Caralluma fimbriata

An Indian cactus typically eaten as a vegetable.  Caralluma fimbriata also has a reputation as a hunger/appetite suppressant and is used as “famine food” in rural India.  This is why extracts are used in a number of weight loss supplements.  Caralluma fimbriata also contains a range of pregnane glycosides which allegedly interfere with the body’s ability to accumulate body fat (the proposed mechanism is similar to Garcinia cambogia). 

A proprietary Caralluma extract is currently being marketed under the name Slimaluma®, although a controlled study on this ingredient indicates the weight/fat loss benefits are relatively modest.