Black ginger extract may help with weight loss, new study demonstrates

A recently published study¹ tested the effects of a black ginger extract (Kaempferia parviflora) on weight reduction support. The patented extract used in the study was Sirtmax, commercialized by Tokiwa Phytochemical, Co. Ltd. and distributed by nutraceutical and functional ingredient supplier Maypro. The study, “Kaempferia parviflora Extract (SIRTMAX^®) reduces body fat in adults who are overweight: a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial,” was published in Frontiers in Nutrition in June 2025.

The study involved 83 participants, and primary measurements included body fat mass and body fat changes, along with secondary measurements including lean body mass, serum total cholesterol, and body weight. Five screenings were conducted throughout the 12-week study, with changed measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and CT imaging. Participants were instructed to consume one capsule daily at breakfast, either a 50 mg capsule of the extract or a capsule of the placebo, depending on their assigned group. All participants were instructed to continue their usual diet and exercise routines.

Overall, the researchers concluded that the addition of Sirtmax resulted in significantly reduced visceral fat and total body fat mass, particularly in the trunk, android, and gynoid areas. Lean body mass was also reduced slightly, though no safety concerns were indicated in the study. “These findings suggest that KP extract (SIRTMAX®) may serve as a safe and effective functional ingredient for body fat reduction and obesity management,” the researchers stated.

“Sirtmax® demonstrates clinically significant benefits for metabolic health and body composition management in overweight adults,” stated Lauren Clardy, senior director of branded ingredients, in a July 30 press release. The press release also stated that Sirtmax® is the only black ginger on the U.S. market with a patent for SIRT1 activation. “This is largely due to the ingredient’s unique ability to deliver high quantities of KPMF-8 and KPMF-10 which result in significantly higher activation of SIRT1—approximately 5 times greater than resveratrol and 3 times greater than other black gingers that rely on other KPMF for activation,” Clardy added.

Reference

1. Sung, HK.; Kim, J.; Oh, D.; Eun, SW.; Tatsuzaki, J.; Shin, SM.; Jeong, SH. Kaempferia parviflora Extract (SIRTMAX^®) reduces body fat in adults who are overweight: a 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Front. Nutr. 2025. 12. DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1576024