Tamarind seed husk, a by-product of gum production, is rich in polyphenols. We examined whether tamarind seed husk extract (TSHE) reduces abdominal visceral fat area (AVFA) in Japanese adults with mild obesity. In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (UMIN000057223), 112 adults (25 ≤ BMI < 30 kg/m²) received TSHE (200 mg/day) or placebo for 12 weeks. AVFA at week 12, the primary outcome, was lower but not significantly (p = 0.077). AVFA was already significantly lower at week 4, and the percent reduction in total fat area was significant at weeks 8 and 12. Reductions were greater in participants with a baseline visceral-to-subcutaneous fat ratio ≥ 0.4. No adverse events occurred, indicating that TSHE is safe as a food ingredient. This is the first clinical trial to show that TSHE (200 mg/day) reduces visceral fat in mildly obese adults with a visceral-to-subcutaneous fat ratio ≥ 0.4.

This study evaluated whether egg white hydrolysate (EWH) reduces morning facial swelling in healthy adults who routinely experience this condition (UMIN000057170). Seventy-six participants were randomly assigned to an EWH-first or placebo-first sequence in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Participants ingested 250 mg of EWH or placebo once daily before bedtime for one week, separated by a 2-week washout. The primary outcome was the morning Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score for facial swelling after 1-week intervention. Secondary outcomes included other subjective swelling and coldness sensations, and calf and ankle circumferences. A total of 61 participants were included in the final analysis. EWH intake significantly reduced the VAS score for morning facial swelling compared with placebo after one week (VAS: 54.8 ± 2.6 vs. 58.8 ± 2.6; P = 0.037). Therefore, EWH has the potential to serve as a functional food ingredient that reduces transient facial swelling and improves quality of life in healthy adults.