Two botanical extracts marketed by Gateway Health Alliances, Dyglomera (Dichrostachys glomerata) and CQR-300 (Cissus quadrangularis), were found to significantly increase postprandial GLP-1 levels by inhibiting DPP-4 activity in a clinical study, resulting in reductions in body weight and improved body composition measures. The findings were published in Medicina.

The 16-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involved 248 overweight or obese adults. Subjects either took Dyglomera or CQR-300 daily, and both groups experienced meaningful weight loss, improved body composition, and enhanced markers of metabolic health without prescribed dietary restriction, compared to a placebo group.

At week 16, 3-hour postprandial active GLP-1 increased by +38.6 pg/mL (+294.7%) with Dyglomera and +42.2 pg/mL (+321.4%) with CQR-300, compared to +4.7 pg/mL (+36.1%) with placebo.

DPP-4 activity decreased by 15.3% with Dyglomera and 17.8% with CQR-300, versus a 2.9% reduction in the placebo group, supporting increased endogenous GLP-1 availability.

Participants experienced average body-weight reductions of 5.2% (Dyglomera) and 5.8% (CQR-300), alongside body-fat reductions of 10.3% and 10.9%, respectively, compared with 0.7% weight loss and 1.5% fat loss in the placebo group.

Both botanical extracts significantly reduced fasting glucose, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. Changes in LDL-C and HDL-C were modest and didn’t reach statistical significance.

“This expanded trial demonstrates the consistency and strength of our science,” said Shil Kothari, president of Gateway Health Alliances. “Dyglomera and CQR-300 were shown to increase GLP-1 and reduce DPP-4 activity over 16 weeks, supporting multiple aspects of metabolic health—all in low daily doses suitable for food, beverage, and supplement applications.”

Altogether, there are more than 10 clinical studies providing evidence that these two botanical extracts can support appetite regulation, improve body composition, and enhance measures of metabolic balance. Earlier research shows that these botanicals also have effects on leptin, adiponectin, and insulin, which are also implicated in appetite regulation.

“We now have the strongest evidence yet that these extracts support GLP-1 activity through natural pathways in the body, helping regulate appetite, reduce body fat, and improve key markers of metabolic health,” said Julius Enyong Oben, Phd, professor of nutritional biochemistry at the University of Yaoundé and lead investigator of the study. “This positions Dyglomera and CQR-300 as breakthrough natural options for global weight management and metabolic wellness strategies.”