Home Ingredients Calmaluma® (Caralluma fimbriata for Stress & Anxiety — Saanroo)
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Calmaluma® (Caralluma fimbriata for Stress & Anxiety — Saanroo)

Caralluma fimbriata
Evidence Level
Moderate
3 Clinical Trials
7 Documented Benefits
3/5 Evidence Score

Calmaluma® is Saanroo's branded Caralluma fimbriata extract positioned specifically for stress and anxiety support — the same patented extract sold under the Slimaluma® brand for appetite suppression and weight management. Caralluma fimbriata is an edible succulent native to India, traditionally used by Indian tribal people as an appetite suppressant during times of famine. The active compounds are pregnane glycosides. Clinical dose: 500-1,000 mg/day. Best-evidenced effect is reduction in anxiety and stress in healthy adults over 8 weeks; also shows reductions in cortisol in men. The weight management evidence (under Slimaluma branding) is modest.

Studied Dose 500 mg twice daily (1 g/day total) — the dose used in the foundational anxiety/stress trial and most weight-related Slimaluma trials. Take 30-60 minutes before main meals.
Active Compound Aerial parts (stem) of Caralluma fimbriata, an edible succulent in the Asclepiadaceae family. Active compounds are pregnane glycosides. The extract is 98% water soluble. Sold as Calmaluma for stress applications and Slimaluma for weight applications — same underlying extract, different commercial positioning.

Benefits

Anxiety and stress reduction — strongest evidence

A randomized placebo-controlled trial in healthy adults documented significant reductions in anxiety and stress scores with Caralluma fimbriata supplementation over 8 weeks. This is the foundational evidence for the Calmaluma stress/anxiety positioning — distinct from the older weight-management framing under Slimaluma branding. Cortisol reduction in male participants supported the biochemical basis for the observed psychological effects.

Supported by Trial 1

Cortisol reduction in men

In male participants, Caralluma fimbriata supplementation produced significant reductions in cortisol levels. Cortisol is the primary stress hormone — sustained elevation contributes to anxiety, weight gain, sleep disturbance, and immune dysregulation. The cortisol reduction provides biochemical support for the subjective anxiety/stress reduction observed in the broader trial.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 3

Appetite suppression and satiety

Caralluma fimbriata has documented appetite-suppressing effects via pregnane glycoside content. An 83-person Australian trial (Slimaluma brand, same extract) showed reductions in waist circumference and modest body composition changes over 16 weeks at 1 g/day. Traditional Indian tribal use as a famine food supports the appetite-suppressing positioning.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 1

Healthier food preferences (preclinical)

Animal studies show Caralluma fimbriata supplementation shifts preferences toward less sugary foods — animals fed the extract preferred healthier, less sugary diets and remained satisfied with them. Mechanism may involve modulation of NPY/AgRP signaling and hypothalamic appetite regulation. Translation to human food choice behavior is suggestive but not directly demonstrated in trials.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 3

Waist circumference reduction (Slimaluma evidence)

Pooled analysis of Caralluma fimbriata trials documented significant waist circumference reduction (~1.6 cm) and waist-to-hip ratio improvement vs placebo. No significant effects on body weight or BMI in the same pooled analysis. Most relevant for visceral fat changes rather than total weight loss — limited utility as a standalone weight intervention.

Supported by Trial 3, Trial 2

Traditional Indian medicinal use

Indian tribal people have used Caralluma fimbriata for centuries — consumed as a vegetable during times of famine to suppress hunger and sustain energy during food scarcity. This traditional use supports the general safety profile and provides the historical rationale for modern appetite-suppression research with the standardized extract.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 1

Two-in-one stress + appetite positioning

Saanroo's commercial positioning emphasizes the dual stress + appetite mechanism — useful for adults whose stress eating contributes to weight management challenges. The cortisol reduction may underlie both mechanisms, since chronically elevated cortisol drives both anxiety symptoms and visceral fat accumulation.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 3

Mechanism of action

1

Pregnane glycoside bioactivity

Pregnane glycosides are the characterized bioactive class in Caralluma fimbriata. The exact molecular mechanism of appetite suppression by pregnane glycosides is unclear, but proposed mechanisms include modulation of hypothalamic NPY/AgRP signaling (the orexigenic appetite-stimulation pathway) and direct effects on ghrelin and leptin signaling.

