Effects of Citrus aurantium extract, caffeine, and St. John's Wort on bodyfat loss, lipid levels, and mood states in overweight healthy adults

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of Citrus aurantium extract (an indirect beta-sympathicomimetic agent), caffeine, and St. John' s Wort on body composition, metabolic variables, plasma lipid levels, and m ood states in overweight healthy adults. In a double-masked, randomized, pl acebo-controlled study, 23 subjects with a body-mass index >25 kg/m(2) were assigned to 1 of 3 groups. Group A received C aurantium extract 975 mg, ca ffeine 528 mg, and St. John's Wort 900 mg daily; group B received a maltode xtrin placebo; and group C received nothing and served as the control group . For 6 weeks, subjects were instructed by a registered dietitian on how to follow an 1800-kcal/d American Heart Association Step One diet and perform ed a 3-day/week circuit training exercise program under the supervision of an exercise physiologist. During the exercise sessions, subjects achieved a pproximately 70% of age-predicted maximum heart rate. Compared with subject s in the placebo and control groups, subjects in the treatment group lost a significant amount of body weight (1.4 kg). They also lost a significant a mount of body fat (an average change of 2.9%), In terms of actual fat loss, group A lost a significant amount (3.1 kg), whereas the control group demo nstrated a tendency toward fat loss. No significant changes were noted in t he results of the Profile of Mood States questionnaire for fatigue or vigor in any of the 3 groups. Group A experienced a decrease, which did not reac h statistical significance, of both plasma cholesterol and triglycerides. N o significant changes in blood pressure, heart rate, electrocardiographic f indings, serum chemistries, or urinalysis findings were noted in any of the groups. Based on these results, it was concluded that the combination of C aurantium extract, caffeine, and St. John's Wort is safe and effective whe n combined with mild caloric restriction and exercise for promoting both bo dy weight and fat loss in healthy overweight adults.