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Konjac Root/Glucomannan for Weight Control, Blood Lipids & Constipation

Konjac Root/Glucomannan for Weight Control, Blood Lipids & Constipation


The konjac plant (Amorphophallus konjac), native to warm subtropical to tropical eastern Asia, has been used in China, Japan and South East Asia as a food source (to make noodles, tofu and snacks) and as a traditional medicine (for treating asthma, cough, hernia, breast pain, burns as well as hematological and skin disorders) for more than 2,000 years. The part of the plant used for this purpose is the corm, a root-like tuber, which is actually an underground stem; although not botanically correct, it is generally referred to as konjac root due to its appearance. In modern times, konjac is primarily valued for its naturally occurring glucomannan content.1

Glucomannan is an unabsorbable polysaccharide gum (insoluble fiber) composed of glucose and mannose.2 It represents about 40 percent of the dried konjac corm3—although some nutraceutical preparations may provide as high as 94.9 percent glucomannan.4 Within the natural foods industry, glucomannan is probably most widely recognized as a weight-loss nutraceutical, although research also demonstrates other significant benefit including the reduction blood lipids (e.g. cholesterol) and constipation.

Weight loss

Several studies have been conducted on glucomannan’s weight-loss properties. Most, but not all,5 have demonstrated positive results, which can be attributed to more than one mechanism of action. These include a reduction of the appetiteinducing hormone ghrelin,6 promoting satiety (the feeling of having been fed to capacity) by the formation of a viscous gel helping to fill part of the stomach, promoting the excretion of some food calories that get caught up in the gel, and improving blood sugar balance.7

In a five-week, randomized, doubleblind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study,8 glucomannan alone (1.24 g/day), glucomannan with guar gum (420 mg each/day), glucomannan with guar gum and alginate (4.32 g, 900 mg and 900 mg/day) and placebo were compared to assess their respective weight reduction benefits in 176 healthy overweight adults following a balanced, low-calorie diet. Supplements were taken three times daily with 250 ml (8.45 oz.) Of water 15 minutes before meals and at 3 p.m. The results showed that all glucomannan-containing supplements significantly reduced body weight (=9 lbs.) More than placebo and diet alone. A similar 60-day study9 with 30 adults showed that glucomannan was more effective than diet alone in reducing body weight, blood glucose, total serum cholesterol and hunger while improving satiety sensation more effective than the low-calorie diet alone.

In a clinical study,10 two groups of 25 severely obese patients followed a very low calorie diet for three months. One of those groups also used a glucomannan supplement (about 4 g/day in three divided doses). Results showed that the diet plus glucomannan group had greater satiety with improved adherence to the diet in the absence of any relevant side effects, more significant weight loss in relation to the fat mass alone, an overall improvement in blood fats and carbohydrate tolerance. The glucomannan supplements efficacious and well tolerated.

In a nine-week, double-blind, placebocontrolled study,11 glucomannan (1 g, one hour prior to each meal with 8 oz. Water) or placebo was tested in 20 obese adults, without any change to their eating or exercise patterns. Results showed a significant average weight loss (5.5 lbs) using glucomannan. Serum cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were also significantly reduced (21.7 and 15.0 mg/dl respectively) in the glucomannan treated group. No adverse reactions were reported.

In another 16-week, parallel, doubleblind, placebo-controlled clinical study,12 200 overweight or obese patients were treated with a mixture of glucomannan (1 g) and psyllium husks (3 g) or placebo twice or three times daily along with a calorie-restricted diet. Results showed that, compared to placebo, both glucomannan/ psyillum husks groups experienced increased satiety after meals, greater reductions in LDL-cholesterol, and improvements in total cholesterol: HDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol: LDL-cholesterol ratios.

In addition, glucomannan (2-3 g/day) has been used in studies13-14 on childhood obesity. Compared to placebo groups, the results demonstrated that glucomannan significantly decreased in body weight, as well as levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and alpha-lipoprotein.

Blood lipids

Studies using glucomannan alone or in combination with other nutraceuticals have been conducted to evaluate effectiveness in the treatment of high blood lipid such as cholesterol and triglycerides. In most cases, a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol was included. The table below shows the statistically significant results of those studies on glucomannan alone (see chart below).

In addition, glucomannan has also been studied in combination with Garcinia cambogia as well as with plant sterols. A 12-week, randomized, doubleblind, placebo-controlled study20 examined the effects of 1.5 g/day konjac (94.9 percent glucomannan) plus 2.4 g/d Garcinia cambogia extract (52.4% HCA) or placebo prior to main meals (three times/day) in 58 obese subjects. Compared to placebo, results showed that the combination significantly reduced total cholesterol (-32.0 mg/dL) and LDL-c levels (-28.7 mg/dL).

