Genus: Caralluma
Species: Caralluma fimbriata
Family: Apocynaceae
Common names: Caralluma

Description:
Caralluma fimbriata belongs to the Apocynaceae family. It has been used as a famine food in India for centuries. It has been eaten as a vegetable or used in chutneys and pickled can food. Caralluma is a succulent plant and the flowers are purplish.

It has been reported that Caralluma, for it's hunger surpressent properties are following the footsteps of Hoodia gordonii. Tribesmen would only pack caralluma when going on a day's hunt to surpress their appetite and thirst.

Medicinal Use:
Quite recently, the extracts of Caralluma appeared on the market as a weight-loss supplement. Although it has not been proven through clinical studies, the effect of the plant is very potent as a hunger surpressant. The key phytochemical constituents of the herb are pregnane glycosides, flavone glycosides, megastigmane glycosides, and saponins.

General Information:
Caralluma fimbriata is becoming increasingly popular for it's appetite suppressant, and weight loss properties. It has also been reported that caralluma has the ability to lower blood sugar. During times of scarcity, locals used to eat caralluma to survive, hence the fact that it is a "famine food". Caralluma are widespread over India and also used as roadside markers or boundaries. The plant has no known toxity and it has been noted by the traditional Ayurvedic experts that there are no adverse effects when using Caralluma.