Project No. : AP-01/2012-13
Year. : 2012-13
Project Title: A randomized double blind placebo controlled crossover study to assess the neutraceutical properties of Cassia tora in health and well-being
State: Andhra Pradesh
Theme: Good Agriculture and Collection Practices
Plant species: Cassia tora
Principal Investigator & Organization : Dr. K.K. Reddy, Division of Human Genetics, Department of Anthropology, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati- 517 502
Status: Closed
Summary of Project / Major Outcome /Achievements : The acute toxicity study did not show significant change in mice and rats upon oral administration of Cassia tora leaf powder. A randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study with a crossover design was done on 60 healthy normal weight adults. The study consisted of 2 treatment phases of 24 weeks each with a washout period of 4 weeks between the phases. 30 subjects randomly allocated to the ‘Placebo first’ group and 30 to ‘C. tora first’ group and assigned to receive a dose of C. tora (330 mg) or matched placebo three times a day. Safety markers were measured at base line and at the end of both treatment phases. Body mass index, blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, glycated hemoglobin, lipid profile and antioxidants were measured at baseline and at every three months interval. Repeated Measures analysis was applied to assess the period and carryover effects of the drug over placebo. C. tora supplementation was well tolerated and no apparent changes were observed in safety markers. The findings advocate that C. tora supplementation is safe and beneficial in elevating HDL-Cholesterol and antioxidants and hence advised for consumption.
