Effects of tamarind seed husk extract on abdominal visceral fat: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in Japanese adults with mild obesity

Abstract Tamarind seed husk, a by-product of gum production, is rich in polyphenols. We examined whether tamarind seed husk extract (TSHE) reduces abdominal visceral fat area (AVFA) in Japanese adults with mild obesity. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (UMIN000057223), 112 adults (25 ≤ BMI < 30 kg/m2) received TSHE (200 mg/day) or placebo for 12 weeks. AVFA at week 12, the primary outcome, was lower but not significantly (p = 0.077). AVFA was already significantly lower at week 4, and the percent reduction in total fat area was significant at weeks 8 and 12. Reductions were greater in participants with a baseline visceral-to-subcutaneous fat ratio ≥ 0.4. No adverse events occurred, indicating that TSHE is safe as a food ingredient. This is the first clinical trial to show that TSHE (200 mg/day) reduces visceral fat in mildly obese adults with a visceral-to-subcutaneous fat ratio ≥ 0.4.