Pharmaceutical/dietary supplements and food ingredient(s) derived from Sphaeranthus indicus are used for controlling or treating a metabolic disorder. The supplements and food ingredient(s) are selected from Sphaeranthus indicus extract(s), fraction(s), active compound(s) and phytochemical(s) or mixtures thereof and their compositions, preferably in combination with at least one component selected from the extract(s), fraction(s), active compound(s) and phytochemical(s) or mixtures thereof derived from Garcinia mangostana. The ingredients and the composition(s) can be used for the control, prevention and treatment of obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes and other metabolic disorders, and also to regulate energy expenditure, prevention of atherosclerotic plaques in coronary artery and abdominal aorta, increase insulin sensitivity, improve glucose tolerance, lower triglyceride levels and balance glucose levels in mammals.
