Two patented dietary supplement ingredients from Gateway Health Alliances significantly increased GLP-1 levels, reduced body weight and improved metabolic biomarkers in a 12-week clinical study involving 90 overweight or obese subjects.
The randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study identified an additional mechanism of action that may further explain the significant weight loss observed in 10 previous clinical studies involving more than 1000 subjects who were given Gateway’s patented extracts of Dichrostachys glomerata (Dyglomera and DygloFit) or Cissus quadrangularis (CQR-300).
The new research has shown that Dyglomera and CQR-300 can significantly increase endogenous GLP-1 levels, a peptide hormone that stimulates insulin release in response to meals.
This, in turn, helps to stabilise blood sugar levels, reduce hunger and promote satiety. The mechanism for elevating GLP-1 is through the inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), the enzyme responsible for breaking down GLP-1.
As a result, GLP-1 remains in the body longer at significantly higher levels, actively enhancing its effects on glucose regulation and appetite control.
“This clinical study offers new insights into how these remarkable natural ingredients help individuals achieve and maintain healthy body weight while improving their metabolic health,” said Shil Kothari, President of Gateway Health Alliances.
“Dyglomera and CQR-300 may be the first natural ingredients in low doses to show direct, measurable and sustainable increases in GLP-1 levels and significant weight loss.”
Study design and results
The study involved 90 overweight participants, randomly assigned to one of three groups: a placebo group, a group receiving 300 mg of CQR 300, and a group taking 400 mg of Dyglomera daily.
The study lasted 12 weeks, with measurements recorded at the start, and then at weeks 4, 8, and 12. Body weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage, GLP-1 levels, blood lipids and fasting blood glucose were assessed. The results were averaged with statistical significance established at p < 0.05%.
- Increased GLP-1 levels: During the 12-week study, the GLP-1 levels significantly increased (p < 0.01) in both the Dyglomera (68%) and the CQR-300 group (56%), compared to the placebo group, which observed only a modest, non-statistically significant increase of 15%.
- Inhibition of DPP-4 activity: Both extracts significantly inhibited DPP-4 activity over the course of the study. DDP-4 levels decreased by 59% in the Dyglomera group and 54% in the CQR-300 group, while the placebo group experienced a 129% increase in DPP-4 activity.
- Enhanced satiety and reduced calorie consumption: The increase in GLP-1 likely contributed to a natural reduction in caloric intake among participants. Energy intake decreased significantly, with a 24% reduction in the Dyglomera group and a 20% reduction in the CQR-300 group, compared to only a 3% reduction in the placebo group.
- Significant weight loss: By week 12, participants in the Dyglomera group experienced an average body weight reduction of 17%, while those in the CQR-300 group had a 14% reduction. Both reductions were statistically significant reductions when compared to the placebo group.
- Reduced body fat and body mass index (BMI): The Dyglomera group lost 31% of body fat during the course of the study, whereas the CQR-300 group saw a 27% reduction. In contrast, the placebo group experienced only a 1% reduction in body fat. BMI decreased by 17% in the Dyglomera group and 14% in the CQR-300 group, compared with just 2% in the placebo group.
- Improved metabolic parameters: Both Dyglomera and CQR-300 groups demonstrated significant improvements in several measures of metabolic wellness at 4, 8 and 12 weeks, including total cholesterol, LDL and HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting blood glucose, both within the group and compared to the placebo group.
“Our findings are consistent with numerous studies demonstrating the efficacy of Dyglomera and CQR-300 in reducing appetite and promoting weight loss,” said Dr Oben.
“In this study, both the Dyglomera and CQR-300 groups showed a significant increase in the GLP-1 levels compared to the control group. The likely mechanism behind this GLP-1 increase is the inhibition of the enzyme DPP-4.”
Chris Noonan, President of HealthGuidance, Inc., remarked: “The study findings observing significant increases in GLP-1 levels and significant decreases in DPP-4 levels are extremely compelling."
"GLP-1 agonist therapies represent possibly the greatest breakthrough in tackling chronic obesity and metabolic disorders in the last 50 years."
"This study’s findings are made more significant with the impressive anthropometric changes observed. CQR-300 and Dyglomera offer a novel and promising natural alternative to the cost-prohibitive class of GLP-1 agonist drug therapies.”
The full study is pending publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
