Effect of Aqueous Extracts of Cissus Quadrangularis and Dichrostachys Glomerata on GLP-1 Concentration and DPP-4 Activity in Overweight and Obese Adults

Summary

Obesity is a global health crisis affecting over 2.3 billion individuals worldwide. This prospective study aims to evaluate the comparative effects of standardised Cissus quadrangularis extract (CQE) and Dichrostachys glomerata extract (DGE) on obesity-related parameters, focusing on their impact on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) enzyme activity in obese subjects. Parameters such as GLP-1 levels, DPP-4 activity, food intake, satiety, body weight, blood lipids, fasting blood glucose, and visceral fat mass will be measured at baseline and various intervals.

In our previous pre-clinical trial involving 18 adult male Wistar rats (150-200 g), randomly divided into three groups: a control group fed a normal diet, and two treatment groups receiving DGE (400 mg/kg) or CQE (300 mg/kg) alongside a normal diet, the results demonstrated that both DGE and CQE significantly increased GLP-1 levels and inhibited DPP-4 activity compared to the control group. These effects were associated with reduced food intake, body weight, and fasting blood glucose levels. Additionally, both extracts positively modified blood lipid profiles, with significant changes in HDL, LDL, and triglyceride levels. The findings suggest that DGE and CQE exert their anti-obesity effects through mechanisms involving GLP-1 enhancement and DPP-4 inhibition, offering potential therapeutic pathways for weight management and metabolic health.

This prospective study aims to provide clinical evidence supporting the use of these plant extracts in addressing obesity and its related complications.

Conditions

• Obesity and Overweight
• Appetite Regulation

Interventions

DRUG

Dichrostachys glomerata

DGE were procured from Gateway Health Alliances, Fairfield in 400 mg and 300 mg capsules.

DRUG

Cissus quadrangularia

CQR-300® were procured from Gateway Health Alliances, Fairfield in 400 mg and 300 mg capsules.

DRUG

Dextrin

Placebo capsules containing 400 mg of dextrin, looking identical to DGE and CQE were also procured from Gateway Health Alliances, Fairfield, California, USA.

DRUG

Semaglutide (Rybelsus®)

Oral semaglutide (Rybelsus®) was purchased and then repackaged into capsules looking identical to DGE, CQE and placebo capsules.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Yaounde 1

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Julius E Oben, PhD · University of Yaounde 1

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

65 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2023-03-29

Primary Completion

2026-02-23

Completion

2026-08-31

FDA Drug

Yes

Countries

• Cameroon

Study Locations