Anorexia refers to a lack of desire to eat or loss of appetite. Several herbs have been used in our country as appetizers in children with nonpathological anorexia. More than 100 different phyto-constituents have been reported to have appetite-stimulant effects.

A study by Sastry and colleagues assessed the efficacy and safety of an appetizer syrup in children with non-pathogenic anorexia. This polyherbal formulation included herbs such as Vitis vinifera L., Piper longum L., Punica granatum L., Emblica officinalis Gaertn, etc. These herbs are traditionally known to relieve digestive impairment and have appetite stimulant and strength promoting potential.

This was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled parallel group clinical study. Results were evaluated from baseline to study completion based on the appetite stimulating effects of the formulation and the benefits secondary to appetite stimulation such as changes in anthropometric measurements and academic performance.

Healthy male and female children aged 3-12 years were recruited in the study. Subjects were evaluated on day 0 (baseline), day 15 (±3 days), day 30 (±3 days) and day 45 (±3 days). Overall 100 children were enrolled in the study – 50 subjects in appetizer syrup group (Group 1) and 50 in placebo group (Group 2). There was significant improvement in hunger in both the groups at all the visits. Additionally, there was significant improvement in abdominal fullness at all the visits in both the groups except at visit 3. For abdominal fullness, group 1 showed significant improvement compared to group 2. Significant improvement in satiety was also noted at all the visits in both the groups, compared to baseline. Between group analysis revealed that there was significant improvement in group 1 compared to group 2 at all the visits. General desire to eat also improved significantly in group 1 compared to group 2.

No adverse events were reported during the study period. The study drug was found to be safe and was well tolerated.

The polyherbal formulation was thus shown to improve appetite, general energy levels, quality of food intake, abdominal fullness and satiety in children. The syrup stimulated appetite in children with non-pathogenic anorexia and was safe to use.

Source: Sastry JLN, Tathed PS, Rai RK, Sasibhushan V. Clinical evaluation of efficacy and safety of appetizer syrup as appetite stimulant in children with non-pathogenic anorexia. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge 2017;16(4):700-5.