Hibiscus and lemon verbena extract show weight management potential: RCT
Monteloeder recently announced that the botanical extract combination found in its Metabolaid ingredient was studied in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human intervention study on satiety. The study demonstrated that Metabolaid may be an effective tool in increasing satiety effects and reducing food cravings.
The research, published in the European Journal of Nutrition, demonstrated decreased appetite several hours after a meal, coinciding with increased satiety, and resulting in less food intake for the group supplemented with Metabolaid.
Study details
The study was conducted on 33 overweight male and female subjects between 18 and 65 years old, with a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 34.9.
The study was divided into two 60-day periods, separated by a 30-day length wash-out period. At the end of each period, overweight and obese subjects were proposed to eat an ad-libitum meal. Meanwhile, appetite sensation was determined by visual analog scales at different times. Moreover, blood extraction was performed to determine biochemical parameters (lipid and glucidic profile and safety parameters) and to evaluate hunger-related hormones (insulin, leptin, ghrelin, adiponectin, GLP-1 and peptide YY).
The researchers concluded that the group that consumed 500 mg/day of Metabolaid extract for 60 days demonstrated a decrease in appetite sensation, a marked reduction in calorie intake and improved lipidemic profile. Researchers are now developing further studies to more closely examine the variations in hormones and other markers observed in the study.
“In the study, a decreased appetite sensation was detected during several hours after a meal, coinciding with increased satiety, and resulting in less food intake for the group supplemented with Metabolaid. The study also demonstrated improved ghrelin hormone a decrease in leptin levels, while GLP-1 (which helps induce satiety) levels were increased. Decreased LDL cholesterol, increased HDL cholesterol and decreased fat mass were also detected in the group taking Metabolaid,” explained Marcos Lopez, Regional Director of Business Development at Monteloeder.
According to the authors, this is the first study to relate satiety measured by both hormones and satiety scales at different times during an established time period between meals.
Further research
“Due to variation on hunger-related hormones and the relationship between satiety feeling, it would be interesting to develop future research focused on the variation of the hormones themselves,” the authors noted.
Lopez said it would be very interesting to study this further and they are working to develop future studies to more closely examine the variations in hormones and other markers observed in the study. “Our current research plan also includes studies exploring how Metabolaid affects the gut-brain axis. Preliminary assay results suggest that Metabolaid might benefit microbiome diversity and help promote ‘good bacteria,’” he added.
Formulating for weight management
Lopez told NutraIngredients-USA that satiety should be on top of formulators' minds for a comprehensive approach to weight management.
“Accumulated fat is a way for our body to store energy. When we are getting rid of the extra energy resources, our body reacts by inducing hunger to restore the stocks and causing cravings that often lead to overeating. Traditional approaches to satiety regulation include the use of fibers and gums to physically fill the stomach, which often causes bloating and other adverse effects. Metabolaid acts at a hormonal level, avoiding these undesired effects and lasting all day with only one dose in the morning.”
Expo West: What to expect
Monteloeder will be on hand to discuss this research as well as another study that uses the ingredient Relaxpx for stress and sleep. The botanical ingredient supplier will also display new innovation in healthy aging applications by introducing its Eternalyoung ingredient.
Earlier this month, SUANFARMA reached an agreement to acquire a majority stake of Monteloeder to strengthen its position in nutraceuticals and develop its presence in areas such as weight management, cardiovascular health, nutricosmetics, relaxation and sleep enhancement.
SUANFARMA is exhibiting in booth #3891.
Source: European Journal of Nutrition
825–841 (2022). doi.org/10.1007/s00394-021-02678-x
“Effectiveness of a polyphenolic extract (Lippia citriodora and Hibiscus sabdariffa) on appetite regulation in overweight and obese grade I population: an 8-week randomized, double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled trial”
Authors: A. Serna et al.
