New review paper highlights gut-brain benefits of novel herbal blend, Digexin

Photo © AdobeStock.com/metamorworks

NXT USA (Edison, NJ) has announced the publication of a narrative review that offers an in-depth analysis of the efficacy and safety of its Digexin ingredient, which is a novel blend of Withania somnifera root (Ashwagandha) and Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) extracts. The review highlights the relationship between gastrointestinal function and the brain, known as the gut-brain axis, and the utility of nutraceutical ingredients such as ashwagandha and okra individually and in combination as Digexin.

The findings demonstrate that the herbal blend impacts the gut-brain axis, supporting gastrointestinal function while also enhancing quality of life by reducing stress and enhancing sleep. For example, a recent randomized placebo-controlled study of 135 men and women found that participants taking either 300 mg of 500 mg of Digexin for 60 days experienced significant improvements in constipation symptoms, while also experiencing improvements in anxiety, depression, and sleep. Physiologically, these participants experience significant improvements in their levels of serotonin, gastrin, diamine oxidase (DAO), and anti-inflammatory cytokines as well as decreases in their levels of serum cortisol, zonulin, and pro-inflammatory IL-6.

“Improvements in serotonin and gastrin indicate enhanced secretion of gastric mucus and peristalsis,” the researchers write. “Reductions in cortisol can lead to improved GI function. Lower cortisol levels are associated with decreased sympathetic activity and increased parasympathetic activity. This shift increases blood flow to the GI tract, stimulates digestive enzyme secretion, and enhances GI motility. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter primarily known for its role in regulating mood and emotions in the brain. Serotonin transmits signals through the vagus nerve, which influences emotional and cognitive processes. Increases in serotonin improve mood, sleep, and anxiety.”

“Until now, gut-health products really have only referred to the gut-brain axis in terms of modulating the gut for some downstream benefit for the mind or various other systems,” said Erin Withee, director of ingredient innovation at Freemen Nutra, Digexin’s manufacturer, in a press release. “Products that work through the mind to alleviate GI issues like constipation, indigestion, or reflux are effectively non-existent. Half of all GI disorders originate in the mind, and the mind arguably exerts the most influence over symptom presentation and intensity. Until Digexin, the number of brain-to-gut solutions had been zero.”

"We believe Digexin will be a transformative addition to the market, offering manufacturers an innovative ingredient backed by robust research," added Eric Anderson, general manager of NXT USA, Digexin’s distributor. "Our commitment to advancing natural health solutions is reflected in the rigorous research and development that went into Digexin."

Reference

Evans, C.; Kalman, D. Addressing GI Health Through the Bidirectional Modulation of the Gut-Brain Axis With Herbal Extracts: A Narrative Review. Cureus. 2024. 16 (8), e66698. DOI: 10.7759/cureus.66698.