Anti-obesity Effects of Sphaeranthus indicus Linn : Systematic Review of Clinical and Animal Studies

Obesity is a growing public health concern in India, with NFHS-5 (2021) reporting a prevalence of 24% in women and 23% in men, highlighting the need for safe and effective therapeutic options. Sphaeranthus indicus L. (Mundi), traditionally used for Medoroga (obesity), has shown potential anti-obesity properties in both preclinical and clinical research, yet its therapeutic efficacy has not been comprehensively evaluated. This systematic review examined evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and in vivo animal studies assessing the anti-obesity effects of Sphaeranthus indicus L. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, searches were conducted across CTRI, WHO ICTRP, ChiCTR, and UMIN-CTR. Eligible studies included RCTs and animal models evaluating body weight, anthropometric measures, and lipid profiles; studies involving comorbidities such as diabetes or PCOD were excluded. Two reviewers screened 599 records, assessed 41 full-text articles, and included 9 studies after rigorous selection. Risk of bias was assessed, and data were extracted using a standardized framework. Results indicate that Sphaeranthus indicus L., often combined with Garcinia mangostana L., produced significant reductions in body weight (2–5 kg over 8–12 weeks), BMI (1–2 kg/m²), body fat percentage, and improved lipid parameters and adiponectin levels, with minimal adverse events. Preclinical studies showed dose-dependent reductions in visceral fat and triglycerides. However, limitations included small sample sizes, heterogeneity in study design, and frequent use of polyherbal formulations, making it difficult to attribute effects solely to Sphaeranthus indicus L. Although current evidence is encouraging, well-designed, large-scale RCTs employing standardized mono-herbal preparations are needed to confirm efficacy and support clinical application.