A Comparative Study between Cyproheptadine and Carum Carvi as Appetite Stimulant in Case of Weight Gain

Appetite stimulators are the therapeutic compounds that increases appetite and help in weight gain. The commonly used synthetic appetite stimulators may be in the form of a synthetic drug (Cyproheptadine) or a hormone (Ghrelin) which increases hunger and therefore enhances food consumption leading to weight gain. Weight gainers are advised in case of children that show poor eating habits to enhance their appetite. The use of synthetic or chemical source is often accompanied with side effects such as abnormal weight gain, confusion, ataxia, drowsiness, dry mouth leading to a slower metabolism. This comparative study, gives an overview on the potential capacity of Carum carvi, a carminative, obtained from natural source having lesser side effects and a significant potential to increase the peristaltic movement thus leading to increased gastric motility. The 5-HT antagonist, cyproheptadine increases appetite by blocking the action of 5-HT_2A and shows additional anti-histaminic action. Therefore, it increases the GIT motility. But it is accompanied with many side effects such as drowsiness, ataxia, dry mouth and confusion. Whereas, Carum carvi, a natural GIT motility enhancer increasing the peristaltic movement by blocking the action of acetylcholine. Therefore may act as anti-cholinergic agent that enhances the GIT motility that enhances appetite with minimal side effects.