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Nomame (Cassia nomame)

Background

  • Nomame (Cassia nomame) is a medicinal herb native to China that now grows wild in many parts of the world. In folk medicine, nomame is reportedly used to increase urine flow. Hama-cha, a water-based extract of nomame leaves, stems, and pods, is a popular tea in Japan.
  • Nomame is often an ingredient in weight loss products. However, there is a lack of research on the effects of nomame on body weight and fat breakdown in humans.

References

  • Brudnak MA. Weight-loss drugs and supplements: are there safer alternatives? Med Hypotheses 2002;58(1):28-33.
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  • Ganguly A, Choudhury R, Mitra SR, et al. Chemical Investigation of Cassia mimosoides. Planta Med 1985;51(6):540.
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  • Hatano T, Uebayashi H, Ito H, et al. Phenolic constituents of Cassia seeds and antibacterial effect of some naphthalenes and anthraquinones on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 1999;47(8):1121-7.
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  • Hatano T, Yamashita A, Hashimoto T, et al. Flavan dimers with lipase inhibitory activity from Cassia nomame. Phytochemistry 1997;46(5):893-900.
  • Kadowaki S, Naitou K, Takahara Y, et al. Extract of Cassia nomame has effect on the cell cycle of CHO-K1 cells and suppresses chromosome aberrations induced by Mitomycin C. Wa-Kan iyakugaku zasshi 2003;20(4):168-172.
  • Kim YO, Johnson JD, Lee EJ. Phytotoxicity of Phytolacca americana leaf extracts on the growth, and physiological response of Cassia mimosoides. J Chem Ecol 2005;31(12):2963-74.
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  • Kitanaka S, Takido M. Anthraquinoids from Cassia nomame. Journal of Natural Products 1985;48:849.
  • Konishi T, Naitou K, Kadowaki S, et al. Anti-clastogenic ingredients in Cassia nomame extract. Biofactors 2004;22(1-4):99-102.
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  • McCarty MF. Nutraceutical resources for diabetes prevention--an update. Med Hypotheses 2005;64(1):151-8.
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  • Shimura S, Tsuzuki W, Itoh Y, et al. Inhibitory effect of tannin fraction from Cassia mimosoides L. var. nomame Makino on lipase activity. Nippon Shokuhin Kogyo Gakkai-Shi 1994;41(8):561-564.
  • Subramanian S, Nagarajan S. Chemical components of the roots and seeds of Cassia mimosoides. Indian J Pharm 1970;32:70-71.
  • Subramanian S, Nagarajan S. Chemical examination of the leaves of Cassia mimosoides. Indian J Pharm 1969;31:110-111.
  • Sugimoto T, Wada Y, Yamamura S, et al. Fluorescence study on the nyctinasty of Cassia mimosoides L. using novel fluorescence-labeled probe compounds. Tetrahedron 2001;57(49):9817-9825.
  • Ueda M, Nakamura Y. Chemical basis of plant leaf movement. Plant Cell Physiol 2007;48(7):900-7.
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  • Yamamoto M, Shimura S, Itoh Y, et al. Anti-obesity effects of lipase inhibitor CT-II, an extract from edible herbs, Nomame Herba, on rats fed a high-fat diet. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 2000 Jun;24(6):758-64.
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Disclaimer: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.