Dichrostachys glomerata and Cissus quadrangularis Extracts Enhance GLP-1 Secretion and Inhibit DPP-4 Activity in Overweight and Obese Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Year: 2025
Type: preprint
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: Background Dichrostachys glomerata (DG) and Cissus quadrangularis (CQ) are Cameroonian spices that have been shown to possess anti-obesity properties. This study investigated their effect on glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), and cardiometabolic parameters in individuals who were overweight or with type I obesity. Methods A 12-week double-blind, placebo-controlled trial randomized 248 participants (18-65 years; BMI 25-34.9 kg/m2) to receive orally 400mg DG extract (DGE) capsule, 300mg CQ extract (CQE) capsule, semaglutide (4-week dose escalation from 3 to 7 to 14mg) or placebo once-daily. Outcomes included GLP-1, DPP-4 activity, anthropometric measures, energy intake, satiety, fasting glucose and lipids. Results Both DGE and CQE significantly increased GLP-1 levels (61.0% and 53.2%, respectively; p < 0.01) and inhibited DPP-4 activity by -49.0% and -39.9%, respectively (p < 0.01) compared to the placebo. Significant reductions (p<0.01) in body weight (-9.3 % DGE, -8.6% CQE), body fat (-15.7% DGE and – 14.2% CQE), energy intake (-24.5% DGE and -22.4% CQE), and satiety (-55.0 % DGE and – 53.1 % CQE) were observed. Lipid profiles and fasting glucose improved significantly (p<0.05). These findings were consistent with those observed for semaglutide. Negative correlations linked GLP-1 elevation to reduced body fat (-0.67 to -0.26, p<0.05) and DPP-4 activity (r = -0.66 to -0.29, p<0.05). Conclusions DGE and CQE improve metabolic health via GLP-1/DPP-4 modulation, suggesting their potential as natural anti-obesity therapies. Trial Registration This study was registered on February 14, 2025, on [clinicaltrials.gov](http://clinicaltrials.gov) with the ID NCT06827002.
Authors: Janvier Youovop, Guy Takuissu, Régine Minoue, Felix Nwang, Maryam Adeboyega, Crista Arrey, Inelle Makamwe, Julius Oben
Institutions: Université de Yaoundé I, Central Hospital of Yaoundé
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4413866895