Hibiscus-lemon verbena extract shows weight management potential: RCT
Three months of supplementation with 300 mg per day of the botanical blend may also lead to significant reductions in body fat and waist circumference, reported scientists from the Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), the University of Alicante and Monteloeder.
“Part of the weight loss observed was due to increased perceived satiety, especially after meals,” they wrote in Applied Sciences. “No muscle or significant water loss was observed. Other additional benefits included lowering blood cholesterol, while glucose and blood pressure, which were initially in the healthy range, remained unchanged.”
Metabolaid
The study adds to a growing body of science of 10 preclinical and clinical studies supporting the potential benefits of the extracts from lemon verbena (Lippia citriodora) and hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa) standardized to a minimum 25% verbascoside and 10% anthocyanins, respectively.
In previous studies, Metabolaid was shown to positively affect hormones, especially glucagon-like protein-1 (GLP-1) that promote satiety, the feeling of fullness.
The mechanisms of action proposed after two preclinical animal studies include activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an enzyme that plays a role in cellular energy balance and glucose metabolism, and via a GLP-1 impact attributed to Metabolaid’s prebiotic effect. The ingredient is reported to promote gut friendly bacterial populations like Blautia, Prevotella and Akkermansia which have been linked to positive weight management outcomes.
“Plant polyphenols are known to possess numerous beneficial properties, including antioxidant and fat-blocking effects,” explained Jonathan Jones, PhD, chief science officer for Monteloeder.
“Lemon verbena and hibiscus are naturally rich sources of beneficial polyphenols. Previous animal studies demonstrated their synergistic effect on activating the AMPK pathway. This pathway acts as a cellular sensor, triggering a boost in energy use and fat burning, while reducing fat storage and blood sugar.”
A 2022 study published in the European Journal of Nutrition demonstrated that 500 mg/day of Metabolaid for 60 days led to decreases in appetite sensation, a marked reduction in calorie intake and improved lipidemic profile.
“Based on the evidence presented here and that observed in previous studies, it can be concluded that a 300 mg daily dose may help reduce appetite and body weight, albeit at a slower rate than the 500 mg dose,” wrote the researchers on the new study.
Study details
The three-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical study included 61 healthy, overweight adults who were randomized to receive daily 300 mg doses of Metabolaid or a placebo 30 minutes before breakfast.
Led by Alejandro Martínez-Rodríguez, PhD, the researchers found that the Metabolaid group experienced significant reductions in body weight, and this coincided with decreases in body fat and belly fat.
The researchers also reported a reduction in waist and tricep circumference.
“Daily supplementation of a botanical-based blend contributes to weight loss in overweight individuals in absence of diet, while not affecting other parameters that are in the healthy range,” they wrote.
“This product could be a candidate alternative or add-on to other weight loss products as part of a healthy lifestyle.”
Source: Applied Sciences
2024, 14(9), 3882; doi: 10.3390/app14093882
“Effectiveness of a Polyphenol-Enriched Blend on Weight Management and Metabolic Syndrome-Related Parameters in Healthy Overweight Adults”
Authors: A. Martínez-Rodríguez et al.