Similarly, a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study21 examined the effects plant sterols (1.8 g/day), glucomannan (10 g/day), a combination of glucomannan and plant sterols, and a placebo on lipid profile and cholesterol biosynthesis in 34 adult type 2 diabetic and non-diabetic subjects with mildly high cholesterol levels. Compared to placebo, results showed that a significant reduction of cholesterol concentrations (-4.72 mmol/l). LDL cholesterol concentrations were significant decreased after glucomannan (-3.16 mmol/l) and combination treatments (- 2. 95 mmol/l). In addition, lathosterol concentrations, an index of cholesterol biosynthesis, were significantly lowered (P<0.05) after the combination treatment compared to the plant sterol treatment.

Constipation

As a soluble fiber, it might be expected that glucomannan supplementation would offer some benefits for the gastrointestinal tract, included the treatment of constipation. In fact most research, though not all,22-23 has shown that this is the case.

In a multi-centric, open and non-controlled study,24 93 subjects with chronic constipation received 1g of glucomannan, three times daily for one month, and then 1 g two times daily for one month. Results were that after one month there were significant improvements in constipation, and those improvements lasted through the second month. Likewise, a 10-day, double-blind, placebo-controlled study25 with 13 adult subjects with chronic constipation and 18 control subjects was conducted. The constipated subjects received either 1 g glucomannan three times daily or placebo. The results were glucomannan subjects showed statistically significant improvement in constipation compared to controls and placebo group. Other studies26-27 have not only shown improvements in defecation times with glucomannan, but improvements in healthy colonic bacteria (bifidobacteria and lactobacilli) as well.

To examine the effect of 500 mg/day glucomannan on 31 chronically constipated children, a double-blind, placebocontrolled, randomized, crossover study28 was conducted. The results were that significantly fewer children complained of abdominal pain and more children were successfully treated while on fiber (45 percent) as compared with placebo treatment (13 percent). Parents rated significantly more children (68 percent) as being better on fiber versus 13 percent as being better on placebo. In a similar 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study29 20 neurologically impaired children who were chronically constipated were treated with 200 mg glucomannan per kg body weight (e.g., 4.5 g for a 50-lb child) daily or placebo. Compared to placebo, results showed a significant increase stool frequency, a significant decrease in laxative or suppository use, significantly improved clinical scores of stool consistency, and significantly reduced episodes of painful defecation.

Safety and nutrient interactions

With oral supplementation of glucomannan, esophageal and gastrointestinal obstructions have been reported when the tablet form has been used.30 Consequently, it may make more sense to use capsule or powder forms instead. Given its gel-like form once ingested and subsequent absorptive properties, glucomannan may reduce the absorption of fat soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K.31 It doesn’t seem to affect watersoluble vitamins. As a result, glucomannan should be taken at a different time of the day than supplements containing fat-soluble vitamins.

References

1 Chua M, Baldwin TC, Hocking TJ, Chan K. Traditional uses and potential health benefits of Amorphophallus konjac K. Koch ex N.E.Br. J Ethnopharmacol. 2010 Mar 24;128(2):268-78.

2 Doi K, Matsuura M, Kawara A, Baba S. Treatment of diabetes with glucomannan (konjac mannan). Lancet. 1979;1:987-8.

3 Chua M, Baldwin TC, Hocking TJ, Chan K. Traditional uses and potential health benefits of Amorphophallus konjac K. Koch ex N.E.Br. J Ethnopharmacol. 2010 Mar 24;128(2):268-78.

4 Vasques CA, Rossetto S, Halmenschlager G, Linden R, Heckler E, Fernandez MS, Alonso JL. Evaluation of the pharmacotherapeutic efficacy of Garcinia cambogia plus Amorphophallus konjac for the treatment of obesity. Phytother Res. 2008 Sep;22(9):1135-40.

5 Keithley JK, Swanson B, Mikolaitis SL, et al. Safety and efficacy of glucomannan for weight loss in overweight and moderately obese adults. J Obes. 2013;2013:610908.

6 Chearskul S, Kriengsinyos W, Kooptiwut S, et al. Immediate and long-term effects of glucomannan on total ghrelin and leptin in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2009 Feb;83(2):e40-2.

7 Keithley J, Swanson B. Glucomannan and obesity: a critical review. Altern Ther Health Med. 2005 Nov-Dec;11(6):30-4.

8 Birketvedt GS, Shimshi M, Erling T, Florholmen J. Experiences with three different fiber supplements in weight reduction. Med Sci Monit. 2005 Jan;11(1):PI5-8.

9 Cairella M, Marchini G. [Evaluation of the action of glucomannan on metabolic parameters and on the sensation of satiation in overweight and obese patients]. Clin Ter. 1995 Apr;146(4):269-74.

10 Vita PM, Restelli A, Caspani P, Klinger R. [Chronic use of glucomannan in the dietary treatment of severe obesity]. [Article in Italian] Minerva Med. 1992 Mar;83(3):135-9.

