16-week randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial in 248 overweight/obese adults comparing standardized extracts of two Cameroonian botanical species with semaglutide (dose-escalated 3–14 mg) and placebo on GLP-1 secretion, DPP-4 activity, and metabolic outcomes. Evaluates whether traditional botanical weight-reducing plants modulate the incretin axis comparably to semaglutide. Provides controlled clinical evidence comparing natural GLP-1 enhancers with pharmacological semaglutide—relevant for identifying dietary supplement alternatives or complementary strategies in populations with limited access to high-cost GLP-1 RA therapy.
Abstract
:and, two species traditionally used in Cameroon, are recognized for their weight-reducing potential. This study examined the effects of standardized extracts of these botanicals on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), and key metabolic outcomes in individuals with excess body weight.: In this 16-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 248 adults (126 women and 122 men; mean age 41.3 ± 0.3 years; BMI 25-34.9 kg/m) were assigned to receive 400 mgextract (DGE), 300 mgextract (CQE), semaglutide (dose-escalated from 3 mg to 14 mg), or placebo, administered once daily. These are all standard clinical regimens. Primary assessments included changes in GLP-1 levels and DPP-4 activity. Secondary evaluations included body composition, caloric intake, satiety response, fasting glucose levels, and lipid profiles.: Participants receiving DGE or CQE displayed notable elevations in circulating GLP-1 (+38.6 pg/mL and +42.2 pg/mL, respectively;< 0.01) and significant reductions in DPP-4 activity (-15.3% and -17.8%;< 0.01) compared with placebo. Both extracts produced substantial improvements in body weight (-5.2% and -5.8%), body fat (-10.3% and -10.9%), energy intake (-16.2% and -17.5%), and satiety (+25.6% and +27.4%) (< 0.01). Significant changes in fasting glucose and serum lipid levels were also observed (< 0.05). These responses are comparable to those of semaglutide. Moreover, GLP-1 increments showed strong negative correlations with body fat percentage (r = -0.91 to -0.92;< 0.001) and DPP-4 activity (r = -0.97 to -0.98;< 0.001).: Supplementation withandextracts enhanced GLP-1 secretion and reduced DPP-4 activity, yielding significant benefits for body composition and metabolic parameters. These findings indicate that both botanicals are promising natural agents for managing obesity through incretin-based mechanisms.