I have undertaken a literature survey for major Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine weight loss supplements. The intent was to discover scientific studies supporting the weight loss properties of any of the herbs mentioned therein. Here is the overview from this research:
Traditional Chinese Medicine weight loss formulations:
A significant decrease in body fat occurs by treating with xin-ju-xiao-gao-fang, bofu-tsusho-san, RCM -104, Ling gui zhu gan decoction (compound of Poria, Macrocephalae, Radix Glycyrrhizae, Ramulus Cinnamomi and Radix atractylodis), Pu’er tea, pistachio, or Monoselect Camelia; (Yangfei Liu et al., 2017)
Inch loss around the waist took place from the following herbal medicine: xin-ju-xiao-gao-fang, Pu’er tea, Satiereal (a trade medicine), catechin enriched green tea, Irvingia gabonensis, Cissus quadrangularis. (Yangfei Liu et al., 2017).
Ayurveda weightloss formulations:
A herbal combination containing the following herbs – Cyperus rotundus, Saussurea lappa, Curcuma longa, Berberis aristata, Acorus calamus, Aconitum heterophyllum, Picorrhiza kursoa, Plumbago zeylanica, Holoptelea integrifolia, and Iris ensata is a formulation prescribed to control obesity. (Kumar and Bhandari 2015) A small trial with 70 obese individuals claims a reduction in obesity. (Paranjpe et al., 1990)
Ayurveda anti-obesity formulation – lekhana basti contains Terminalia bellerica, Terminalia chebula, Embilica officinalis, Cyperus rotundus, Holoptelea integrifolia, Berberis aristata, Curcuma longa, Embelia ribes, mustard oil, honey, cows urine, a formulation made from barley (Hordeum vulgare), and rock salt.
A trial on 40 obese individuals prescribed Lekhaniya vati and Lekhana basti formulations for 30 days. Better results accrue when the formulations are used in combination than singularly. (Payal et al., 2017)
Independent studies, unfortunately, have not been conducted to support or negate the claims of TCM and Ayurveda formulations. I would therefore caution before using any of these formulations.
Additional reading:
Natural Solutions for Obesity