The "Mohazell" herbal formula in combination with a calorie-restricted diet can improve systemic inflammation in obesity: A randomized double-blind, clinical trial

Inflammation is one of the primary mechanisms involved in the development of metabolic complications. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of "Mohazell", a traditional herbal formula consisting of Origanum vulgare, Carumcarvi, Trachyspermum copticum and Ruta Graveolen in combination with a calorie-restricted diet on biomarkers of systemic inflammation in obese adults. In this double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial, 68 volunteer obese (Body mass index: 30-35 kg/m2) subjects aged 25-50 years were recruited. Participants were randomly divided into two groups, an intervention group (n=34) and a placebo group (n=34). Each group received either: (1) a low-calorie diet with 3 g/day of 'Mohazell' or (2) a low-calorie diet with 3 g/day placebo for 8 weeks. Patients weight was measured, their BMI was calculated and biochemical parameters such as high Sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and IL-6 were measured at baseline and after the intervention. No side effects were reported with the 'Mohazell' supplementation. 'Mohazell' decreased serum levels of TNF-α (p=0.001) and hs-CRP (p=0.04) in the treatment group. Also, IL-6 decreased insignificantly in both groups (p=0.78). Additionally, significant reductions were observed for weight, BMI, Energy and macronutrients (p