What is Caralluma fimbriata?

Caralluma fimbriata is a cactus plant whose uses include suppressing hunger and appetite and controlling body weight, according to About.com. When consumed raw or cooked, it also reduces the blood glucose level. The plant's use is more common in India.

It is a belief that Caralluma fimbriata works by rendering various body enzymes inactive, disrupting fat formation in the body, as About.com explains. The lack of fat formation necessitates the burning of the reserved fat in the body, and the plant possibly affects the brain's ability to control appetite as well. Caralluma fimbriata is a safe plant that's free of dangerous side effects.