A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Lessertia frutescens in Healthy Adults
2007

Safety Study of Sutherlandia in Healthy Adults

Sample size: 25 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Johnson Quinton, Syce James, Nell Haylene, Rudeen Kevin, Folk William R

Primary Institution: South African Herbal Science and Medicine Institute, University of the Western Cape

Hypothesis

Is Sutherlandia frutescens safe for healthy adults?

Conclusion

Sutherlandia leaf powder capsules were tolerated by healthy adults without significant adverse effects.

Supporting Evidence

  • Participants consuming Sutherlandia reported improved appetite compared to those in the placebo group.
  • No significant differences in adverse events between treatment and placebo groups.
  • Most physical and laboratory measurements were within normal ranges.

Takeaway

This study tested a plant called Sutherlandia to see if it was safe for healthy people, and it turned out to be okay to use.

Methodology

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 25 healthy adults receiving either Sutherlandia or a placebo for 3 months.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the small sample size and lack of dose escalation.

Limitations

The small sample size limits the ability to detect rare adverse events.

Participant Demographics

25 healthy adults with no significant diseases or allergies.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p = 0.01 for appetite improvement; p < 0.04 for respiration rate; p = 0.03 for platelet count.

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pctr.0020016

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