Risks and benefits of phytotherapics for weight loss

Abstract

Objective: To address the risks and benefits of herbal medicines and teas for weight loss. Methods: Integrative review carried out by collecting data from scientific articles, theses and dissertations in Portuguese and English published in the Virtual Health Library databases, Scientific Eletronic Library Online and in the Google Scholar search engine. Results: Phytotherapy has became attractive for the treatment of obesity as it is considered a natural therapy. Due to the different ways of marketing these products presented, it is necessary to guarantee effectiveness, safety and quality so that they are used in a sustainable way to assist in weight loss. This literature review analyzed the risks and benefits of herbal medicines for weight loss. The plants studied were: Rhamnus purshiana, Panax ginseng, Camellia sinensis, Fucus vesiculosus, Garcinia cambogia, Citrus aurantium, Caralluma fimbriata, Cordia salicifolia, Gymnema sylvestre, Phaseolus vulgaris and Ephedra sinica. Final considerations: Most phytotherapics proved capable of acting as an adjunct in the treatment for weight loss, but there is a lack of information regarding the appropriate dosage, it is demonstrated that a change in lifestyle and quality of food are also essential for success. of the treatment.