Methods of improving a variety of health related factors including, but not limited to weight, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels and HDL levels, is provided. In one embodiment, a method of reducing body weight in a mammal is provided the method comprises administering a composition containing an effective amount of Xylopia aethiopica, to the mammal, whereby the administering of the composition to the mammal is effective in reducing bodyweight in the mammal.
