Polygonatum Sibiricum Reduces Visceral Fat in Obese Adults

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Polygonatum sibiricum: Polygonatum sibiricum decoction, 15 g daily, taken orally in 1-2 divided doses after meals, for 12 consecutive weeks. The herbal decoction is prepared by the Pharmaceutical Department of Zhejiang Provincial Tongde Hospital from authenticated Polygonatum sibiricum raw material. Batch number management, dispensing logs, and residual drug recovery are implemented to ensure traceability. All participants in this arm also receive standardized lifestyle intervention (individualized calorie-restricted diet, moderate-intensity aerobic combined with resistance exercise for at least 150 minutes per week, and Traditional Chinese Medicine behavioral guidance). The study is a randomized, open-label, parallel-controlled trial designed to evaluate the effects of Polygonatum sibiricum on visceral fat area and related metabolic parameters.

Lifestyle Intervention: Standardized lifestyle intervention consisting of three components: (1) individualized calorie-restricted diet prescribed by a dietitian based on each participant's basal metabolic rate and physical activity level, following the principles of total energy control, reduced sugar and fat intake, and regular meals; (2) moderate-intensity aerobic exercise combined with resistance training, with a target of at least 150 minutes per week; and (3) Traditional Chinese Medicine "preventive treatment" behavioral guidance, including sleep management, stress management, and daily living and dietary education. This intervention is provided to all participants in both groups throughout the 12-week study period.

Study summary

This study is being done to find out if a traditional Chinese herb called Polygonatum sibiricum (Huangjing) can help reduce belly fat and improve metabolic health in adults with visceral obesity.

Visceral obesity means having too much fat stored deep inside the belly, around the organs. This type of fat is linked to a higher risk of diabetes, fatty liver, and heart disease.

The study will include 66 adults with visceral obesity. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups:

One group will receive a Polygonatum sibiricum decoction (15 grams daily) plus standard lifestyle advice on diet and exercise.

The other group will receive the same lifestyle advice only.

The study will last for 12 weeks. Researchers will measure changes in visceral fat area, body weight, waist size, blood sugar, blood lipids, and liver fat. They will also look at gut bacteria and related markers to better understand how Polygonatum sibiricum might work.

Participation involves 4 visits to the study site over the 12-week period. All participants will receive free health assessments and dietitian guidance. The study is not a treatment but a research study to test whether this herb has potential benefits for visceral obesity.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Change in visceral fat area — Baseline and Week 12
  Using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), the change in visceral fat area after 12 weeks of intervention compared to the baseline was measured to evaluate the intervention effect of rehmannia on visceral fat accumulation.

Trial sites (1)

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