Poster - #VH-45889 - Keywords: Botanicals, GLP-1, Insulin Resistance

A Natural Medicinal Botanical Blend Activates the GLP-1 Response System

John P. Troup, Ph.D. Megan Koscinski, MS, RD
Blueroot Health Institute, Inc

ABSTRACT:
A Natural Medicinal Botanical Blend Activates the GLP-1 Response System
Introduction
GLP-1 receptor agonists are recognized as prescription medications; however, natural and nutrient actives can also be considered as GLP-1 receptor activators and could provide broader benefits balancing the metabolic, digestive, and endocrine system response. If a natural alternative can effectively be used as an option for healthy weight management, clinical studies should confirm both the release of GLP-1 release and sustainability and metabolic systems outcomes. The purpose of this study was to measure the ability of a select botanical blend on GLP-1 effect on clinically relevant responses.
Methods
The selection of standardized botanicals was confirmed based on cell culture screening for their activation of GLP-1 receptors as carried out in another experimental study. Two botanicals [(standardized extracts including modified hops (20% xanthohumolone) and copaiba (10% beta-caryophyllene)] were blended, encapsulated, and given to subjects (n=12; BMI>30kg/m2) premeal for 6 weeks. Subjects served as their own controls with all measurements taken as baseline comparison presupplementation. Serum samples for measurement of GLP-1, glucose, and insulin were taken postsupplement of the botanical blend at baseline (placebo vehicle match to supplement) and at the start of and 6 weeks of supplementation and at time points of 0, 5,10, 15, 20, 30 minutes and additionally for glucose and insulin at 60, 90, and 120 minutes. Body weight, fat, and lean mass were taken pre- and poststudy, as was the calculation of HOMA-IR.
Results
Results reveal that serum GLP-1 levels were higher (p< 0.05) vs. at all time points vs. baseline response and over the 30 minutes of measurement higher vs. 0 times at 5,10,15, and 20 minutes (p<0.05) and at 20 minutes post vs. 10 and 15 minutes, Similarly, blood glucose levels over 120 minutes were lower vs. placebo at all time points and an early insulin spike seen at 10 minutes was higher and earlier (p<0.05) than seen with placebo but not different in response post-6 weeks (p>0.05) of supplement use. Calculation of HOMA-IR was 60% lower at post-6 weeks vs. baseline (p<0.05). Over 6 weeks of the study vs. baseline 8% decrease in body weight was observed (p<0.05) along with improvement in fat mass (decrease 15% (p<0.05) and a 3% decrease in lean mass (p>0.05).
Conclusion
These results suggest that standardized botanicals from hops (20% xanthahumolone) and copaiba (10% beta-caryophyllene) effectively activate GLP-1 receptors, resulting in elevated GLP-1 serum levels, lower blood glucose levels, and improved HOMA-IR values. Six weeks of supplementation with these botanicals also resulted in improved body weight profiles. These natural therapies can provide effective support for metabolic balance and healthy weight. Further long-term and expanded comparative studies will help to more fully evaluate these natural alternatives as options for weight management.