In an open-label study, participants taking oral semaglutide (a GLP-1 receptor agonist marketed as Ozempic or Rybelsus) for several months reported significant improvements in gastrointestinal symptoms associated with the use of these drugs after supplementing with NXT-USA’s botanical supplement Digexin.

At least half of patients taking these medications experience troublesome gastrointestinal side effects, NXT-USA reported, and class action lawsuits have been filed due to the severity of these side effects.

In the present study, which was submitted for peer review, participants took semaglutide for several months before they began supplementing with Digexin, a blend of okra and ashwagandha extracts. They reported meaningful improvements in digestive comfort and function, including reductions in constipation, reflux, and swallowing difficulties, along with more regular and complete bowel movements.

Beyond digestive outcomes, subjects taking Digexin also experienced improvements in measures of sleep quality, perceived stress, and overall quality of life. The dietary supplement was well-tolerated and no adverse events were reported.

“These results demonstrate Digexin’s potential to complement GLP-1 therapies by reducing common side effects and supporting overall well-being,” said Eric Anderson, managing director of NXT-USA. “As GLP-1 use grows worldwide, there is a clear need for supportive solutions that enhance patient comfort and compliance. Digexin’s bidirectional action on the gut and brain makes it uniquely suited to this role.”

The strongest white space for supplement development in response to the widespread adoption of GLP-1 drugs is for ingredients that can help to mitigate side effects associated with the drug, particularly those that are GI-related, NXT-USA reported. Ingredients actually validated on patients using these medications are rare. While some supplements claim to stimulate the production of GLP-1 in the body, and ingredients like fiber may work on the GLP-1 pathway, no natural products can come close to having the same effect on the hormone as pharmaceuticals.

“We are not about activating GLP-1 activity,” said Anderson. “Digexin addresses GLP-2 as in number two, that is, constipation that results from dieting strategies. Our research is built on rigorous, reproducible human clinical trials designed for real-world application. Digexin delivers results that consumers can trust and brands can build on.”

Ashwagandha and okra have complementary effects. Okra’s polysaccharides coat and hydrate the intestinal lining, providing smoother transit, while ashwagandha, also known as winter cherry root, supports the body’s stress response by reducing cortisol and supporting the production of serotonin. This dual action highlights the interplay between stress and digestion, normalizing bowel rhythms, reducing discomfort, and restoring balance in as little as seven days, the company reported.

“In my 30 years in this industry, I have never received so much unsolicited feedback about a supplement,” said Anderson. “When we share Digexin with friends, family, and business partners, people come back—often unprompted—to say it has changed their lives. No one likes to talk about digestive issues, yet people feel compelled to share how much better they feel. That kind of response speaks volumes about the difference Digexin can make.”

Previous clinical studies published in January and May 2024, conducted on nearly 300 participants cumulatively, have yielded similar findings, with significant improvements reported in gas, bloating, transit time, and daily bowel movements. They also showed reductions in markers of stress and improvements in sleep and quality of life. The biomarker analyses also indicated increases in serotonin, reductions in cortisol, and favorable changes to gut and immune markers.