Development and Clinical Application of Bitter Melon Seed Oil as a Functional Food for Treating Obesity and Hepatic Steatosis

Bitter melon is a common Asian vegetable. Its seed is not edible and discarded as a waste product. However, the seed oil is enriched in cis9, trans11, trans13-conjugated linolenic acid or alpha-eleostearic acid (alpha-ESA). Investigators previously demonstrated the anti-obesity functions of bitter melon seed oil (BMSO) in animal trials. Herein, a RCT was conducted to test the potential of BMSO in developing as a functional culinary oil for weight control.

Considering UCP-1 played a pivotal role in anti-adiposity function of BMSO as demonstrated in animal studies, the anti-obesity effect of BMSO was further assessed according to UCP1 rs1800592 polymorphism.

Healthy Taiwanese adults with overweight or obesity were recruited by advertisement and were assessed by a family medicine physician for eligibility. All participants signed the consent form. Blocked randomization was used to randomly assign participants into one of two groups to receive indicated supplement (BMSO or OO capsules with identical appearance; 4.5 g oil/d) for 12 week. Subjects were requested to maintain their usual diet and physical activity during the study period (0-12 week).

Anthropometric measurements were done on week 0, 4, 8 and 12. Three-day food records, collection of blood samples and physical health check were conducted on week 0, 4 and 12. Indirect calorimetry was done on week 0 and 12. Questionnaires about self-reported side effects, such as trouble sleeping, constipation, diarrhea, increased heartbeat, palpitations, headache, anxiety, or dizziness, were collected in each visit. Group allocation was concealed.