(NaturalPath) A recent study, presented at the European Obesity Summit, has discovered appetite suppressant qualities in a plant extract found in New Zealand.
The study was conducted at the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research at the University of Auckland. Researchers examined over 900 plant extracts in order to identify which plans had the ability to regulate food intake, and suppress hunger through activation of bitter taste receptors. What was found was an extract called AmarasateTM to take to clinical testing.
Researchers tested this extract with 20 healthy male participants in order to determine whether it have an effect on energy intake, appetite ratings, and gut peptide hormone concentrations. Using these markers researchers were able to quantify the appetite suppressant effects, as well as its influence on metabolism.
Participants were required to fast, and then were fed a standard breakfast in the morning. Following the meal, participants were given either placebo or a 500 milligram AmarasateTM extract. The extract was either delivered in a gastric pH resistant capsule, or a hypromellose capsule, in order to target release in either the duodenum or stomach to have variations on the site of action.
Results showed that both the gastric and duodenal release of the extract promoted increased gut peptide hormone secretions, when compared to placebo. The experimental participants also saw a reduction in calories at their next meal. There were no significant differences seen with appetite ratings between groups.
Although there were no significant findings reported with appetite, participants still ate less at subsequent meals, and saw an increase in gastric peptides. This study highlights the possible use of AmarasateTM extract as a possible dietary aid to reduce caloric intake.
Razi Berry, Founder and Publisher of Naturopathic Doctor News & Review (ndnr.com) and NaturalPath (thenatpath.com), has spent the last decade as a natural medicine advocate and marketing whiz. She has galvanized and supported the naturopathic community, bringing a higher quality of healthcare to millions of North Americans through her publications. A self-proclaimed health-food junkie and mother of two; she loves all things nature, is obsessed with organic gardening, growing fruit trees (not easy in Phoenix), laughing until she snorts, and homeschooling. She is a little bit crunchy and yes, that is her real name.
Reference
European Association for the Study of Obesity. “‘Bitter brake’ activates gut hormones and suppresses food intake.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 2 June 2016. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/06/160602220545.htm>.