Using rats as animal models, scientists have been able to demonstrate that extracts derived from the Central and South American-native plant Tabebuia impetiginosa (also known as Pink Ipê or Pink Lapacho) can block dietary fat absorption, and thus reduce the risks of obesity, type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease.

Dr Roos and his team have shown that Tabebuia extract can reduce levels of triglycerides, a breakdown product of fat, in rats after they have been fed a fatty meal. "This result shows the extract may have a potential use in treating obesity," he observes. "However, as coronary heart disease and diabetes have also been shown to be associated with higher triglyceride levels after eating, we believe a food-supplement based on Tabebuia could reduce the incidence of these diseases as well. What is more, as obesity in developing countries is also on the increase, such extracts, taken as a capsule or added to food, may be a cheaper alternative for the rural population to pharmaceuticals."

The data has been presented at the Society for Experimental Biology's Annual Meeting in Marseille last month and a paper is currently in press. The researchers say that futher studies will be conducted to identify the active compounds in the extracts. Source