This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated among 108 overweight or obese Korean adults the effects of daily supplementation with 571 mg or 1142 mg or 2855 mg of Platycodon grandiflorus ethanolic root extract (PGE) or placebo during 12 weeks on body composition, nutrient intake, computed tomography scan, and plasma adipokines, as well as hepatic/renal function markers.

Results showed that supplementation with 571 mg of PGE induced a significant decrease of body fat mass and body fat percentage compared to placebo (p < 0.05). Moreover, the total abdominal and subcutaneous fat areas were significantly decreased following 2855 mg of PGE supplementation (p < 0.05). Regarding the safety hepatic and renal function markers in plasma were analyzed for safety assessment. When all participants were analyzed (n = 100), there were no significant changes (p > 0.05) in the safety-related markers of liver or renal function among the four groups.

In conlusion, Platycodon grandiflorus ethanolic extrac decrease body fat mass in overweight adults without induce hepatic nor renal adverse effects.

Kim YJ, Kwon EY, Kim JW, Lee Y, Ryu R, Yun J, Kim M, Choi MS. Intervention Study on the Efficacy and Safety of Platycodon grandiflorus Ethanol Extract in Overweight or Moderately Obese Adults: A Single-Center, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Nutrients. 2019 Oct 14;11(10).