Traditional uses:
Historically, Chitosan has been used for centuries has a cleansing agent and for weight loss. Asians have also used Chitosan in a paste form to help the healing process associated with open lesions and including burns.

Physiology:
Chitosan is a dietary fiber that allows individuals to effectively lose weight. "Roughage," "bulk," "bran," are all terms used to describe fiber in the diet. Fiber is a carbohydrate food component that adds no calories and is essentially indigestible, however, plays an important role in maintaining health. Chitosan as the unique ability to attract and bind 4-6 times its own weight in fat. Once Chitosan has bound to a fatty acid it becomes a macromolecule that can no longer be digested. Therefore, the Chitosan is expelled along with the fatty acids that were absorbed in the stool. Fiber also reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, diverticular disease and constipation.

Clinical Studies:
Studies have shown that Chitosan is effective in inhibiting the digestion of some fats. Chitosan also appears to reduce the absorption of bile acids or cholesterol. Kanauchi, K. Deuchi, Y. Imasato et. AL Mechanism for the inhibition of fat digestion by chitosan, Biosi Biotechnol Biochcm, 1995 May. 59 (5): 786-790. Nauss J L; Thompson J L; Nagyvary J, The Binding of Micellar Lipids to Chitosan, Lipids 18 (10). L983.714-719 Chitosan absorbs 4-6 it's weight in fat. Koide SS. Chitin-chitosan: properties, benefits and risks. Nutr Res 1998;18:1091–101

Modern day uses:
Chitosan is prescribed by physicians and herbal specialists to promote a healthly lifestyle in the following ways:

• Fat blocker - eliminates excess fat from the diet by binding to fatty acids
• Cholesterol - promotes healthy cholesterol levels by reducing LDL cholesterol levels (bad cholesterol) while boosting HDL cholesterol levels (beneficial cholesterol).
• Hypertension - decrease blood pressure especially in those individuals that consume a high salt diet.
• Wound healing - when applied topically to wounds Chitosan decreased the number of fibroblast allowing wound healing without excessive scaring.
• Anti-bacterial - Chitosan has been used to effectively treat acne secondary to its ability to inhibit certain bacteria that are common in the inflammation associated with acne. Chitosan is also beneficial in treating burn patients, Chitosan prevents bacterial translocation which very common with this type of injury.
• Antacid - the polysaccharide provides relief from indigestion
• Constipation - Chitosan acts as a natural dietary fiber to reduces the symptoms of constipation

Precautions and/or adverse effects:
Individuals with preexisting medical conditions should consult with their physician particularly if they are taking prescription or over-the-counter-medications or supplements. Women who are pregnant or breast feeding and children should also consult with there physician prior to taking any new supplements. There has been no reported significant side effects associated with the use of Garcinia cambogia at the time of this writing.

Black cohosh
(Cimicufuga racemosa)