Therapeutic Effect of Cassia Seed in Obesity of Patients With Schizophrenia

Therapeutic Effect of Cassia Seed in Obesity of Patients With Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia patients with anti-psychotics have decreased psychiatric symptoms, but have increased the generation of overweight or obesity. There is correlation between obesity, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular disorders. Cassia seed is one of traditional Chinese herbs, that can decline blood lipedema effect. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to design a randomized, double blind, control group study to assess the therapeutic effect of Cassia seed in schizophrenia patients with obesity.

Total of 92 schizophrenia patients with obesity will be enrolled and divided randomly into: 1) case group, received oral administration of Cassia seed (3.0g), once/day, 12 weeks; 2) control group, received oral administration of Cassia seed placebo (3.0g), once/day (90% of starch and 10% of cassia obtusifolia), 12 weeks. The primary outcome included the changes of body mass index (BMI), waist circumferences (WC); secondary outcome measured included the changes of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, CRP (C-Reactive protein), IL-6, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and meridian energy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age 18 to 65 years
• diagnosed as schizophrenia at least more 6 months
• no major systemic illnesses based on physical examinations and laboratory test results
• BMI >= 24, WC >= 80 cm in female, WC >= 90 cm in male

Exclusion Criteria:

• participants were pregnant and lactating women
• allergy to Cassia
• SGOT or SGPT more than 2 times normal level
• BUN or creatinine more than normal level
• Fasting blood glucose (serum) > 140 mg/dL, systolic blood pressure > 180 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure > 110 mmHg, serum triglyceride > 400 mg/dL