The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of a sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seed extract, standardized for 40% chlorogenic acids on weight and body composition of obese adults. Fifty subjects were randomly assigned to sunflower extract or isocaloric placebo groups, receiving respectively 500 mg/day of treatment for 12 weeks. At the end of the intervention, a significant decrease in body weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), and waist circumference was observed, especially for obese female subjects above 30 years. Those changes were associated with modified body composition related to fat mass loss. A decrease in blood cholesterol was also observed, supporting the potential action of sunflower extract on lipid metabolism. It was concluded that consumption of sunflower extract has a beneficial effect on body weight, fat mass, and lipid profile, providing evidence for its use as a natural anti-obesity herbal extract.
Keywords: BMI reduction; chlorogenic acids; cholesterol; fat mass reduction; sunflower seeds; weight loss.