contains pregnane glycosides, megastigmane glycosides, and bitter principles. Proposed mechanisms include hypothalamic appetite suppression and inhibition of fat synthesis (via citrate lyase inhibition). Some research suggests modest reduction in waist circumference and appetite in supplemented individuals. Clinical evidence is mixed, with several small trials reporting modest weight loss benefits and others showing minimal effect.

How to take it

1. Typical dose

500–1000 mg/day of standardized extract

2. Timing

30–60 minutes before meals

3. With food

Before meals

4. Split dosing

Divide before main meals

5. How long to try

Trial 8–12 weeks; longer-term safety not established

What to track

appetite and hunger

waist circumference

body weight

GI tolerance

1 commercial form

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

Caralluma fimbriata extract (Slimaluma)

Most studied form.

Standardized for pregnane glycosides.

Safety

Know the common side effects, key cautions, and who should avoid it.

Common side effects

mild GI upsetstomach painconstipationrash

Who should avoid it

pregnant or breastfeeding women
people with significant GI conditions should start low

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Interactions

diabetes medicationsMinor

Appetite/intake changes may affect blood glucose; monitor

appetite-stimulating drugsMinor

Theoretical opposing effect

Food sources

Food	Amount	%DV
Caralluma fimbriata (traditional famine food)	Variable	—

Caralluma fimbriata (traditional famine food)

Amount: Variable
%DV: —

Choosing a product

What to look for on the label — and what to be skeptical of.

Look for…

standardized Caralluma fimbriata extract

stated extract ratio or branded form (e.g., Slimaluma)

dose per serving

Be skeptical of…

'melts fat'

'effortless weight loss'

'clinically proven' overstatement on small data

Frequently asked questions

Does it cause weight loss?⌄

Modest effects on appetite and waist circumference in some trials. Not a strong weight loss tool on its own.

Is it safe long-term?⌄

Most trials are 8-12 weeks. Longer-term safety is not well-established.

References by claim

weight management

Kuriyan et al., 2007 — PubMed (2007) link

Astell et al., 2013 — PubMed (2013) link

Track Caralluma fimbriata with Pilora

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

Coming to App Store

Evidence-based·Last reviewed May 30, 2026·Evidence current as of May 30, 2026·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.