2

HPA axis cortisol modulation

Caralluma fimbriata supplementation reduces serum cortisol, particularly in men, indicating direct or indirect modulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The cortisol reduction may underlie both the anxiety-reduction effect and the metabolic effects (since cortisol drives visceral fat accumulation and insulin resistance).

3

Appetite hormone modulation

The foundational mechanism trial measured plasma satiety biomarkers including ghrelin (hunger hormone), leptin (satiety hormone), and neuropeptide Y (NPY — central appetite-stimulating peptide). Caralluma supplementation modulates these signals, contributing to the satiety effect documented in trial participants.

4

Anxiolytic mechanism (proposed)

The anxiolytic effect mechanism is not fully characterized but may involve cortisol reduction, GABAergic modulation, or central nervous system effects via the pregnane glycoside content. Pregnane compounds in general have known neuroactive properties relevant to stress and anxiety pathways.

Clinical trials

1
Calmaluma for Anxiety & Stress — Foundational Clinical Trial

Randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating Caralluma fimbriata for anxiety and stress in healthy adults. 8-week intervention. Published in Journal of Affective;246:619-626 by Kell G, Rao A, Katsikitis M. Cortisol biomarker tracking alongside validated psychological instruments.

Healthy adults experiencing baseline anxiety/stress. 8-week intervention.

Caralluma fimbriata at 500 mg twice daily significantly reduced anxiety and stress scores vs placebo over 8 weeks. Male participants showed significant reductions in cortisol levels. Foundational evidence for the Calmaluma stress/anxiety commercial positioning — distinct from the appetite/weight applications of the same extract under Slimaluma branding.

2
Caralluma fimbriata for Appetite & Body Composition — Australian Clinical Trial

Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial in overweight Australian adults. 16-week intervention with 500 mg Caralluma fimbriata extract (Slimaluma) twice daily before meals. Published in Scientific;11(1):6791 by Rao A, Briskey D, Dos Reis C, Mallard AR. Registered ACTRN12617000872336.

83 men and women aged 20-50 in Australia. 16-week intervention.

Caralluma fimbriata supplementation reduced caloric intake, waist circumference, and produced modest weight loss over 16 weeks. Plasma satiety biomarkers (ghrelin, leptin, neuropeptide Y) were modulated in the active group. Cardiometabolic biomarkers (lipid profile, glucose, insulin) also assessed. Effect on total body weight was modest; effects on waist circumference were more robust.

3
Caralluma fimbriata Evidence Synthesis — Class Evidence Summary

Evidence review and pooled analysis of 7 clinical trials of Caralluma fimbriata across populations in Australia, Cuba, India, and Spain. Published in BMC Complementary Medicine and;21(1):279. Pooled analysis of anthropometric, biochemical, and appetite parameters.

Pooled across 7 trials of mostly overweight/obese adults plus one trial in children with Prader-Willi syndrome.

Significant reduction in waist circumference (-1.59 cm) and waist-to-hip ratio (-0.06) vs placebo. No significant effects on body weight, BMI, or hip circumference. No significant effects on biochemical or appetite parameters in pooled analysis. The pooled analysis concluded Caralluma fimbriata is unlikely to be recommended as a weight loss supplement, though waist circumference and stress effects remain valid applications.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated in trials at typical 1 g/day clinical doses.
Mild GI effects (nausea, occasional GI discomfort) rare.
Possibly safe at doses up to 1,000 mg daily for up to 12 weeks; long-term safety beyond this not well-characterized.
Possible mild blood sugar lowering — relevant for diabetic patients on glucose-lowering medications.
May affect serotonin or dopamine signaling at higher doses — relevant for those on SSRIs or antipsychotics.
Pregnancy and lactation: avoid. Not studied; insufficient safety data.

Important Drug interactions

Diabetes medications (metformin, sulfonylureas, insulin) — possible additive glucose-lowering effect; monitor blood glucose.
SSRIs and serotonergic medications — theoretical interaction via serotonin modulation; consult prescriber.
Antihypertensives — possible mild additive BP-lowering effect.
Sedatives and anxiolytics — theoretical additive anxiolytic effect at high doses.
Pregnancy, lactation, and children — avoid.

