Botanical extracts Dyglomera and CQR-300 demonstrate weight loss benefits in clinical trial

The two patented standardized botanical extracts Dyglomera (Dichrostachys glomerata) and CQR-300 (Cissus quadrangularis) by Gateway Health Alliances each showed weight management benefits for overweight individuals, according to a recently published randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.¹ Both extracts showed effects on the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone, the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), and metabolic outcomes compared to placebo.

The polyphenol-rich botanical extracts are noted for their weight management potential and are traditionally used in Africa and Asia, the study notes.

Study design

The trial, “Effects of Dichrostachys glomerata and Cissus quadrangularis Extracts on GLP-1 Secretion and DPP-4 Activity in Overweight and Obese Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Trial,” was published in Medicina in December 2025.

In this 16-week study, 248 overweight or obese adults received 400 mg Dichrostachys glomerata extract (DGE), 300 mg Cissus quadrangularis extract (CQE), semaglutide (with a dose escalation from 3 to 7 to 14 mg/day), or placebo, in daily capsules. Blood samples were taken at baseline and at week weeks 4, 8, 12 and 16. Participants were not asked to change daily activity and diet.

The main measurements of the study were effects on GLP-1 levels as well as DPP-4 activity. Secondary measurements included effects on body composition, caloric intake, satiety response, fasting glucose levels, and lipid profiles.

Study results

By the end of the 16 weeks, the active supplement groups showed significant improvements compared with placebo.

Highlighted results include:

• In participants receiving DGE, GLP-1 circulating levels increased (+38.6 pg/mL) and DPP-4 activity was reduced (−15.3%)
• Other changes in this group included body weight (−5.2%), body fat (−10.3%), energy intake (−16.2%), and satiety (+25.6%)
• Participants receiving CQE demonstrated an elevation in GLP-1 levels (+42.2 pg/mL) and a reduction in DPP-4 activity (−17.8%)
• This group saw changes in body weight (−5.8%), body fat (−10.9%), energy intake (−17.5%), and satiety (27.4%)
• In comparison, GLP-1 levels in the semaglutide and placebo group were +46.8 and +4.7 pg/mL respectively. DPP-4 activity decreased by −23.5% in the semaglutide group and −2.9% in the placebo group. Body weight also decreased (−4.8 kg with semaglutide, −0.7 kg with placebo). The placebo group experienced a −92 kcal/day decline in daily energy intake and a +5.3% increase in satiety.

Fasting glucose and serum lipid levels also demonstrated significant changes in the supplement groups, compared to placebo.

Supplementation from the botanical extracts was comparable to a standard regimen of oral semaglutide, the researchers stated. “Supplementation with D. glomerata and C. quadrangularis extracts enhanced GLP-1 secretion and reduced DPP-4 activity, yielding significant benefits for body composition and metabolic parameters,” they concluded. “These findings indicate that both botanicals are promising natural agents for managing obesity through incretin-based mechanisms.”

Impact of the botanicals for weight management

The study confirms the previously demonstrated results presented at the International Conference of the Functional Food Center in 2024, a January 8, 2026 news release explains.² “This expanded trial demonstrates the consistency and strength of our science,” stated Shil Kothari, president of Gateway Health Alliances.² “Dyglomera and CQR-300 were shown to increase GLP-1 and reduce DPP-4 activity over 16 weeks, supporting multiple aspects of metabolic health—all in low daily doses suitable for food, beverage, and supplement applications.”

The news release also explains that more than 10 previous trials have examined the metabolic effects Dyglomera and CQR-300, and this new study points to GLP-1 and DPP-4 modulation as a significant mechanism of action.

“We now have the strongest evidence yet that these extracts support GLP-1 activity through natural pathways in the body, helping regulate appetite, reduce body fat, and improve key markers of metabolic health,” added lead investigator Julius Enyong Oben, PhD. “This positions Dyglomera and CQR-300 as breakthrough natural options for global weight-management and metabolic-wellness strategies.”

References

1. Youovop, J.; Takuissu, G.; Minoue, R.; Nwang, F.; Adegboyega, M.; Arrey, C.; Makamwe, I.; Oben, J. Effects of Dichrostachys glomerata and Cissus quadrangularis Extracts on GLP-1 Secretion and DPP-4 Activity in Overweight and Obese Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Medicina 2026, 62(1), 41. DOI: 10.3390/medicina62010041
2. Gateway Health Alliance. Expanded Clinical Study Confirms Natural GLP-1 Support from Dyglomera and CQR-300. January 8, 2026. https://www.ghainc.com/post/expanded-clinical-study-confirms-natural-glp-1-support-from-dyglomera-and-cqr-300 (Accessed 01-09-2026).