Merastin, a proprietary blend of two plant extracts—Sphaeranthus indicus flower heads and Garcinia mangostana fruit rind—from InterHealth Nutraceuticals, significantly reduced body weight, waist and hip size in two weeks, according to research presented at Obesity 2011, Obesity Society’s 29th annual scientific meeting in Orlando, FL in October.

Research was headed by Judith Stern, ScD, Distinguished Professor in the Departments of Nutrition and Internal Medicine/Division of Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism at the University of California, Davis.

Pooled data from two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies compared the weight loss effects of 800 mg of Merastin or a placebo on 100 people for eight weeks. Study participants walked five days a week and followed a standard calorie diet (2000 kcal/day) as opposed to being placed on a low-calorie diet

By the end of the study, Merastin significantly reduced weight by 11.5 pounds and waist and hip size by 4.7 inches and 2.5 inches, respectively. In contrast, placebo reduced weight by 3.3 pounds and waist and hip size by 2.4 inches and 1.2 inches, respectively. For further information: www.interhealthusa.com