A new clinical study found that a blend of lemon verbena and hibiscus marketed by Monteloeder as Metabolaid may support weight loss efforts. The findings were published in Journal of Applied Sciences.
 
The ingredient is backed by 10 preclinical and clinical studies supporting the formula’s role in weight management.
 
Prior studies have found that Metabolaid supplementation may increase hormones like GLP-1, which influence satiety, according to the company.
 
“Consumers are seeking natural solutions that can boost GLP-1 hormone,” said Maria Ángeles-Gutiérrez, marketing director for Monteloeder’s parent company Suannutra. “But not all natural solutions are equally effective. It is important that the ingredient is supported by multiple clinical studies conducted among a large population of volunteer subjects.”
 
Metabolaid has been investigated for its role in promoting GLP-1 expression and satiety in eight clinical studies representing a total population of 450 subjects, the company noted. These studies have found that clinically-significant changes in self-reported levels of hunger and satiety hormones in the blood were achieved within 30 days. Trials also revealed subjects’ satisfaction with the results through questionnaires. Preclinical evidence suggests that the mechanisms of action involve activation of AMPK, an enzyme involved in cellular energy and metabolism, and supporting GLP-1 balance through a prebiotic effect.
 
Study Results
 
In the present study, 61 healthy overweight adults took a single low-dose capsule of Metabolaid or a placebo daily before breakfast for three months.
 
The Metabolaid group experienced significant reductions in body weight, coinciding with decreases in body fat and belly fat. A reduction in waist and triceps circumference was also observed in the Metabolaid group, while muscle and bone mass remained unchanged, according to DEXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) scans.
 
The treatment group also experienced significant improvements in self-reported satiety, and appeared to support healthy cholesterol levels, with an average 7% reduction in total cholesterol levels. Blood glucose and blood pressure remained unchanged, within the normal range.
 
Metabolaid’s lemon verbena extract is standardized to 25% verbascosides, and its hibiscus extract is standardized to 10% anthocyanins. The synergistic effect between these two compounds can support metabolic and cardiovascular health, according to the company.
 
“Plant polyphenols are known to possess numerous beneficial properties, including antioxidant and fat-blocking effects,” said Jonathan Jones, PhD, chief science officer for Monteloeder. “Lemon verbena and hibiscus are naturally rich sources of beneficial polyphenols. Previous animal studies demonstrated their synergistic effect on activating the AMPK pathway. This pathway acts as a cellular sensor, triggering a boost in energy use and fat burning, while reducing fat storage and blood sugar.”
 
“Dieting can be stressful,” said Gutiérrez. “Many individuals struggle to stick to such a routine and often seek additional support or methods to help with weight management. Metabolaid offers a natural, clinically backed method to support weight management and contribute to healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.”