11 Walsh DE, Yaghoubian V, Behforooz A. Effect of glucomannan on obese patients: a clinical study. Int J Obes. 1984;8(4):289-93.

12 Salas-Salvadó J, Farrés X, Luque X, et al. Effect of two doses of a mixture of soluble fibres on body weight and metabolic variables in overweight or obese patients: a randomised trial. Br J Nutr. 2008 Jun;99(6):1380-7.

13 Vido L, Facchin P, Antonello I, Gobber D, Rigon F. Childhood obesity treatment: double blinded trial on dietary fibres (glucomannan) versus placebo. Padiatr Padol. 1993;28(5):133-6.

14 Livieri C, Novazi F, Lorini R. [The use of highly purified glucomannan-based fibers in childhood obesity]. [Article in Italian] Pediatr Med Chir. 1992 Mar-Apr;14(2):195-8.

15 Chen HL, Sheu WH, Tai TS, Liaw YP, Chen YC. Konjac supplement alleviated hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetic subjects–a randomized double-blind trial. J Am Coll Nutr. 2003 Feb;22(1):36-42.

16 Vuksan V, Sievenpiper JL, Owen R, et al. Beneficial effects of viscous dietary fiber from Konjac-mannan in subjects with the insulin resistance syndrome: results of a controlled metabolic trial. Diabetes Care. 2000 Jan;23(1):9-14.

17 Arvill A, Bodin L. Effect of short-term ingestion of konjac glucomannan on serum cholesterol in healthy men. Am J Clin Nutr. 1995 Mar;61(3):585-9.

18 Guardamagna O, Abello F, Cagliero P, Visioli F. Could dyslipidemic children benefit from glucomannan intake? Nutrition. 2013 Jul-Aug;29(7-8):1060-5.

19 Martino F, Martino E, Morrone F, et al. Effect of dietary supplementation with glucomannan on plasma total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic children. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2005 Jun;15(3):174-80.

20 Vasques CA, Rossetto S, Halmenschlager G, et al. Evaluation of the pharmacotherapeutic efficacy of Garcinia cambogia plus Amorphophallus konjac for the treatment of obesity. Phytother Res. 2008 Sep;22(9):1135-40.

21 Yoshida M1, Vanstone CA, Parsons WD, Zawistowski J, Jones PJ. Effect of plant sterols and glucomannan on lipids in individuals with and without type II diabetes. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2006 Apr;60(4):529-37.

22 Horvath A, Dziechciarz P, Szajewska H. Glucomannan for abdominal pain-related functional gastrointestinal disorders in children: a randomized trial. World J Gastroenterol. 2013 May 28;19(20):3062-8.

23 Chmielewska A, Horvath A, Dziechciarz P, Szajewska H. Glucomannan is not effective for the treatment of functional constipation in children: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Clin Nutr. 2011 Aug;30(4):462-8.

24 Passaretti S, Franzoni M, Comin U, et al. Action of glucomannans on complaints in patients affected with chronic constipation: a multicentric clinical evaluation. Ital J Gastroenterol. 1991 Sep-Oct;23(7):421-5.

25 Marzio L, Del Bianco R, Donne MD, Pieramico O, Cuccurullo F. Mouth-to-cecum transit time in patients affected by chronic constipation: effect of glucomannan. Am J Gastroenterol. 1989 Aug;84(8):888-91.

26 Chen HL, Cheng HC, Wu WT, Liu YJ, Liu SY. Supplementation of konjac glucomannan into a low-fiber Chinese diet promoted bowel movement and improved colonic ecology in constipated adults: a placebo-controlled, diet-controlled trial. J Am Coll Nutr. 2008 Feb;27(1):102-8.

27 Chen HL, Cheng HC, Liu YJ, Liu SY, Wu WT. Konjac acts as a natural laxative by increasing stool bulk and improving colonic ecology in healthy adults. Nutrition. 2006 Nov-Dec;22(11-12):1112-9.

28 Loening-Baucke V, Miele E, Staiano A. Fiber (glucomannan) is beneficial in the treatment of childhood constipation. Pediatrics. 2004 Mar;113(3 Pt 1):e259-64.

29 Staiano A, Simeone D, Del Giudice E, Miele E, Tozzi A, Toraldo C. Effect of the dietary fiber glucomannan on chronic constipation in neurologically impaired children. J Pediatr. 2000 Jan;136(1):41-5.

30 Henry DA, Mitchell AS, Aylward J, et al. Glucomannan and risk of oesophageal obstruction. Br Med J. 1986;292:591-2.

31 Doi K, Matsuura M, Kawara A, et al. Influence of dietary fiber (konjac mannan) on absorption of vitamin B12 and vitamin E (abstract). Tohoku J Exp Med 1983;141:677-81.

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