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Fucus vesiculosus 1x

Introduction

Fucus vesiculosus is seaweed, native of North America, Europe, north of the Mediterranean and Manora rocks in Indian Ocean. Its fronds are fan-shapped, having a prominent midrib of light yellow or brownish-green colour. It attaches to rocks by branched, root-like discoid woody extremities developed from the base of the stalk. Its homoeopathic tincture is made from the whole plant. It is covered by Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of India. The tincture is primarily used in obesity.

Health consequences of being overweight

Being overweight or obese can have a serious impact on health. Carrying extra fat leads to serious health consequences such as cardiovascular diseases (mainly heart disease and stroke), type 2 diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders like osteoarthritis, and some cancers (endometrial, breast and colon). These conditions cause premature death and substantial disability.

Overweight and obesity

Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. The weight may come from muscle, bone, fat and/or body water. Both terms mean that a person’s weight is greater than what’s considered healthy for his or her height.  Obesity occurs over time when a person eats more calories than s/he uses. The balance between calories-in and calories-out differs for each person. Factors that might tip the balance include genetic makeup, overeating, eating high-fat foods and not being physically active.

Overweight and obesity due to thyroid disorders

Many patients with thyroid problems tend to gain weight. It is known particularly that hypothyroidism or higher thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is linked with higher Body Mass Index (BMI). It mainly because of the fact that thyroid hormones are involved in the regulation of basal metabolism and thermogenesis thus, playing an important role in lipid and glucose metabolism, food intake and fat oxidation

Measuring overweight and obese

The body mass index (BMI) defined as the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in metres (kg/m2) of an individual. Body mass index (BMI) is used to measure the overweight and obesity. Universally a person with a BMI of 30 or more is generally considered obese. A person with a BMI equal to or more than 25 is considered overweight. But as per the revised standards specific for India, people more than BMI 23 kg/m2 are considered overweight, people more than BMI 25 kg/m2 are considered moderately obese and people more than BMI 32.5 kg/m2 are considered grossly obese, against the global standards of 25, 30 and 35 respectively. Experts say that Indians have a very different body, genetic and metabolic composition from the people of other parts of the world.

Managing overweight

The good news is that overweight and obesity are largely preventable. The key to success is to achieve an energy balance between calories consumed on one hand, and calories used on the other hand. To reach this goal, people can limit energy intake from total fats and shift fat consumption away from saturated fats to unsaturated fats; increase consumption of fruit and vegetables, as well as legumes, whole grains and nuts; and limit their intake of sugars. And to increase calories used, people can boost their levels of physical activity – to at least 30 minutes of regular, moderate-intensity activity on most days. Herbs like Fucuss vesiculosus and Phytolacca berry help to combat overweight and obesity.

Role of Fucus vesiculosus in overweight and obesity

It is remedy for obesity associated thyroid dysfunctions. It contains iodine and AS such is used in non-toxic goitre as well. Digestion is stimulated and flatulence diminished. Obstinate constipation. Forehead feels as if compressed by an iron ring. It is also used in rheumatism. Thyroid stimulation linked to iodine in the plant extract. Research in Italy (1976) proved its anti-obesity weight reduction properties.

Indications: Obesity due to thyroid disorders

Dosage:  Unless otherwise prescribed, 2-4 tablets 2-3 times a day. Reduce the dose as symptoms improve. If complaints are not relieved, consult a specialist.

Side effects:  No side effects of Schwabe’s Fucus vesiculosus 1x are known. 

Contraindications and interactions:  No contra-indications and interactions with other drugs for the use of Schwabe’s Fucus vesiculosus 1x are known.

Presentation:  Bottle of 20gm.

Complementary medicines: Schwabe’s Phytolacca berry tablets. A drug for obesity and overweight.

References:

1. Patricia Burtin, Nutritional Value of Seaweeds, EJEAFChe, 2 (4), 2003
2. Korukanti VP, Ponnam H, Akondi BR. Evaluation of antiobesity activity of Fucus vesiculosus. Indian J Res Homoeopathy 2013;7:126-32
3. Mahnaz Kazemipoor, Che Wan Jasimah Wan Mohamed Radzi, Geoffrey A. Cordell, Iman Yaze. Potential of Traditional Medicinal Plants for Treating Obesity: A Review. 2012 International Conference on Nutrition and Food Sciences. IPCBEE vol. 39 (2012) IACSIT Press, Singapore