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Frequently asked questions about Calmaluma® (Caralluma fimbriata for Stress & Anxiety — Saanroo)

What is Calmaluma?

Calmaluma® is Saanroo's branded Caralluma fimbriata extract positioned specifically for stress and anxiety support — the same patented extract sold under the Slimaluma® brand for appetite suppression and weight management.

What is Calmaluma used for?

Calmaluma is researched primarily for Stress & Anxiety and Mood & Mental Health. A randomized placebo-controlled trial in healthy adults documented significant reductions in anxiety and stress scores with Caralluma fimbriata supplementation over 8 weeks.

What is the recommended dosage of Calmaluma?

The clinically studied dose is 500 mg twice daily (1 g/day total) — the dose used in the foundational anxiety/stress trial and most weight-related Slimaluma trials. Take 30-60 minutes before main meals. Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Calmaluma safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Calmaluma is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated in trials at typical 1 g/day clinical doses. Mild GI effects (nausea, occasional GI discomfort) rare. It may also interact with some medications. Calmaluma is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Calmaluma interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Diabetes medications (metformin, sulfonylureas, insulin) — possible additive glucose-lowering effect; monitor blood glucose. SSRIs and serotonergic medications — theoretical interaction via serotonin modulation; consult prescriber. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Calmaluma?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Calmaluma as Moderate (3 out of 5). It is backed by 3 clinical trials and 4 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(4 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Kell G, Rao A, Katsikitis M A randomised placebo controlled clinical trial on the efficacy of Caralluma fimbriata supplement for reducing anxiety and stress in healthy adults over eight weeks. J Affect Disord. 2019;246:619-626. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2018.12.062.PubMedUsed to support: Double-blind human RCT (n=97 healthy adults with mild-to-moderate anxiety, 8 weeks) showing Caralluma fimbriata extract produced significantly greater reductions than placebo on GAD-7 and PSS anxiety/stress scales at weeks 4 and 8 (p<0.05), with cortisol reduction observed in male participants. Directly supports the 'anxiety and stress reduction — strongest evidence' and 'cortisol reduction in men' claims for Calmaluma.
  2. Rao A, Briskey D, Dos Reis C, Mallard AR The effect of an orally-dosed Caralluma Fimbriata extract on appetite control and body composition in overweight adults. Sci Rep. 2021;11(1):6791. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-86108-2.PubMedUsed to support: Double-blind RCT (n=83 overweight adults, 16 weeks) showing Caralluma fimbriata extract reduced waist circumference by 2.7 cm vs. +0.3 cm in placebo (p=0.02) and significantly reduced calorie intake (−245 cal vs. −15.8 cal, p<0.01). Directly supports 'appetite suppression and satiety' and 'waist circumference reduction' claims for Calmaluma.
  3. Kuriyan R, Raj T, Srinivas SK, Vaz M, Rajendran R, Kurpad AV Effect of Caralluma fimbriata extract on appetite, food intake and anthropometry in adult Indian men and women. Appetite. 2007;48(3):338-44. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2006.09.013.PubMedUsed to support: Human RCT (n=50 overweight adults, 60 days, 1 g/day) showing significant decline in waist circumference and hunger levels in the Caralluma fimbriata group vs. placebo. Supports 'appetite suppression and satiety' and 'waist circumference reduction (Slimaluma evidence)' claims.
  4. Jayawardena R, Francis TV, Abhayaratna S, Ranasinghe P The use of Caralluma fimbriata as an appetite suppressant and weight loss supplement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2021;21(1):279. doi: 10.1186/s12906-021-03450-8.PubMedUsed to support: Meta-analysis of 7 clinical trials confirming statistically significant reductions in waist circumference (−1.59 cm) and waist-to-hip ratio (−0.06) with Caralluma fimbriata. Supports 'waist circumference reduction' claim. Importantly, the meta-analysis found no significant weight or appetite scale improvements overall — an honest limitation to note alongside the waist circumference finding.