Abstract: Methods for treating obesity, reducing total weight and reducing body fat mass by administering a composition comprising dihydroquercetins and root-derived aralosides A, B, C and D is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment of obesity. These compositions comprise dihydroquercetins (dihydroquercetin 3-rhamnoside and its aglycon dihydroquercetin) and the triterpene saponins known as aralosides or elatosides. The compositions of the present invention effectively promote total weight loss and body fat mass loss. Therefore, the present invention is also directed to methods for treating obesity, reducing total weight, and reducing body fat mass by administering the compositions of the invention. The invention also embraces methods for disrupting the perilipin shell of lipid droplets and stimulating the activity of hormone-sensitive lipase.